# Chapter 1: The Discovery
As the sun timidly peeks through the curtains, casting a gentle glow upon the Martyr family's ancestral home, a sense of history and tradition fills the air. This weathered house had seen the passage of time, handed down from one generation to the next. The photographs that adorned the hallway walls whispered the tales of the Martyr family ancestors from long ago, their stoic expressions frozen in time.
Amongst the collection of portraits, a vibrant family tableau stood out. It captured the family back in happier times, gathered around the kitchen table. The father, a tall man with a kind expression, had dark hair and grey eyes that mirrored his warmth. Sitting next to him was his wife, who radiated beauty with her long reddish hair, captivating green eyes, and slender figure.
Their three young daughters completed the picture-perfect scene. The daughter who appeared to be the eldest was a striking beauty, resembling the mother with her flowing locks of red hair. Her eyes, green and resembling emeralds, had a mysterious depth, akin to the ever-changing sea. Her slender frame added an air of elegance to her presence.
The middle daughter, seated right next to the red-haired sister on her left, had her father's deep brown hair, complemented by sparkling grey eyes brimming with joy. Her figure, as well, had a graceful slenderness, mirroring her sister's.
The youngest daughter, a delightful blend of her parents and sisters, was highlighted by her unique blend of features. Her dark hair shimmered with reddish highlights, a playful contrast to her captivating greenish-grey eyes. Her slender form echoed the beauty of her sisters.
This was a moment frozen in time, and the family basked in the glow of togetherness.
The quiet of the morning was broken when an alarm clock went off upstairs in the master bedroom. A figure stirs under the cover as a slender arm reaches out blindly from under the comforter and smacks at the clock until the alarm stops. For a moment, it was silent again.
A sigh escaped from the figure under the cover as she moved restlessly. The young woman, around the age of twenty-five, sat up in bed. Her long dark hair fell past her shoulders in tangles. Her grey eyes were no longer sparking but were full of concern and sadness. A sigh slipped from her lips as she swung her legs off the bed and planted her feet on the floor, standing up. Advancing through the long hallway leading towards the restroom at the far end of the hall, she heard the faint sounds of her sister stirring in her room.
She smiled as she yawned sleepily, muttering, "I need some coffee." The dark-haired woman paused just outside a bedroom before calling out, "Sierra?"
Sierra's voice, still heavy with sleep, replied, "Yes, Star?"
Starlene responded, "I was just checking if you are awake yet."
Sierra's sleepy giggle echoed as she answered, "Almost, Star."
Starlene has always been affectionately referred to as Star by her two sisters for as long as she can recall. Today, as Starlene made her way to the bathroom to prepare herself for the long day ahead, her mind was filled with an unsettling unease that had been lingering for the past few months. The disappearance of her other sister, Stacey, weighed heavily on her thoughts.
By now, 18-year-old Sierra was fully awake, her growth clear since the photo was taken a decade ago. Despite the passage of time, her dark hair with the reddish highlights, although she wears her hair shorter now, and her captivating grey-green eyes remained unchanged, a testament to her unique beauty.
Starlene had just finished her morning ritual and was studying her reflection in the mirror. The family had been through a lot, and now it was just the two of them remaining. It started with the tragedy that had occurred eight years ago, which had claimed the lives of both their parents, Trey and Emily Martyr.
Starlene whispered to her reflection, "Stacey changed so much after that." Starlene remembered her sister's moody and unpredictable nature. Stacey's emotions could be changed like flipping on a light switch. It seemed like the loss of their parents triggered a shift in her sister's psyche even more. She was not fully equipped to deal with the burden of responsibility.
Starlene continued to gaze into the mirror, lost in memories she shared with Stacey during happier times. Growing up, they were close. They had a bond that was unbreakable, so strong it was like they were twins due to their close age proximity and their bond.
However, despite their undeniable similarities, they also had distinct differences in both their physical appearance and their personalities. Stacey's unpredictable nature, which eventually developed over time, often posed challenges in their shared living space, as she constantly strived to assert her dominance and prove herself right in every aspect of their life. Starlene had developed a different personality. Starlene was kinder and more sensitive. She had often gone out of her way to make sure someone else's day would be better.
