Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Back home!

Chapter 2: Grayson's message

Chapter 3: Detention and ice

Chapter 4: Confusion

Chapter 5: What did he say?

Chapter 6: Grayson's side

Chapter 7: Tournaments

Chapter 8: The search

Chapter 9: The Hall of Whispers

Chapter 10: One or the other

Chapter 11: The save

Chapter 12: Return from the Battle

Chapter 13: Grayson's secret

Epilogue

Chapter 1: Back home!

Mia Jamieson stood in front of Platform 14, waiting for her train to arrive.

"Mia! Mia! MIA!"

Kiara Mina and Elizabeth Reign ran over and hugged Mia tightly.

"Hello, guys, I—"

A loud chug filled the air as the train pulled into the station. The three girls boarded with Kiara's twin sister, Amravati. Mia smiled and waved goodbye to her parents, who were clearly trying not to cry. Deep down, she was excited to leave, but on the outside, she pretended to be sad.

The girls chatted about the gold they had earned the

previous year and how they planned to use it. They all agreed to save it for college. The gentle rocking of the train soon made Mia sleepy.

Mia woke to find the train had stopped and climbed off. The headmaster waved from his usual spot as the students made their way to the dining hall. A delicious feast awaited them, and they ate until they were full.

Mia walked into her room, where Amravati greeted her. As she unpacked, a green crystal slipped into her hand. Curious, she headed into the common room, where Elizabeth and Kiara were playing Snap.

"SNAP!" Elizabeth yelled as she snatched the cards from the middle.

Mia tapped Kiara on the arm.

"I found an emerald in my bag," she said.

Their attention immediately shifted from the game to Mia.

"Cool!" they cried in unison.

Mia was confused but curious.

Just then, Grayson—their enemy and Elizabeth's cousin—walked in. He was typing furiously on his phone before setting it down on a nearby table and walking away.

Elizabeth quickly grabbed the phone. She removed one of Grayson's SIM cards and inserted it into her own

phone. Instantly, a bunch of new contacts appeared.

"He has two SIM cards," she said as she scrolled through the messages.

One message caught her eye.

They forgot about the book and have the Emerald.

"What?!" the girls cried.

In an instant, the memories from last year came rushing back.

Chapter 2: Grayson's message

"We forgot about the book!" Kiara shouted.

Elizabeth groaned.

Mia sighed. How had they forgotten about the mysterious book she had received as an anonymous gift last year? She pulled it from her bag and studied it. Someone had known about it back then, and that someone was Grayson.

"I don't understand," Elizabeth said.

Kiara rubbed her palms together as Mia closed her eyes and asked, "Who is it from?"

"His aunt!" Elizabeth shouted.

People turned to stare at them. Mia quickly put a finger to her lips.

Just then, Grayson stormed into the room. Elizabeth immediately let go of his phone. Grayson picked it up, glanced at it, and smiled. This had been his plan all along. Then he removed his SIM card and slipped it into his pocket.

A flash of blonde hair caught the girls' attention, and they all groaned.

It was Penelope Walter—the fashion-obsessed mean girl.

"Oooh..." she began. "Look at you lot—still dressing like babies."

She smirked and stepped closer, eyeing them up and down. "And don’t think I haven’t heard about you being greedy over gold last year. Pathetic."

She cackled like a witch, laughing even harder at Elizabeth’s stone-faced expression.

Then it happened in the blink of an eye.

Mia shot up from her chair, lunged forward, and punched Penelope hard.

"We don’t dress like babies, and we aren’t greedy. Maybe you’ve just grown up too fast to notice."

She pointed at Elizabeth, who stood frozen. None of them had ever expected Mia to punch someone.

"SHUT UP!" Penelope roared.

"YOU shut up!" Mia shouted back. "Can't stop blabbering like the boss of the world, can you?"

Chapter 3: Detention and ice

"Fine," Penelope said in an overly sweet tone. She tugged her friends out of the common room, whispering and grumbling.

Mia sighed.

Kiara leaned over and whispered, "The teacher's been told. You're getting detention."

Kiara was trembling, and from the sound of her voice, Mia knew something bad was about to happen.

Kiara was right. Detention was nothing but dull work. Mia spent hours scrubbing trophies, walls, and even more walls until her hands ached. By the end of the week, her detention was finally over. Her hands smelled

strongly of detergent, and she coughed every time she caught the scent.

Luckily, Elizabeth had some good news.

Ice hockey tryouts were starting, and Mia loved hockey.

The final tryout ended, and the two girls walked out grinning. They had officially made the ice hockey team.

Kiara decided not to try out. Instead, she joined the art club, a choice that Mia and Elizabeth didn't really understand.

"OOOOOK!" Kiara said as they headed to History.

Mia and Elizabeth rolled their eyes and pulled out their notebooks. Kiara had asked them what felt like a billion

questions about hockey since the day before.

"Hope you enjoyed our assistance," Elizabeth teased.

