The future isn’t set in stone you know. It’s what makes tomorrow so exciting. You never know what it can possibly bring.

“Charlie Craver, and this is my wife, Karen.” His gruff voice was matter of fact. As if she was asking about something so casual like the weather. “We’re the ones who rescued you from being found by those who would hurt you-“ He was cut off by Karen smacking his arm to which he rolled his eyes. “Since you are awake, we can explain what has occurred over the course since you were almost drowned.” He sat down in a chair by her, his wife on the armrest as they were set to tell her their wealth of knowledge.

“First off, you were granted something very special. “Karen pointed at Raina’s chest which was glowing faintly underneath her nightgown. Raina glanced down, and sucked in a breath seeing the visual confirmation that she wasn’t dreaming about all of this. Her hand resting on her chest as she looked back at the couple who had rescued her.

“That light?” Raina asked quietly as she looked back at them. “The one that I saw when I was floating in the water. I thought I was going to die, and that light was signifying the end of my life. “She felt like choking on her words as that lump was building up and pressing it on her throat. Her hand dropped to her side as she leaned back against her pillow. “So…what are you are telling me? That I didn’t die, and now I am here, stuck with the reminder of what happened?” Her voice was bitter because the truth hurt, weighing on her as if she had stones on her body.

“It’s not as simple as that sweetie.” Karen was soft in her words. “ That light you saw, was from a star choosing you. You see, in the fae world which is where we are from, the stars are a source of magic. The magic in your star is changing your DNA, reconstructing to where the fae magic runs more easily in your blood. Every generation, when the stars are falling, to the mortals, it looks like shooting stars. Little do they know, is a select few of you are chosen to become guardians. Guardians who protect the world of mortals and fae, to keep that harmony consistent. “

“In other words, you were the first to be chosen. Which means, you are the one to be leader of the next team. You’re going to be the one who finds them, and will be undergoing training-“Charlie was cut by Raina giving a nervous laugh. Her hands gripping the sheets as her laugh dies in the already tense room.

“I almost died, and you expect me to accept this? “ The disbelief in her voice is evident as her lip trembles. “ I am barely twenty and you expect me to lead a group of people who were granted stars? I’m such a mess, a crybaby, and I’m pretty sure that I can’t adult properly. Why was I even chosen?” Karen could see that she was still a bit distressed about being chosen, and it was a bit to take in.

“I know it’s a bit to take in and process, but this isn’t a dream. Fae exist like us. I’m a witch.” Karen shot sparks out of her fingertips to emphasize her point. “My husband has the ability of being a Seer. He sees every possible future; however, he can’t see his own. Which is another thing, your magic will come at a price. It just depends on how your abilities develop. Charlie also served time in the army, so he does have the credentials in training you as well as your future teammates. If that’s not enough, he was the previous leader of the team that did protect our world. “ Karen’s voice was soft as her green eyes were full of sympathy as Raina listened, trying to process everything they were telling her.

“Fae.” Raina repeated the word. “That is what I am ? What does that even mean? Am I going to start flying or speaking in backwards tongue?” Raina attempted to joke, even though her nerves were already shot. It’s not that she didn’t look or feel different, it was the fact that it was going to a huge adjustment to this change that was coming. She couldn’t run away from it, not this time.

“Fae yes, although not yet since your body is adjusting to the star. “Charlie explained. “Fae are supernatural beings who for the most part, resemble humans closely. There will always be something that indicates your true nature. “Charlie showed his hand, revealing the eye on it, blinking slowly at her. “You can use whatever you like to cover it up, but never be ashamed of it. “Charlie waved his other hand over it, making it disappear. “We’re alike to mortals in about every way except our abilities. We have existed besides unsuspecting mortals for thousands of years. You know all those fairy tales you read as a little girl? Inspired by us.”

Raina’s heart was beating fast as she listened to him explain it. “Are fae immortal?”

Karen shook her head. “No, we can be killed or commit suicide. We do have a stronger immune system, are physically stronger, and we are extremely long lived. We develop at the same rate as mortals in growth, except for whatever abilities we are granted or grow with. For example, I didn’t have my first magical break until I blew up the cake at my great grandmother’s party. For you, your abilities will probably develop at a fast rate considering you are past the rate of puberty, and you are a chosen bearer of a star.”