Starlene's eyes blinked as she snapped herself back to the present moment. Deep down, she held on to the hope that Stacey would come home soon, despite the nagging worry that gnawed at her.
Sierra eventually joined Starlene in the bathroom and began her morning ritual. Starlene flashed a smile at her sister. Starlene had been trying to remain brave and optimistic. Sierra turned to Starlene and asked, "So, what's for breakfast?"
Starlene smiled and chuckled, trying to appear normal as she replied, "How about you surprise us, and I'll make the coffee?"
Sierra nodded eagerly, "Oh yes, I love coffee!" Starlene chuckled before responding, "Me too."
The sisters filed out of the bathroom, and each went to their own room to get dressed for the day since the time on the clock on the wall read it was 9 am.
Sierra went over to her dresser, opened it, and grabbed a pair of worn-out blue jeans, a casual T-shirt, and some comfortable sneakers. Once she was done getting changed, she stopped next to her desk and opened the top drawer, pulling out a weathered envelope that had turned yellow with age over time and slipping it carefully into her pocket. Sierra had found it a couple of days earlier and told herself that this was the day she would open it with Starlene.
Meanwhile, down the hall in Starlene's room, Starlene opted for a more fashionable attire, selecting stretchy pants, a vibrant top, and a pair of elegant flats. Before long, the sisters exited their bedrooms and reached the landing of the staircase simultaneously, descending side by side. Starlene and Sierra shared a strong bond, like the childhood bond Stacey and Starlene once had.
Growing up, Sierra became intimidated by Stacey, so their relationship was strained. Although Starlene and Sierra did have their share of disagreements, their sisterly love remained unshakeable.
Starlene and Sierra strode into the kitchen together side by side, their morning routine in full swing. Starlene headed straight for the coffee maker, eager to kickstart their day with a steaming cup of coffee. Sierra gracefully navigated towards the white vintage refrigerator, carefully extracting the necessary ingredients needed for a scrumptious breakfast for them to share.
Despite the kitchen's vintage charm and signs of age, it stayed spotlessly clean, a testament to the meticulous care bestowed on the entire house. Starlene had taken on all the responsibility of managing the entire house upkeep herself since Stacey never lifted a finger to help her while she was living there. Sierra, on the other hand, enjoyed offering her support and lending a hand whenever necessary.
Sierra pulled a frying pan out of one of the cabinets and put it aside as she swiftly cracked open an ample number of eggs, ensuring enough for both herself and Starlene into a large bowl. She added a dash of milk and a medley of delightful seasoning that both sisters would agree on, all the while Starlene patiently awaited the completion of the coffee machine's brewing process.
There was a faint sound of footsteps coming up the stairs to the porch, and the door leading from the outside world swung open. In walked a blonde woman with short hair and a petite figure, appearing to be in her late twenties.
The Martyr sisters both glanced over, and neither seemed to be shocked or troubled by her presence. They smiled at her.
"Hi, Liv!" Starlene exclaimed brightly. "What is up? It is nice to see you."
As Sierra poured the egg mixture from the bowl into a hot frying pan, she responded, "Hey Liv. These eggs are going to be so good!"
A wistful smile appeared on Liv's face as she quietly watched the sisters working together to make their breakfast. Olivia, or as they called her, Liv Wilcox, had known them for years, considering she is their sister Stacey's long-term best friend. It feels a bittersweet pang in her heart as she sees the bond the sisters share with each other.
Liv finally speaks up in the silence, eagerly asking, "Any update on Stacey yet? Have you heard from her?"
Stacey's sudden departure or disappearance has been tough on her best friend. It was a mystery why Stacey had left without telling, not even Liv, her plans to leave or why she was leaving.
Starlene shakes her head as she clears her throat before responding, "No, I'm sorry. She has been ignoring us all. Believe me, I do wish I had something to tell you."
