Erika stood at the helm of the magical ship. Her fingers touched the glowing necklace at her throat. The map floated in front of her. Its lines glowed softly, showing her path. The nearest island was clear: Royal Novelty Island. It was the first stop in the Golden Archipelago.
Her heart beat fast. Thoughts of her sister, Zoe, filled her mind. The betrayal. The shove overboard. The lies. It all hurt. She tightened her grip on the necklace. I have to survive. I have to become the Sea Sovereign… but what about her?
The ship was ready. Her wardrobe was packed. Food was stocked and fresh. The ship shimmered as if alive. Still, guilt and worry washed over her.
The sea grew rough. Dark clouds twisted above. Huge waves rocked the ship. Suddenly, a giant Kraken appeared. Its huge eyes stared at the ship. Erika held the helm tight as its tentacles slammed against the hull.
She was thrown into the water. The waves swallowed her. Panic hit her for a moment. Then she remembered the ship's magic. Clutching her necklace, she whispered to the boat. It glowed bright. The ship lifted her back aboard. The Kraken shrieked and sank into the deep.
The storm passed. The sea was calm. Erika sank to the deck, shivering. A warmth filled her chest. Her mother's voice whispered in her mind.
"Erika… trust yourself. The necklace will guide you. You carry our family's strength. Fear may come, but you are stronger than you know. No storm can break you if your heart is true."
Tears blurred Erika's eyes. She smiled through them. Mom… I hear you. I'll be strong.
The next morning, a rainbow stretched across the sky. It sparkled in sunlight. It seemed to point the way forward. Erika looked at the horizon. She thought of her family — her father, her middle sister Amara, and even Zoe. She knew they were heading toward Royal Novelty Island, hoping to protect their legacy and find her.
Erika explored her magical ship. Every corner held something new. Hidden compartments stored supplies. Enchanted ropes moved on their own. Glowing lanterns floated beside her. She checked her wardrobe. She checked the food. She practiced controlling the ship's magic. She whispered the words her mother had taught her, letting them give her courage.
Even in the calm afternoon, worry stayed. She thought of Zoe, planning somewhere far behind. Erika clenched her fists. I won't let her stop me. Not now. Not ever.
Hours passed. The sun dipped low. Erika leaned over the railing. The waves glittered in gold and pink. The magical map pulsed softly. It guided her forward. She imagined her family following behind, their faces full of hope and worry.
"This is my journey," she whispered. "I will face every challenge, every danger, and every secret the sea can throw at me. I will survive. I will grow stronger."
The ship glided forward as the sky turned orange and purple. Erika felt tired, but excited. She knew this was just the start. Royal Novelty Island would be her first real test. It was where her courage, magic, and destiny would begin to grow.
Her mother's voice echoed one last time.
"Remember who you are, Erika… and always follow your heart."
Erika's heart swelled. She was ready.
The morning mist lifted. Royal Novelty Island appeared on the horizon. The sparkling gates, the gardens, the castle towers — all waiting.
Erika gripped the helm tight. Her breath caught. She was about to arrive.
But someone… or something… watched her from the shore.
And that presence did not look friendly.