Grub opened his eyes and found himself back in his own home. The world around him looked normal. The sky was calm, and the streets were quiet. But something was strange. Though he had been pushed out of the magical book and had lost all memory of the Crystal of Harmony, one thing still remained in his mind—the magic pen. He could not remember why it mattered, but the image of it would not leave his thoughts.
Meanwhile, peace had returned to the Kingdom of Brightvale. The skies were clear, the air was gentle, and people had begun to live their lives again. Yet, no one in the kingdom knew that their world was now secretly connected to Lumora Magica, the magical world. This powerful bond was hidden, known only to those who had played a role in saving both worlds.
A few minutes later, without any warning, the sky above the Kingdom of Brightvale darkened. Black clouds gathered swiftly, circling above the rooftops. People looked up in confusion and fear. Children ran indoors, mothers called out to their families, and shopkeepers shut their stalls. Everyone hurried into their homes, not knowing what was happening.
Then, something strange occurred. Music began to play, drifting softly through the kingdom. But it wasn't the same for everyone. The melody changed depending on the heart of the listener.
Those who were kind, honest, and good-hearted heard a beautiful, calming tune. It felt like a lullaby of hope and peace. The music warmed their hearts and brought smiles to their faces. But those who were selfish, unkind, or deceitful heard something else entirely. To them, the music sounded like a loud, terrifying noise that echoed in their minds and made them uncomfortable. Some even heard a mix of both sounds, as if their hearts were torn between good and bad.
The kind-hearted people stood by their windows and doors, listening and smiling. They felt comforted and curious. The others covered their ears, trying to block out the noise that only they could hear. They looked around nervously, wondering what was causing this strange music.
After a few minutes, the music stopped. The clouds began to fade slowly. The sky became lighter. People stepped out of their homes, one by one, and looked around. Whispers passed through the crowd. They all wondered the same thing: Where did the music come from?
They followed the sound and soon found themselves gathering in front of the palace. The square was full of people, standing quietly, waiting for answers. The large doors of the palace creaked open. A hush fell over the crowd.
Minister Tom stepped out. He looked calm and strong, despite all he had been through. Seeing the people gathered before him, he raised his hand and said, "I have good news for all of you!"
Immediately, the crowd became excited. People shouted, "What is it? What's the news?"
Just then, Prince Arin appeared behind the Minister. He stepped forward into the sunlight. He had grown into a confident and graceful young man. His royal crown sparkled, and his eyes shone with kindness and strength. The crowd gasped. For a moment, there was silence.
Then, a wave of cheers and joy spread through the people. They cried out, "The Prince! It's Prince Arin! He has returned!"
Tears filled the eyes of many who had waited so long. They clapped and shouted, their hearts full of happiness.
But not everyone was joyful. Grub pushed his way to the front of the crowd. His eyes narrowed. His voice rang out, sharp and loud. "He is not the real Prince!" he shouted. "The Minister is trying to fool us. How can you believe this man is truly our Prince?"
The people turned to him in surprise. Some frowned.
A gentle voice rose from the crowd. "Why do you always blame the Minister?" one woman asked. "What's wrong with you?"
Grub pointed at Prince Arin. "How can you be so sure?" he said. "The Prince who left us was just a boy. How do you know this is really him? Can you trust him only by his appearance?"
His words made some people stop and think. Doubt began to grow in a few minds. Murmurs passed through the crowd.
Others asked, "Are you really our Prince? Or are you just pretending, as Grub says?"
Prince Arin stepped forward. His voice was calm and strong. "My beloved people," he said, "I understand your doubts. I have been gone for many years. I have changed. But I am your Prince, and I will prove it to you."
He reached for the chain around his neck and held up a locket for all to see. "This is our royal family's heirloom," he said. "It has been passed down through generations. This red crystal at the bottom glows only in the hands of a true heir."
The people leaned forward to look. The locket sparkled in the sunlight. The red crystal inside glowed softly.
Grub crossed his arms and said, "That could be fake. Anyone can wear a locket."
Prince Arin nodded and held up his right hand. On his palm was a clear birthmark, shaped like a leaf.
Gasps rose from the crowd. An old man stepped forward and said, "I remember that mark. The King had one, and so did the Prince when he was a child."
Now everyone knew. Their Prince had truly returned.
Grub tried to speak again, but the kind-hearted people moved in front of him. They gently pushed him aside and told him to stop.
The crowd cheered. Laughter and music filled the air once again. Flowers were thrown, and children danced in the square. The Kingdom of Brightvale had its Prince again. Joy and peace returned to every corner.
But even as the celebrations continued, Grub stood quietly at the edge of the crowd. He still did not trust the Minister.
He thought to himself, How did the Prince come out from the palace so suddenly? What is the Minister hiding? There is something strange going on, and I will find out what it is.
He made a silent promise: I will discover the truth. I will find out what is inside that palace.