The coffee machine chimes, telling them that the coffee had finished brewing, and Liv nods before replying, "I know. I just wish she would have said something first."
After skillfully preparing the scrambled eggs, Sierra removes the pan from the burner on the stove and turns it off. She goes over to an overhead cabinet, pulls out a plate for Starlene, a plate for Liv, and one for herself, and sits them on the counter. With precision, she heaps a generous portion of eggs onto each plate before presenting one to Liv, the other to Starlene, and one in front of her.
Sierra nods towards the plate she put in front of Liv, assuring her, "She will be all right. We are aware that she left of her own free will. Please, Liv, eat something."
Liv simply acknowledges with a nod of her head, picks up her fork, and starts savoring each bite of scrambled eggs on her plate.
Starlene gets up and brings over three mugs and a pot of freshly brewed coffee to the table. She carefully fills the cups to the top and passes them around, saying, "And now for the best part." The trio each prepares their coffee just the way they like it and starts sipping on the hot drink.
Liv seems lost in her thoughts, but being near her best friend's younger sisters seems to have a calming effect. The three of them sat quietly as they ate their breakfast and enjoyed their coffees. Eventually, their scrambled eggs are gone, leaving behind empty plates. They kept getting coffee refills until the coffee pot was empty.
Starlene gazes at Liv with sympathy. Even though her own feelings towards her sister were strained, she knew how much Stacey meant to Liv and nods at Liv's empty plate. "You didn't have any problem putting those eggs away."
Liv just chuckles slightly despite what she has been feeling and replies, "You guys always make the best scrambled eggs." Liv's eyes glance around the kitchen before meeting Starlene's grey eyes. Sierra gets up, collects the dirty dishes, and places them in the sink before returning to the kitchen table.
Starlene sighs as she sips her coffee before commenting on what Liv said. "I did teach her everything she knows, including how to make the perfect scrambled eggs," she said with a smile. Sierra mocks protests, "No way! I figured that one out myself. You cannot say otherwise."
With a mischievous grin, Starlene quips, "Oh yes, I'm aware." Starlene then pivots towards Liv, her expression now filled with concern, and gently probes, "But seriously, how are you truly managing?"
Liv took a deep breath before replying emotionally, "Well, initially, she needed some time alone, so I gave her the space she seemed to desire. But as days turned into weeks without any response to my calls or texts, I couldn't help but wonder if she no longer saw me as her best friend. Have I done something to cause all of this?"
Sierra responds quickly, "Absolutely not, no way!" She nods confidently before adding, "It's just Stacey, her usual self."
Liv stubbornly says, "I wish I could believe it, but a best friend wouldn't leave another person like that!"
In a steadfast tone, Starlene reassured Liv, "Please believe me when I say that you are not to blame for anything that has occurred. I have absolute certainty that Stacey genuinely sees you as her best friend. It is remarkable how you are the sole person who can peacefully hang out with her and not have to listen to biting remarks."
Liv took a deep breath before slowly responding, "I do trust you both. I know you will let me know when you hear from her."
Starlene's smile widened as she nodded in affirmation, "Certainly, I am willing to restrain her while you slap her around for causing you distress and concern for us all."
Liv could not help but smile softly and respond, "I appreciate it. Thanks again for breakfast. I must take my leave now." Liv gracefully rises from the chair, her petite figure standing tall. Liv bids the sisters a final smile before waving goodbye and makes her way toward the door, gently closing it behind her.
Starlene exchanges glances with Sierra as Liv departs, their thoughts lingering in the air. Sierra lets out a sigh, her voice filled with a tinge of regret. "I wish I could have offered more support," she admits. Sierra does not seem to be missing Stacey as much as Liv does. Sierra just does not have any bond with her eldest sister at all.
Starlene acknowledges Sierra's words by nodding her head. "I get it, Sierra. We can hold onto the belief that Stacey will change someday for the better." Sierra, wishing to change the subject, remembers the old envelope she had brought down from her bedroom to show Starlene. A hint of unease lingers within her as she contemplates the possibility of Starlene being disappointed or even angry for not immediately sharing the aged envelope as soon as she discovered it.
