The light of early morning spilled in through the stained glass windows, dancing across Sunny Dawncrest’s immaculate features.
Her pink hair cascaded down her back in bright waves, and she flipped it over her shoulder as she inspected herself in the shining mirror set up in her pristine bedroom.

Sunny had dazzling green eyes and soft pink hair that she usually wore up in two long braids. She had rosy cheeks and a smile that lit up the room. Her voice was high a sweet, and she never spoke an unkind word to anyone.
Her bedroom was a room with a plush rug that spread under her grand four-poster bed,
it’s velvet blankets and pillows with perfect designs a clear show of Sunny’s family’s wealth.

The only decoration on the wall, other than Sunny’s TV, was a large picture of her next to handsome young man with artfully styled red-brown hair, and clear blue eyes that matched his blue tunic.

His smile was movie star worthy, and even Sunny sighed occasionally when looking. (Don’t tell.)
This was Sunny’s fiance, Evander. Sunny had met many men who seemed intrigued at her appearance and positivity, but no matter who she liked or not, her parents decided which one charmed them most and seemed to them a fine match for their stunning daughter.

“Can you believe you're getting assigned a real job at the palace today? It’s so exciting, isn’t it?” Gilda said.
Sunny nodded, putting on a fake smile. “It is going to be such an honor, whatever position I am given.”
Secretly, Sunny would rather not leave her peaceful life as the shopkeeper of a cutesy boutique near the Jewelvale gardens.
Jewelvale was the capital of the kingdom of Crystalhaven, a shimmering city with ancient secrets that were waiting to be discovered. But unless Sunny was given a job as a Maginter, she would not be discovering the treasures of old and the magical secrets that lay hidden somewhere in the kingdom.

She grabbed her purse, which was full of bows and hair ribbons. She wanted to fully stock up so her friend, Priya, would not have to stock up on her first day.

“Can you believe you're getting assigned a real job at the palace today? It’s so exciting, isn’t it?” Gilda said.
Sunny nodded, putting on a fake smile. “It is going to be such an honor, whatever position I am given.”
Secretly, Sunny would rather not leave her peaceful life as the shopkeeper of a cutesy boutique near the Jewelvale gardens.
Jewelvale was the capital of the kingdom of Crystalhaven, a shimmering city with ancient secrets that were waiting to be discovered. But unless Sunny was given a job as a Maginter, she would not be discovering the treasures of old and the magical secrets that lay hidden somewhere in the kingdom.

Sunny walked out of the mansion and onto the streets that were slowly starting to fill with people.
A lot of girls waved, and men stopped to talk to her. She had left slightly early, so this wasn’t a problem.

“Hello! Hi,” She said, smiling at the cityfolk who stopped to stare.

Sunny bounded down the hill that led to the garden, twirling in the warm morning sun.
The band that her friend Isabel was in played their merry tune, and walkers laughed and danced. Jewelvale was an example of unity and perfection, and Sunny cherished the veil of safety that had been created here.
Sunny entered her colorful boutique, putting the ribbons and hair clips and bows on their proper shelves.
Then, the bell attached to the door rang, and a young man not much older than her came into the boutique.

“Hey, Sunny,” Atlas Forestfollow said as he and a young girl entered the shop.
“Hi, Atlas!” Sunny said with a wide smile. Atlas had wavy blond hair with the ends dyed teal, and brown eyes. His features were soft, and he radiated kindness. The little girl he had with her was his younger sister, Hazel. She had chestnut brown hair and wide hazel eyes.

“We brought the cupcakes you baked at our house yesterday,” he set a large container of cupcakes of all color and flavor on a table in the corner that had a tablecloth with lots of sweets printed on it. Sunny liked to have treats ready for anyone who came to buy. They were free, a thank you gift for coming to her shop! It also attracted more customers.
“All of them?” Sunny asked as she inspected the container, raising her eyebrows.
Atlas blushed. “Um…almost all of them. She ate the most!” He said, playfully pushing Hazel in front of him.
“No, he did!” Hazel said, backing up and pointing at Atlas. Her voice had that fast young kid beat to it.

“Okay, okay. We all know who ate the most,” Sunny said, stepping closer to them and tapping her foot. “It was both of you! I can never have you bring in a full set of sugary snacks without you eating them, can I?”
“Sorry,” both Hazel and Atlas chorused sheepishly.

Sunny chuckled, rolling her eyes and walking back over to the counter where she sat in her chair and waited for customers.

Chapter 2: Attempted Kidnapping

Sunny locked up her shop as the colors of the sunset were reflected across the sky.