Dawn looked between the stone in my hand and Aiden’s face. “Do I get magic powers, too?” Aiden nodded and she grinned. “I’m in. Gwen put it on the crown-thing.”

She rocked back and forth on her feet in excitement as I retrieved the tiara yet again from my bag. I held the stone up to the curl opposite Aiden’s gem, but the wire on the edge unfurled itself and took the stone. “I guess they have predetermined spots.”

“I guess so.” Aiden admired the new stone.

I looked up at him, more questions pouring into my mind. “What did you mean Dawn was chosen? Aren’t we all reincarnations?”

He shook his head. “You’re the only one. The tiara stays with the soul of Lucia throughout all her lives. Although, sometimes, it’s never seen.”

I remembered the feeling in my chest right before the tiara appeared. I realized it was the tiara materializing out of my very soul. A shiver ran up my spine.

“When the Ice Princess passes, the tiara vanishes.” Aiden continued. “But the stones stay. For hundreds of years, my family has been keeping them safe. When a new Princess is born, we search for the new guardians, making sure they are trustworthy and understand the greater picture.”

“Am I?” Dawn interjected. “Trustworthy, I mean.”

Aiden chuckled. “You’re Gwyneira’s best friend. I doubt there’s anyone she trusts more.”

Dawn wrapped her arms around me. “Awe, thanks. I won’t let you down.”

I returned the hug, but kept my eyes on Aiden. “But if your family is watching the stones, how did Dawn get it without you knowing?”

A dark cloud crossed over Aiden’s face and he looked away. “Ten years ago, the stone of Darkness chose Daren as its bearer. I guess it wasn’t the element he was hoping for, but he flew into a rage. He took all the stones and threw them in the Grand River.”

“Talk about a temper tantrum.” Dawn clicked her tongue. “The element suits him, if you ask me.”

“You were chosen before?” I asked, ignoring Dawn.

“When I was three.” Aiden blushed and looked away. “I was… the youngest in history.”

“Cool.” I put my hand on his shoulder. “Let me guess. You, Dawn and Daren are the only ones right now?” He nodded. “Any way to find the stones?”

“I don’t know. They’ve never been missing before.”

Dawn squealed with excitement. “The first time in history!”

“And the last.” Someone called from the door. We all turned and saw Daren glaring across the roof. “I’ll destroy that crown and free everyone from this curse.”

Aiden put a protective arm in front of me, but it was Dawn who stepped forward first. “You are not getting past me.”

“Can you really stop me?” He held out his fist. Shadowy claws formed themselves around his knuckles.

Dawn turned back to look at me, a look of uncertainty on her face. I smiled back and pointed at the yellow gem glittering on the tiara. She grinned back before returning her attention to Daren. “I guess we’ll see.”

Daren snarled and rushed her, but she ducked under his arm and grappled him to the ground.

“I don’t need magic!” She yelled. “But it sure would be cool if I had some!”

“Get off me!” Daren’s claws dissipated as he tried to push Dawn off.

Beside me, Aiden covered his mouth as he shook with laughter. I could see tears forming in his eyes. “You okay?” I asked.

He took a deep breath to steady himself. “I’ve never seen something like this. They’re acting like children.”

“Don’t mess with the morning sun!” Dawn yelled. She smashed her forehead into Daren’s, then stood up. Daren grasped his head and fell flat on the tiles. “I’m trained in martial arts.” She turned to us grinning, her forehead turning red from the impact. “Ow.” She added.

I put the tiara back in my bag, then handed it to Aiden. I walked past Dawn and knelt beside Daren. “Are you okay?”

“I don’t need your sympathy.” He growled, but he didn’t open his eyes.

I lifted his arm and put it over my shoulder, using it as leverage to help him to his feet. He struggled weakly, but eventually stopped.

“This doesn’t change a thing.” He grumbled as we stumbled down the stairs. “I still hate you.”

“I know.” I snickered. “Tomorrow’s a new day.”