The soft golden Sun dipped behind the mountains as the school day came to an end. The hall were filled with laughter and chatter as students packed their bags, ready to head home.
But Sandra is thinking about Selene and her 17th birthday was just two days away...
Sandra was preparing a secret surprise for Selene... When the group met in the ground, "Selene, why don't you,Tina and Anvi head home early today? I have got some things to do with Ishan and Rose." Selene was confused and asked, "Things... Can't we all go together."
Sandra tried her best to avoid Selene because she didn't want to tell her about gift and all. Then suddenly Tina jumped and said, "Common, let's go Selene... I am hungry and I have been craving mom's food all day."
Then the three of them hurried, Rose smiled and put her arm on Sandra's shoulder, "Let's find something that will blow her mind." they went to the mall where the streets were lit with warm lanterns and the shops glowed with golden.
Sandra's eyes scanned every window they passed... Jewelry stores, Boutiques nothing felt right for her. Ishan nudged Sandra....
"Don't lose your hope, Come on I know a place.... You will definitely like something"
A small hidden shop near the Old Library, the guy who runs it used to craft gifts for royal ceremonies. As they all disappeared down a winding alley lit with flickering lamps, across town the grand palace "Crystal Heaven Manor" was alive with color and energy.
Laura and William worked side by side with Kael and Lyra to decorate the palace hall into a glowing celebration of Life and Love. Golden silks flowed from the walls, and delicate paper lanterns floated near the ceiling.
In the center of the ballroom, a huge Crescent Moon sculpture was being set up, surrounded by gently glowing Sunflower and Water Lilies... It was Selene's favourite flowers.
Back in the alleyway, Ishan knocked on the weathered Wooden door tucked between two faded buildings. It creaked open to reveal a man in a deep green robe. Sandra stepped forward and said, "I...need a gift, for someone I love."
The man studied her eyes and her loyalty... He asked, "Does your lover have an Element?" Sandra answered him by saying "Not yet.... But she will choose her Element on her birthday.. tomorrow." The old man raised a brow and asked, "And you?"
Sandra's expression shifted with Pride... "I have..." she reached her hand to her Fire Mark and it is Glowing Purple and her stone shimmering fire... Half Crimson and Half Glowing Purple. The man's eyes windened in surprise, "Purple Fire... Rare Indeed so you are carrying the blood of Ancient Fames."
Sandra nodded silently... Without another word, the Old man vanished behind a thick velvet curtain. The three friends stood in silence until her returned with a small wooden box. He opened it slowly, Revealing a Pendent an exquisite fusion of FIRE and WATER.
The pendent shimmered in both Red and Blue. It glowed with a quiet warmth, like TWO SOULS IN BALANCE. The Fire side sparkled with hints of Violet, while the Water side pulsing gently with a calming Blue light.
"It is Forged from Obsidian touched by Dragon Flame and sealed with Crystal blessed by a Moon lit spring." Fire and Water... Two opposite forces that become one when bound by LOVE. The man explained to them.
Sandra couldn't take her eyes off from the glowing pendent... She really liked it. Sandra's breath caught in her throat... "It is beautiful... It will suit for my Selene." Then the man added, "I think... She may Choose Water and if she does, this gift will be a Bond of Balance between you both."
Sandra reached for it with trembling fingers her heart beating like Wildfire.... She handed him cash and they walked back into the night. "She us going to love it" Sandra said inwardly and imagining the reaction of Selene.
Back at the palace, the workers and all decorating and making full of the Elemental symbols. That night, Sandra sat in her room, the pendent resting on her open palm. She pulled out a piece of paper and wrote a short note.
"To the girl who tamed my Wild Heart...
You are the Moon to my Fire, the
Stillness to my Storm...
With every glance, you melt my pride,
Turn my blaze into warmth,
When you're by my side."
Happy Birthday, Selene...
- Your LOVE
With a deep breath, she sealed the box with the ribbon and put it into the Locker____