Mia snickered.

The three girls sat at their desks and listened to the most confusing history lesson ever, taking notes on the history of Switzerland. Mia barely understood any of it, but Elizabeth was the complete opposite. She already knew about the country's culture and stories, making her seem like the teacher's pet.

When class ended, the three hurried out. Mia and Elizabeth said goodbye to Kiara before racing off to hockey practice.

The moment they stepped onto the rink, Mia smiled.

The ice was always there, but at this time of year it was only open to second-years. The cold air was crisp and refreshing.

Beside her, Elizabeth smirked.

"Two more weeks until the tournament. We're gonna cook them."

"Yes, we will," Mia replied.

The two girls grinned as they took their positions on the ice.

Chapter 4: Confusion

When Mia and Elizabeth ran back to the warm common room, they found Kiara staring thoughtfully at a small piece of paper.

"What's going on?" Mia asked.

"When I was coming back from art, Grayson was talking to someone. I saw this piece of paper fall from his pocket, but I can't make out exactly what it says," Kiara explained.

Written on the paper were the words:

"I will stay true to the group, and never reveal the true location."

Jonas

"Who's Jonas?" she asked.

"I don't know, but what I do know is that he wasn't talking to Jonas. The voice sounded female. It was soft," Kiara replied.

"That was his mom. And I sort of made out the letter, but it's time for a family chat," Elizabeth said.

"Nooo! Don't! We'll get in trouble again! He'll push his way out of it, like usual!" Mia yelped.

Kiara started tugging on Elizabeth's arm, trying to stop her.

But it was too late.

Elizabeth had already snatched the note and marched over to Grayson.

They had an intense conversation, which quickly turned

into an intense staring contest.

"Guys, stop it!!" Kiara shouted as she ran over.

She waved her hand in front of Elizabeth's eyes until they started watering.

"Fine," Elizabeth said, finally breaking the staring contest.

Mia quickly ran over and took the paper from Elizabeth's hand.

"What's this?" she asked Grayson.

"Something," Grayson replied simply.

But Mia had lost her patience.

"TELL ME NOW!" she screamed.

People around them started chiming in.

"Yeah, Grayson!"

"TELL HER NOW!"

"Headmaster time!"

"We're waiting..."

"Okay, okay," Grayson finally said. "But only for you three."

He grabbed Elizabeth's hand and started walking away. Mia and Kiara followed behind, while Elizabeth groaned.

"Grayson, you're gripping my hand too tightly," she complained.

Chapter 5: Grayson's side 

"As you can see, it means: I will not reveal the true location, and I have to stay true to the group," Grayson explained.

"This is the fifth time I'm asking! What location?" Elizabeth asked, crossing her arms.

"Just tell us the place," Kiara sighed.

Mia stayed silent, watching.

"It's none of your beeswax. Besides, I cannot reveal it," Grayson said with a stomp.

Elizabeth quickly pinned him against the wall.

"Tell us NOW!" she demanded, pushing him harder.

"Fine, fine, fine. Do you have the book?"

"Yup," Kiara said with a nod.

She handed the book to him, and Grayson flipped through the pages.

"Here..." he said, tapping on a page.

Elizabeth finally let go of him.

"The Dungeon Museum."

"The what museum?" Mia asked.

"The Dungeon Museum. It's where the twelve birthstones live. Read the rest, and it's all yours," Grayson finished with a clap.

"Wait, wait," Mia said, finally speaking. "How did you know we had the book?"

"I just did. Bye, bye."

And with that, he stepped out of the room.

"I guess we don't get our answer," Mia said.

"And I guess it's bedtime," Kiara replied, rubbing her eyes. "Well, dinner first... but I'm skipping it."

The others agreed.

Mia ran back to her room and collapsed onto her bed.

The door opened, and Amravati walked in.

She looked at Mia and asked, "Where were you guys at dinner?"

Mia sat up.

"We were too tired."

Amravati nodded, then added, "Kiara's in her room, right?"

"Yup."

The room fell silent, and Amravati went to bed.

Mia wondered why Amravati had asked where Kiara was. Of course, she was in her room.

Her eyes started to feel heavy, so she pulled the covers over herself and fell asleep, dreams rushing toward her.

Chapter 6: Tournaments

Weeks and days passed with everyone stressing over the true location of the Dungeon Museum. But nobody forgot about the hockey tournaments.

Mia pulled on her sweater with her number and matching pants. Then she put on her ice skates and secured her helmet.

"Ready?" Elizabeth asked as she walked in, her ice skates making funny noises against the floor.

"Ready," Mia replied.

The two slowly made their way to where their coach, Angelina Summers, stood waiting for the team.

Once everyone arrived, she explained everything.

"We are winning this year, girls. We will play our best

without embarrassing Bellsone Boarding School. Got it?"

Everyone nodded and waited for their turn to step onto the ice.

As soon as they entered the rink, the game began.

It was intense.

