An Ordinary Walk

Michael walked beside his mother down Maple Street, watching his neighbors water their gardens. The Johnsons waved from their bright yellow porch, and Mrs. Chen smiled as she trimmed her rose bushes.

"Can we stop at the park on the way back?" Michael asked, kicking a small pebble along the sidewalk.

His mother nodded. "Sure, but just for a few minutes."

A strange shimmer caught Michael's eye near the old oak tree. The air twisted like heat waves, but the day was cool. He stepped closer, curious.

"Michael, stay close," his mother called, but her voice sounded distant.

The shimmer grew brighter. Before he could step back, purple light swirled around him like a whirlpool, pulling him forward into its spinning center.

The Blade's Warning

Michael tumbled through swirling purple light and landed hard on soft moss. Tall trees with silver bark surrounded him, their leaves rustling in colors he'd never seen before.

He sat up, brushing dirt from his jeans. "Mom?" he called, but only bird songs answered.

A twig snapped behind him. Michael spun around and froze.

A young woman stepped from behind a massive tree trunk. She wore dark blue clothing that looked like armor, and her black hair was pulled back tight. In her hands, she gripped a long, curved sword that gleamed in the strange forest light.

Her eyes narrowed as she pointed the blade at him. "Another spy," she said coldly. "You won't harm the half-elves today."