Raina’s head was spinning with all this information, so she took a deep breath. “ So what happens now? I start training? My whole life changes? What?” Karen stops her with a gentle, yet firm grip on her shoulder. The witch smiled , “Let’s worry about that when you come back. Your health is important, and Charlie’s training is a bit intense.” She cast a look at Charlie whom raised his hands in mock surrender.

“ I can’t help that I was a highly recommended soldier. Klaus can’t hold a candle to me!” Karen started laughing at her husband. Yes, Charlie possessed charm, attractiveness, and strength, yet he still had an arrogant streak that didn’t fade from his youth.

“How about we get you dressed and we can give you a ride home? We have already spoken to your parents and no, they don’t know about your new destiny. Best to keep it under wraps.” Raina nodded as she was handed a change of clothes that were not from the other night. The witch told her that she had put them in a bag and she was more than welcome to take them when she was ready.

Raina changed in the bathroom, looking at herself. She wore a loose t-shirt and shorts, hiding all the bruises on her torso from Easton’s inflicted damage. There was something in the way she was looking at herself, as if the girl who was standing there , looking back at her wasn’t the person she recognized.

She remembered a time that she didn’t look like this. Changing because Easton would often heavily criticize her, saying how she wasn’t his type, or that she needed to do something to appease him in her appearance. So she let go of her glitter, her colors, and her overall appearance, putting in Easton’s eyes. She cut her hair shorter, dyed the ends of it dark purple, traded out her wardrobe for a more edgy and punk look.

Raina had changed so much for him, and now she felt disgusted in how devoted she was to him. All of that for nothing, and now here she was, looking at a female who needed to change. Not for him, not for anyone, but for herself. Given that she was a bearer of a star , Raina would no longer have anyone fight for her. She needed to do it herself. It was just hard to swallow the fact that it took Easton almost trying to kill her to realize that.

She was quiet on the ride back to her home. Thinking about life before Easton, how blissfully ignorant she was before getting into a relationship with him. Raina knew he was a were wolf, it was something he had shown her after their relationship had become official. Relationship, the word sounded so toxic and foreign in her mouth. Was any of it real, or was he planning to kill her the moment she crossed paths with him?

Her train of thoughts were broken as they reached her house. Karen handed her a bag with her stuff, informing her that they had replaced her cell phone and put some contact info to reach them later. She was to begin her new training in a few days. Give her time to adjust back to her life at home normally, which she greatly appreciated. After biding them goodbye, she walked up to the house and was greeted by her cat Artemis, whom purred against her ankles.

“Hey purrbug.” She greeted as she picked up her fluffy maine coon and walked into her house. “My god, how fat you are. I think you need to walk with me on the tread mill, instead of begging my mom for treats.”

Charlie and Karen watched their first star kissed charge walked into her home. They were at peace, knowing that they got to save her from the bullshit of Easton. Easton, they didn’t know much about except that he was the oldest of an alpha corrupt with power. They didn’t know until recently that the girl he had been ‘dating’ was their first chosen until Charlie saw her in passing at night. He was so overcome with the rush of the things he saw when he saw her that Karen had to steady him before a car almost hit them.

Charlie knew that while Raina was blessed with potential, her potential could have been ruined had Easton succeeded in eliminating her. It made his blood boil, since his wife and him had formed an attachment to her. They would soon educate her in her new heritage, destiny, and would help in becoming a leader.

“ We should get back, it’s almost time for Klaus and his daughter to come visit us. Perhaps we can introduce Raina to Haley, it looks like that girl needs some good friends. As for Easton, we will deal with him when the time comes. He is considered a noble and if we go after him, it will not go well with the council.”

“Speaking of council, we should pay them a visit. Raina needs to know about the politics of Fae as well. “Charlie tapped his fingers against the wheel as he drove them back to their place. Karen nodded. “Keep your temper in check Charlie, I do not feel like using my magic to stop a fight again.”

“As if!” He huffs.