An Unexpected Journey

Aurora sat by her bedroom window, watching clouds drift over their small house. She missed her father terribly since the divorce, even though Mama said he needed to stay away for a while.

A knock echoed through the house. Mama opened the door, and Aurora heard a familiar deep voice that made her heart leap.

"Papa!" She rushed downstairs and threw herself into his strong arms.

"Hello, little star," he said, but his smile seemed different somehow. Strained. "I've come to take you somewhere special."

Mama stepped forward, frowning. "We discussed this. She's not ready."

"She's my daughter too," Papa said firmly. "Pack your things, Aurora. We're going to see a real castle."

Aurora's eyes widened with excitement, but something cold flickered in Papa's gaze that she'd never seen before.

The Harbor's Edge

Papa loaded her small suitcase into his old truck. The engine made strange clicking sounds as they drove away from home.

"Where exactly are we going?" Aurora asked, watching familiar streets disappear.

"To meet some very important people," Papa said. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. "You'll be staying at the castle for a while."

Aurora's stomach fluttered with excitement and worry. "How long is a while?"

Papa didn't answer. Instead, he turned up the radio where a baker was advertising fresh morning rolls. The cheerful voice felt odd against Papa's serious mood.

They reached the harbor where a small boat waited. A seagull perched on the dock post, watching them with bright black eyes.