Starlene's keen observation caught onto the unease in Sierra's demeanor, prompting her to inquire, "Aside from Stacey being missing in action, what is troubling you? I am here to listen."
Sierra finally reaches into her pocket and reveals the yellowed envelope to Starlene. Her voice sounding uncertain, she shared, "A couple of days ago, I was dusting the old family portraits, and I happened to bump into one of the frames, and this just slipped out. It did not strike me as significant, but I was interested enough to hold onto it."
Starlene's eyes blinked, but she seemed fascinated by what Sierra told her. She was more curious than upset about not being told about it sooner and said to Sierra with reassurance, "Oh, I see. How interesting. It is okay. I am glad you wanted to show this to me now so we can open it together."
Sierra relaxed and smiled at Starlene. "I thought you would be upset for keeping this a secret."
Starlene playfully shakes her head and retorts, "Oh, please. It is not like this is the first secret you've kept from me." Sierra smiles back as she catches the playful sparkle in Starlene's eyes and realizes she was kidding before Starlene continues, "Alright, spill the beans. Which picture frame did this little mystery come crashing out of?"
Sierra thinks for a second before replying, "It was Great Grandfather Ellis. You know, the noble-looking man with the big bushy beard next to Great Aunt Laura."
Starlene's smile grew wider. "Well, let's open it now already!" Her smile disappears for a second, wishing Stacey was there with them. Starlene nods at the envelope, who offers it to her. After taking it from Sierra, she gets up and moves to the living room and sits on the couch, with Sierra following her, sitting down and leaning over to watch. Starlene slowly and carefully breaks the seal on the top of the envelope without tearing the delicate paper. She slowly eases the letter out of the envelope without tearing it.
Starlene slowly unfolds the letter and tells Sierra, "It is so old and delicate. I have it almost unfolded."
Soon, the ancient letter was laid flat, and the sisters leaned over eagerly to read it. In spite of the old age, the writing was still readable, and this is what the letter said:
"To My Beloved Family,
I am writing this to share my disappointment and hope regarding this artifact of legend known as the Starstone. Despite my best efforts, I have not been able to find it. However, I believe that my descendants may be able to do what I could not, so this letter will contain the clues needed to start searching. I will pass the knowledge on about this legend that I believe is quite real, my dear descendants. According to legend, the Starstone is a symbol of strength and guidance. It is said that the Starstone possessed magical properties that could be dangerous in the wrong hands. That is why I spent years looking for it. The legend speaks of a guardian that defends the location of the Starstone. This legend is too big to ignore, so I have dedicated my entire life attempting to unravel its mysteries.
This letter also contains a map leading to the farthest point I could get. This legend should become our family's legacy. It should be viewed with pride and honor. Treasure these clues, as they have the power to guide this family for years to come.
With love and hope, Ellis Martyr"
There was a moment of silence after Starlene had finished reading the letter aloud to Sierra. Starlene said thoughtfully, "That was so interesting. It seems Great-grandfather was a legend hunter."
Sierra smiled with excitement before replying, "I think it will be fun to finish what he started."
"It seems like Great-grandfather Ellis really believed in it," Starlene said thoughtfully. "Are you saying you want us to go looking for this?" she asked Sierra.
Sierra carefully investigated the envelope, spotted another folded paper, and pulled it out, revealing it was the map the letter mentioned. "Why not? Look, there really is a map in here," she responded.
Starlene nodded as she looked it over before speaking, "He was not kidding about the map or the clues. This could be fun or dangerous. We should do it to find out which. There is nothing standing in our way."
Sierra frowned slightly, puzzled. "The envelope was found sealed, so no one else stumbled across it, not even Grandpa." Starlene pondered before answering, "It was meant to skip a generation for some reason. It doesn't matter. We found it, didn't we?"
Sierra nodded slowly before speaking excitedly, "It was meant to be us. I'm sure of it. Oh, I need to go online to my website to switch the operations to my assistant," she declared as she went to her computer to take care of her business.