The Pharaoh and a Jade

 "A Storm was coming

 but that's not what she felt.

 It was adventure on the wind

 and it shivered down her spine"

 ~ A t t i c u s

Jade squinted, shielding her face from the harsh sunlight streaming in. The sun burned hot, its fire blending with the clear blue sky—so breathtaking that even Picasso might have been inspired to paint it. Beneath her, the warm stone ground pressed against her bare feet, grounding her in an unfamiliar reality.

Her dress shuffled around her legs as she turned, trying to make sense of her surroundings. Confused, she scanned the vast open space before her. Towering pillars adorned with strange markings framed the scene, overlooking endless sandy hills and distant mountains. Gigantic statues of big cats and other creatures loomed everywhere, their stone eyes so lifelike that Jade shivered. If she stared long enough, they almost seemed to be watching her, silently guarding this mysterious place.

The air was thick with heat and humidity. Where am I? she wondered, wrapping her arms around herself despite the warmth. The space exuded an overwhelming sense of power, elegance, and luxury. Even without wealth of her own, she could tell that gold and other priceless materials surrounded her.

Familiar. Why, though?

A sudden flash of color caught her eye. She turned sharply.

Far ahead, a massive golden throne stood, draped with animal fur and other stones and minerals making it look luxurious.

And then she saw him.

He sat on the throne, staring at her like a predator watching its prey. He was the most striking man she had ever seen, impossibly tall and draped in fine jewelry. Though his face remained a blur, his golden hawk-like eyes bore into hers. Long black hair cascaded down his broad shoulders, his golden skin gleaming under the sun. A headpiece with a snake emblem rested on his brow.

Who is he?

Slowly, he stood and began walking toward her. Jade's breath caught in her throat. She wanted to move, to run, but her feet refused to budge. Her heart pounded wildly as he closed the distance between them, gliding over the stone as though he weren't walking but floating. And then, he was right in front of her, his piercing gaze locked onto hers. His hand rose, as if to cup her cheek. His lips parted, his voice a whisper on the wind—

"My love—"

BRRRIIINNNGGGG!!!

Jade jolted awake, nearly tumbling out of bed. "Oh my God!" she gasped, cupping her burning cheeks. "That guy… what the hell was that dream?" She groaned and flopped back onto her pillow. "Acting like he was about to kiss me or something. If only dreams were real, I wouldn't mind being kissed by a hunk like that."

Grinning to herself, she rolled out of bed, ruffling her already messy caramel hair. Whatever. I need to get ready before Mom starts yelling.

She glanced at her phone.

10:45 AM.

"Oh my God!!!" Jade shrieked, horror flashing across her face. She was late.

Loud knocking pounded through her bedroom door. "Jade Rose Huang! Are you awake yet? You're going to miss your flight!" came the exasperated voice of her mother, Adeline Huang.

"Shit! Yes, Mom! I'm up! Getting in the shower now!" she yelled back, scrambling to gather her things.

"You better be! Breakfast is ready! Come down when you're done!"

Jade rushed into the bathroom, brushing her teeth at lightning speed while glaring at her reflection. Swollen eyes, disheveled hair. "Ugh. I look ridiculous. I'm blaming this whole mess on that dream guy. I mean, come on—it's not my fault I was about to get kissed by some gorgeous mystery man!"

With a frustrated huff, she jumped into the shower. Afterward, she threw on a white shirt, denim jacket, black jeans, and white sneakers. She tied her long caramel hair into a ponytail, grabbed her luggage and purse, and took a long, deep breath.

Today, she was leaving.

Jade was heading to England, where she would begin her studies in Medicine—a new chapter, far from the life she had always known. She had recently graduated high school in Beijing, but China had never truly felt like home.

Born to a British mother and a Chinese father, Jade had always been different. Her unique mix of features—blue eyes, caramel hair, pale skin, and slightly slanted eyes—made her an anomaly. She'd been teased, excluded, and mocked, labeled as someone who didn't belong. She had learned to endure it, to kill them with kindness. But it had worn her down.

One girl had once told her, "You know, you'd actually be pretty if you were full Chinese. What a shame."

For years, comments like that had chipped away at her self-esteem. There were days she couldn't even bear to go to school. Why am I here if no one accepts me?

But now, she was finally leaving.

Her family had been hesitant, especially her overprotective older brothers, but they understood. She needed this. She needed out.

With one last glance around her room, she whispered, "I'm going to miss you." She ran her fingers over her soft pink sheets, the only space that had ever felt safe.

Taking a deep breath, she headed downstairs, where her family was already gathered around the dining table.

"Finally! What took you so long? I've been waiting forever!" her second brother, Liam, pouted.

Her eldest brother, John, smiled warmly. "Glad to see you're ready."

"Yeah, sorry. My alarm didn't wake me up in time," Jade muttered, sliding into her usual seat.

"Eat up," her father, Huang Bolin, said, sipping tea. "You've got a long flight ahead."

"And remember what we said, okay?" her mother added, setting a plate in front of her. "Call us all the time so we know you're safe."

Liam pumped his fist in the air. "And don't let any guys hit on you! If someone tries anything, call me immediately! I don't care how far away I am, I'll come beat them to a pulp."

Jade giggled. "You're so dramatic. I can take care of myself. But I promise, if I need you, you'll be the first to know."

"Good! I'll visit once you're settled," John said, serious as always.

"Hey, I wanna come too!" Liam huffed. "We can't leave our little princess alone for too long. What if flies start buzzing around her?!"

John smirked. "You sure you'll have time, with all your admirers?"

"No bunnies is more important than my sister," Liam declared, ruffling Jade's hair.

She smiled, soaking in their love. She was going to miss them terribly.

Her brothers had inherited their father's strong Chinese features—black hair, dark eyes, and striking good looks. They were popular, adored by both girls and guys alike. Meanwhile, she had always been the odd one out, bullied behind their backs.

Her father suddenly spoke, his voice heavy. "Jade, I know we failed you. If we had moved to England instead, maybe you wouldn't have had to endure all this."

Her throat tightened. "Dad, it's not your fault. You did everything to make me happy. This is my choice. I want to walk my own path."

Her mother pulled her into a tight embrace. "Wherever you go, remember—we're always here for you."

Jade melted into the hug, feeling her brothers join in. Tears welled in her eyes. She was finally leaving—but she would never be alone.