The Waiting Game

Mariza swung her black and turquoise sword through the air, practicing her defensive stance in Cookie Kingdom's training courtyard. The chocolate-chip cobblestones sparkled under the morning sun, and the scent of vanilla filled the air from the nearby candy gardens.

"Perfect form!" called White Lily, adjusting her white lily staff. Her outfit looked exactly like a white lily flower, with flowing petals for sleeves. "But remember to keep your grip loose."

Mariza nodded, but she could feel it happening again. Her teeth were growing sharper, pressing together in that familiar uncomfortable way. She quickly sheathed her sword.

"I think that's enough practice for today," she said, forcing a smile.

White Lily tilted her head. "But we just started. The other heroes are planning another mission tomorrow, and you need—"

"I said I'm done." Mariza's voice came out harsher than she intended.

Her friend's expression softened. "They'll let you come on missions soon. You're getting stronger every day."

If only she knew the truth about what that strength really looked like.

The Empty Training Ground

The next morning, Mariza hurried to the training courtyard, hoping to catch the other heroes before their mission. Her sword bounced against her hip as she ran across the chocolate-chip cobblestones.

The courtyard was empty. Only scattered candy wrappers danced in the breeze where the heroes had gathered earlier.

"White Lily!" she called, but her voice echoed off the gingerbread walls. She rushed to the mission board near the fountain. A torn piece of parchment still clung to the corner—something about investigating strange shadows in the Marshmallow Marshes.

Hours passed. Mariza sat on the fountain's edge, watching the sun move across the frosting-white clouds. Her stomach twisted with worry. The heroes always returned by sunset, laughing and sharing stories of their adventures.

But the courtyard remained silent.

As darkness fell, a breathless sparrow landed beside her. Its tiny chest heaved as it chirped frantically, pointing its wing toward the marshes.

"Captured?" Mariza whispered, understanding the bird's urgent message. "All of them?"

Her teeth began to sharpen instantly. This time, she didn't try to stop the transformation.