Defect of Servitude [Book #1]

"Someday when the pages of my life end, I know that you will be one of the most beautiful chapters."
- Unknown

Queen Helen dismissed me with a firm promise: I was to head straight to my room and read my mother's journal. I heeded her command, walking the familiar halls back to my space, my mind racing with questions. The folder had unveiled so many mysteries, but this journal was a treasure meant solely for my eyes. Not a single soul had read her words but her.

When I finally arrived at my room, hesitation gripped me. I took a moment to steady my breath, preparing myself for whatever revelations lay within. I placed the journal on my bed, leaving it momentarily as I stepped away to shower. The water was scalding, the steam wrapping around me like a comforting embrace, but even that could not stave off the urgency I felt.

After an eternity, I reluctantly emerged, my skin tingling from the heat. Fresh pajamas clung to me, my hair damp and tousled, and I snuggled beneath the warm embrace of my blankets. Taking a deep breath, I opened to the first page, the anticipation thrumming like a live wire.

My Dearest Madelyn,

If you are reading this instead of hearing it from me directly, I can only assume that I have died before getting the chance to meet you. I've dreamed of that moment since the day I learned to hope.

I am so sorry for abandoning you. The idea of raising you in this realm was too much to bear. At times, I regret bringing you into this world. My only hope is that when you're older, Queen Helen will find you and get you home to us, where you belong. I often wonder how much you've grown and how clever you've become. Do you look like me? Your father would have loved to meet you; he was a wonderful man who meant everything to me. It seems I am destined to lose everything.

Yet, I have gained something extraordinary. For reasons unknown, I carry a gene unlike any other—a gene that grants me the best qualities of all supernatural beings. I have no doubt that you possess this gene as well. I am writing this journal to guide you should I not be there to do so myself.

I love you, Madelyn, with a depth that words cannot capture. Please forgive me for not being there for you, for not guiding you as a mother should. You will accomplish incredible things; I am sure of it. This family needs you now more than ever. Protect them, but most importantly, protect yourself. Do not become a weapon. You are a person, alive with a future ahead of you, no matter what it may hold.

The opening letter ended, and my cheeks were wet with tears, my heart aching for the mother I never knew. I allowed myself to feel that sadness, embracing my emotions before moving on.

Part One - Control

You may feel like you've lost it all in the beginning. Gaining control over your new abilities will only come when you accept them. Once you do, you'll discover you can accomplish things you never imagined. Every defect has unique strengths; I hope yours will mirror mine. I have voices that keep me safe, speed that rivals even the fastest beings, and strength, though it's not as formidable as I would have liked. These traits were easy enough to recognize, and control came relatively quick.