Chapter Twelve: The Parting
The two girls exchanged glances, waiting for the queens to continue. Up until this moment, even though Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had yet to fully believe, the scene before them had shattered all doubts. The prophecy was coming to pass, and their daughter was one of the chosen.
"As we said before, when you both are ready, the stones will guide you. The first step is already completed, as you have the marks that allow you to sense each other's fear and worry," the white queen turned to the girls.
"Our work here is nearly done. You two have found each other, and the bond is formed. This may be the last time you see us, but we will always be with you in every step of your journey," the blue queen spoke gently.
They spread their arms as though calling the two girls closer. Elara and Ariella moved forward, their steps hesitant but determined. The queens touched their heads—or at least that was what the parents and the old woman saw.
For the girls, however, there was no physical touch. Instead, they felt a sudden warmth on their heads. The queens did not exist in a physical sense but their presence was felt in a way that transcended touch.
At that moment, something extraordinary happened. Their eyes glowed—Elara's with a blue light, Ariella's with a white glow—both reflected on the wall across them. Their parents could only watch in stunned silence.
"We have always been with you, even before you knew of the stones and our existence. That's how we knew everything in your lives, including your names when we first met," the blue queen continued.
"We may not be around physically anymore, but we will never leave you. Whenever you need us, we will be there to aid you," the white queen concluded.
They withdrew their arms from the girls' heads, holding their hands together. The marks on their palms glowed once more, and the blue and white light shone with an otherworldly radiance. Then, in an instant, they were gone.
The parents were left rubbing their eyes in disbelief. Had it all been a dream?
"Mother, quick, pinch my arm. I need to be sure this really happened and I'm not dreaming," Mrs. Johnson whispered softly.
Mr. Johnson, standing beside her, playfully tapped her head. "Don't be funny. How could this be a dream when you came in this morning?" he smiled at her.
"This really is happening. None of it is a dream," Mrs. Johnson murmured, her voice a mixture of awe and certainty.