Chap. 1The Princess and the Blue Glow

Maya had a special friend named Flicker to help. Flicker was a tiny, magical firefly who lived there. He had a very soft blue glow like magic. Flicker wore tiny goggles on his small, round head. He was very brave and liked to explore everything. Flicker zoomed around the room in fast, happy circles. He made a soft humming sound as he flew. Maya smiled when she saw his bright blue light. Flicker landed on her small, golden crown to rest. "The night is not scary," Flicker seemed to say. He adjusted his tiny goggles and looked at Maya. They played games with her colorful wooden toy horses. Flicker lit up the dark spaces under her bed. Maya felt much better with her glowing friend near. She hugged her knees and watched him dance around. Flicker made the shadows disappear with his blue light. He was the best friend a princess could have. They spent every evening playing until Maya felt sleepy. Flicker was her little hero in the dark night. He always made sure she felt safe before she fell asleep.

One night, a very strong wind hit the castle. The wind blew open the heavy wooden bedroom door. All the candles in the room went out quickly. The room became very dark and very quiet now. Maya felt her heart beat fast like a drum. She held onto her emerald green dress very tight. She looked for her friend Flicker in the dark. Then, she heard a soft sound in the hall. It was a gentle tapping on the stone floor. Flicker turned on his bright blue glow very high. He looked through his tiny goggles at the door. He flew out into the long, dark castle hallway. Maya did not want to be alone in her room. She stood up and took a very big breath. She followed the blue light into the dark hall. She wondered what was making the tapping sound tonight. It was the start of a very big adventure. She walked slowly behind the little blue light. What would they find in the shadows of the castle? Maya hoped she could be as brave as her firefly friend.