The sun bore down on Elodie's back as she read her favorite book. "C'mon, you can do it!" she suddenly exclaimed.

"Elodie, are you okay?" her mother asked, looking up from her gardening.

Elodie was so engrossed in The Last Princess of Valnia that she didn't hear her mother.

"Elodie, put that book down and go talk to some people!" ordered Mrs. Kirkwood. "You should make some friends."

Elodie set her book down. "Mom, why?" she whined. "Any other parents would be delighted if their child read like I do."

"Honey, we've been over this," Mrs. Kirkwood said, shoving her trowel into the soil. "You need to make some friends before you start school."

"There's not enough time," moaned Elodie.

"Not enough time? School doesn't start for another three weeks!" Ms. Kirkwood exclaimed.

Elodie ignored that last statement and returned to her book.

Zara kept over the crack in the earth, trying to get to her beloved dragon. "Ulio, don't let them take you!" she sobbed. "I can't lose you too."

The book was ripped from her grasp. "Hey! Give it back!"

Mrs. Kirkwood frowned down at her daughter. "I told you to stop reading, but you didn't. No books for a week."

"If I go to the park and meet someone, may I have my book back?" Elodie pleaded.

"No," her mother stated firmly. "You've read it a million times. You should have it memorized by now."

Elodie sighed and began the walk to the park. Her golden light brown hair floated on a light breeze. Soon she was at the park. Large oak trees shaded the grounds, showering acorns when the wind whisked past.

Not sure about what to do, Elodie sat on a bench and watched two boys throw a frisbee back and forth.

"Hi," someone said.

Elodie whirled around. "Who are you?" she asked the stranger. He looked to be about her age, and had an uncertain expression on his face.

"I'm Harrison Frindry," the boy said. "Are you new to Southbrook?"

"Yeah, we moved here a few weeks ago. I'm Elodie," Elodie replied, relaxing.

"Cool. Maybe I'll see you around some time, Elodie," Harrison said, walking away.

Elodie was about to say something, then thought better of it. She reached into her pocket, only to remember that she didn't have her iPod with her. "Great," she thought. "Mom's probably taken it already."

Not sure what to do, Elodie headed back home. The trip was uneventful, and Elodie was back within a few minutes.

Mrs. Kirkwood looked up from chopping carrots. "Did you meet anyone?" she asked hopefully.

"A guy named Harrison. He was rude," Elodie replied, collapsing onto a chair. "Can I have my book back?"

"Well, you did talk to someone, so I guess you can have it back," Mrs. Kirkwood relented. She held the book out.

"Mom, you're the best!" Elodie exclaimed, jumping out of her seat. She grabbed the book and hugged her mom before flying up the stairs. Once she had reached her room, Elodie flung herself onto the bed.

Ulio soared over the clouds, his wings slicing the cold air. Zara was fast asleep on his back as they traveled to Drabonia, one of Valnia's few allies. Close behind Ulio were Zara's cousins, who were sleeping as well.

Elodie looked out the window just in time to see a shooting star whiz by. She wished with all her might that she could go on adventures in mystical worlds. Elodie squeezed her eyes shut, focusing on her wish.

Zing! Elodie opened her eyes and gasped. A large purple disc was floating in the middle of her room. "What in the world?" She walked around it, awestruck. Elodie pushed her hand towards the thing, expecting to hit a solid object, but her hand slipped through.

"A portal. But how?" she wondered.

"It will close in one minute," a mysterious voice said.

"What? Who are you? Where are you?" Elodie asked, turning in circles. She tripped over her feet and fell through the portal.