"SSSssizzle," the sun gleamed in Amber's eyes. Her wolf's ears flapped, desperately trying to cool her off; clearly, it was a fail. Her sunburns ached and stung, and her long black hair was tied up in the tightest bun known to mankind.

She was on her way to the well to get water for her poor family. As she walked step by step to the well, clutching her small wheelbarrow with the heavy metal bucket inside, she heard men chattering. Startled, she sprinted over to the nearest dead bush and hid.

The men were talking casually.

"Ey, you know how the royal family’s givin’ shelter to the poor?"
"Yuh, that’s why this place is a ghost town. Haha."

Amber’s heart pounded as she crouched behind the dead bush, her ears straining to catch the men’s words. The royal family? Shelter? She gripped the rough wooden handle of her wheelbarrow, her sunburned hands trembling. Shelter sounded like a dream in this scorched wasteland, but she couldn't trust strangers—especially men with weapons.

When the voices faded into the distance, Amber cautiously emerged, dragging her wheelbarrow toward the well. The heat made the world shimmer, and each step felt heavier than the last. As she reached the well, she sighed in relief, but her peace was short-lived. The bucket that once held the village's water was gone.

"Not again," she whispered, panic rising in her chest. Her

family depended on her. Without water, they wouldn’t last another day.

Her gaze turned toward the horizon, where the towering spires of the royal castle pierced the orange sky. Amber had always heard rumors about the royal family hoarding resources. If they had water, perhaps they would share—or at least sell it. Determined, she tightened her bun and set off toward the castle, her wheelbarrow rattling over the cracked earth. 

The castle was nothing like Amber imagined. Its walls shimmered as though carved from molten gold, reflecting the relentless sun. Guards in silver armor stood at the gates, their faces hidden behind helmets.

"State your business," one barked.

Amber gulped but stood tall. "I need water for my family. Please."

The guard studied her for a moment, then waved her through. "The princess is in charge of distributing aid. You’ll find her in the courtyard."

Amber pushed her wheelbarrow through the gates, her eyes widening at the lush gardens within. Greenery she hadn’t seen in years thrived here, and a fountain bubbled with

crystal-clear water. Amid the splendor stood a girl about Amber’s age. Her lavender hair fell in soft waves down her back, and her golden eyes sparkled like firelight. But what truly took Amber’s breath away were the dragon-like wings extending from her shoulders, their scales glinting iridescently in the sunlight.

"Who are you?" the girl asked, her voice melodic but tinged with authority.

"I’m Amber," she stammered. "I—I need water for my family."

The girl’s stern expression softened. "I’m Amethyst, princess of this realm. Of course, I’ll help you." She gestured to a servant, who brought over a bucket filled to the brim.

Amber hesitated. "Why are you helping us? Everyone says

the royal family only cares about themselves."

Amethyst frowned. "That’s not true. My family’s doing everything we can to help. But... things are worse than they seem. Come with me."

Amethyst led Amber to the castle library, a vast hall filled with ancient tomes and glowing orbs of light. She pulled out a large, dusty book and opened it to a page depicting a fiery orb surrounded by dark tendrils.

"This is the sun," Amethyst began. "It’s dying, but not naturally. Someone—something—is corrupting it. My family has been trying to stop it, but..." Her voice faltered.

Amber’s eyes widened. "What do you mean ‘corrupting’? Who would do that?"

"His name is Solaris," Amethyst said, her tone grim. "A former royal mage who turned against us. He believes the sun’s destruction will bring him ultimate power. We’ve been trying to stop him, but his magic is too strong."

Amber clenched her fists. "Then let me help. He’s hurting all of us."

Amethyst smiled faintly. "You’re brave, but this isn’t a battle for ordinary people."

"I’m not ordinary," Amber shot back.

After a moment’s hesitation, Amethyst nodded. "Fine. But if we’re doing this, we do it together."

Over the next few days, Amber and Amethyst prepared for their journey. Amethyst taught Amber to wield a blade and shared stories of her family’s history with magic. Despite their differences, the two girls became fast friends, bound by their shared determination to save their world.

Their destination was the Sunforge, a volcanic mountain where Solaris was said to be hiding. As they traveled, they encountered villages ravaged by heat and people who had lost all hope. Amethyst’s wings drew awe and fear, but her compassion won over many hearts.

"You’re more than a princess," Amber told her one night as they camped under the stars. "You’re a hero."

Amethyst laughed softly. "And you’re more than a village girl.

You’re a warrior."