The brave gifteds

The house was silent when Elaine woke in the middle of the night. She glanced at the clock—2:00 AM—and sighed in frustration. Her parents still weren't home, and Lisa had left hours ago. The emptiness of the house didn't bother her, though. In fact, it gave her relief.

Quietly, she slid out of bed and slipped on a dark hoodie. The fabric felt familiar and comforting as she pulled the hood over her head. Taking a deep breath, she opened her window and climbed out, her movements smooth and deliberate, as though she had done this a thousand times before.

The streets were deserted as she made her way to an alley behind the old library. She muttered strange words under her breath, the chant coming naturally, like second nature. The air shimmered before her, and with a sudden rush of energy, a glowing portal opened in the ground.

Without hesitation, Elaine stepped in.

She landed gracefully in a sleek, modern underground facility that buzzed with faint magical energy. The walls glowed softly with runes, and intricate symbols danced across holographic screens. This was a place of knowledge, power, and secrecy—a place where magic was studied and wielded.

Elaine strode down the hallway, her footsteps echoing. At the end of the corridor, a girl stood waiting beside a large, metallic door. She nodded at Elaine and placed her hand on the door, which opened with a soft hiss.

Inside, a woman stood with her back to Elaine. Her long silver hair glimmered in the ambient light. The room was circular, its walls lined with floating tomes and glowing artifacts.

"Director," Elaine said, her voice steady.

The woman turned, her sharp eyes locking onto Elaine. "Elaine, welcome. I see you got my message."

"Yeah," Elaine replied. "Snow made sure I received it."

The Director's lips curved into a small smile. "Perfect. There's much to discuss." She gestured for Elaine to step closer.

The Director turned, her silver hair catching the light as she gestured to a holographic screen in the center of the room. It flickered to life, showing images of shadowy, monstrous figures and glowing red runes.

"Elaine," she began, her tone somber, "the seal has been broken. The Valtheran and Wyrwolves, creatures that should have remained locked away, are escaping into our world."

Elaine's brow furrowed. "The Valtheran? Wyrwolves? I've heard of them in passing, but aren't they just myths?"

The Director shook her head. "They are far from myths. The Valtheran are ancient beings, vampire-like creatures with immense power. They thrive on secrecy and manipulation, feeding off the essence of life itself. Their goal has always been dominance, but the seal kept them in check for centuries."

The screen shifted, showing images of monstrous wolves with glowing eyes and jagged teeth. "The Wyrwolves, on the other hand, are cursed werewolves created through dark rituals. They are beings of chaos and destruction, barely able to control their transformations. The Valtheran use them as tools, unleashing them to sow fear and disorder."

Elaine's hands tightened into fists. "If they're as dangerous as you say, how do we stop them?"

The Director's gaze softened. "To stop them, we need the Five. A group of extraordinary individuals chosen to wield powers strong enough to counter the Valtheran and Wyrwolves. And you, Elaine, are one of them—the Elemental."

Elaine took a step back, her heart pounding. "Me? What does that even mean? What am I supposed to do?"

The Director moved closer, placing a hand on Elaine's shoulder. "You possess the power of the elements, Elaine. Fire, water, earth, air—you are the key to bringing the Five together. But you won't do it alone. The organization will help locate the others: the Healer, the Witch, the Hunter, and Elysia."

Elaine frowned. "Elysia? What kind of title is that?"

The Director smiled faintly. "Elysia is special, just as you are. Their role will become clear when the time comes. For now, focus on the task at hand. The Five are closer than you think."

Elaine shook her head, frustration bubbling within her. "I can't just sit back and wait. If this is as urgent as you're saying, I want to help find them."

The Director studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. If you insist, take this." She reached into a drawer and pulled out a glowing blue gem. "This gem will resonate when you are near one of the Five. Trust it, and trust yourself."

Elaine took the gem, feeling its warmth pulse against her palm. "What if I fail?" she asked quietly.

"You won't," the Director replied firmly. Then, without warning, she began to chant a spell. Magic swirled around Elaine, lifting her off her feet as the room blurred around her.

When the magic subsided, Elaine found herself back in her room, lying on her bed. The gem rested in her hand, its glow dim but steady. She stared at it for a long moment, her thoughts racing.

The weight of her task pressed heavily on her, but for now, exhaustion took over. She placed the gem on her nightstand and lay back, letting sleep claim her.