PROLOGUE
Cornelia Warner
"But Momma, I want to go outside! Deana Said it's very beautiful!" Six year old Cornelia whined to her mother for the nth time that day.
Her mother, Cecilia, sighed and placed the book down. She faced her daughter with a sad smile and caressed her head.
"We never wished to keep you bound in these stone walls either, my precious. But circumstances have lead to it and you have to abide by it. Please understand."
"No! I don't understand!" Cornelia yelled throwing a tantrum, her dark brown hair bangs falling on her forehead, "Deana goes out everyday with her brother, they play in the lake and in the playground with the other kids!"
"You can play in the indoor playground your Papa had made especially for you, Cornelia. We can invite your friend Deana to play with you here."
"I want to go to the places where Deana goes! I only see them from the window. I want to go to the lake too." She mumbled sadly, tears filled her unique indigo eyes sending a jolt of pain to her mother's heart.
"Please Cornelia, it pains me to do this too. No one wanted this to happen, but it's for your own good. You will go outside, there is so much for you to see, just wait for some time."
"How long Momma?"
"That I don't know, my darling. But the time will come when you will escape the restrain and do everything you wish for."
"Will you teach me that song till then? The one you sing for Papa?"
Cecilia chuckled and ruffled her daughter's short hair playfully, "Of course! I'll teach you many songs, then you can sing them for your Papa too."
"No! I want to sing them for my Mate ! I want to sing for him when I find him!"
Cecilia's smile dropped in an instant, she had never thought the idea of a mate could be that cruel to someone, especially her daughter who had so many dreams.
"We will see, you should rest for now. Your Papa will be coming back soon, then we can have supper together."
Cornelia was tucked in her big round bed by her mother, Cecilia read a story out loud for her daughter, who was always interested in the mythological creatures of the ancient and present time like themselves.
Somewhere in middle of reading Cornelia gasped and her eyes snapped open which surprised her mother.
"What happend darling?"
"How will he find me if I don't go out? He won't know I'm here!"
Cecilia smiled and kissed Cornelia's forehead tenderly, "Sleep dear."
Her siren spell worked wonders and put her daughter to sleep in an instance. Her smile turned into a sad one as she exited through the door of Cornelia's room.
"It's better if he never finds you, my precious."