Mia guarded the goal, blocking the puck every time it came near her. Elizabeth focused on shooting goals, while Kiara cheered from the audience.

But Mia noticed something strange.

Kiara kept looking at Mia's book—the one about Bellsone Boarding School.

Mia also noticed that Kiara would smile while watching

the game, then immediately frown at the book.

The game ended, and everyone celebrated their victory.

Then Kiara rushed over and pulled Mia and Elizabeth aside.

"I need to tell you guys something."

"What?" Mia asked.

Chapter 7: The search 

"So, you're saying that if good does the puzzle, it overweighs evil?" Elizabeth asked.

Kiara nodded.

"And if evil does the puzzle, it... overweighs good."

The three of them sighed.

"Wait, did any of you see Grayson today?" Mia asked.

The other two shook their heads.

"What if he's at the museum?" Kiara suggested.

"Well, we need to find the museum first," Elizabeth replied.

"Oh! I forgot. There's a secret door near a brick wall. I read it in the book," Kiara said.

"Let's go!"

One hour later...

"Did anyone find anything?" Elizabeth asked.

"Nope," Mia and Kiara replied.

The girls were standing near the brick wall beside their school, carefully searching every inch.

"Aha!" Mia yelled.

She pulled out a brick. Inside was a small note.

Turn the knob to reveal the hidden door. But first, find the knob.

"Great. So it's not the end," Kiara said, beginning to climb the wall.

The others followed.

After searching, Elizabeth found a brick-colored knob and twisted it.

The door suddenly flung open.

The girls quickly climbed down from the wall and stepped inside.

Chapter 8: The Hall of Whispers

The air grew colder as Mia, Kiara, and Elizabeth stepped into the Hall of Whispers.

Soft voices fluttered around them like leaves rustling through a quiet forest. No one was there, yet the whispers carried clear words.

"Twelve stones hold the key," the voices murmured.

"Place them right, or never be free."

The girls exchanged nervous glances but continued forward. The narrow hallway stretched ahead, dark and shadowy, with the whispers guiding every step.

At last, they reached a grand stone pedestal. It was carved with twelve shallow slots, each shaped like a different gemstone. The walls surrounding it were

covered with faint calendar symbols—the months of the year—barely visible in the dim light.

Beside the pedestal stood the Stone Guardian, a towering figure made of cracked crystals. Its eyes glowed with a soft, eerie light as it slowly came to life.

"To pass," the guardian rumbled, "you must place the gemstones in order—from January's garnet to December's turquoise."

Mia reached into the bag beside her and pulled out a small velvet pouch filled with twelve shimmering stones—the birthstones. Her hands trembled slightly as she lifted the first one, a deep red garnet, and placed it into the slot marked with January's symbol.

"Remember," Kiara whispered, "each birthstone matches its month."

Piece by piece, they placed the stones: ruby, amethyst, diamond, and more. Then Mia carefully pulled out the emerald.

She hesitated for a moment, remembering how important the stone was.

Slowly, she slid the emerald into the slot for May.

Suddenly, a sharp click echoed through the chamber.

The whispers fell silent.

Chapter 9: One or the other

"Well, well, what do we have here?"

The girls jumped as Grayson stepped into the dim light, a sly smile on his face.

Mia's heart pounded.

"Grayson! You scared us!"

Kiara narrowed her eyes.

"What are you doing here?"

Grayson shrugged.

"Just making sure you don't mess this up."

The Stone Guardian remained still, watching the tense moment between the four.

Elizabeth crossed her arms.

"We're almost through. Don't get in our way."

Grayson chuckled.

"I wouldn't dream of it. But remember, placing the stones wrong has consequences."

Mia glanced back at the emerald sitting in May's slot.

"We're doing this right."

Grayson nodded slowly.

"Good. Then let's see if you're ready for what’s next."

He stepped closer to the pedestal, his eyes scanning the stones.

"You placed the emerald in May. Good. May’s birthstone is emerald. You're on the right track."

Kiara let out a relieved breath.

"Thanks for the warning."

Grayson smirked.

"I'm not the enemy here. We need to work together."

Suddenly, the Stone Guardian's eyes glowed brighter, and a deep voice echoed through the hall.

"Correct. The stones have been placed in the proper order."

The guardian's glowing eyes dimmed, and the stone door behind it slowly creaked open, revealing the path ahead.

To leave this place, a riddle you must face. Answer true with wisdom clear, or be trapped forever here.

The girls looked at each other, tension thick in the air.

Mia stepped forward.

"Alright, what’s the riddle?"

The hall grew silent.

The voice continued:

"I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have nobody, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?"

Kiara’s eyes widened, whispering, "An echo."

The Stone Guardian’s glowing eyes dimmed, and the stone door creaked open slowly, revealing the way forward.

Beyond the doorway stood another pedestal. An ancient scroll rested on top of it.

As Mia approached, the scroll unrolled by itself, revealing a riddle written in elegant script.