Chapter 2

2 Actually, not everything had changed. Sofia was still in a beautiful lagoon with a powerful waterfall cascading over the rocks. There was still a small beach strewn with delicate shells. And there was still a full moon, hanging low in the sky.

But other things were very different. All those excited kids, chatting and laughing on their last day of camp, had vanished. Everything was silent, except for the birds singing. It was different from the birdsong she was used to back home. These birds tinkled and chimed like little bells. There was a different scent wafting in the air, too. Sofia could no longer smell the goodies the counselors had prepared for their party. Now there was the aroma of tropical fruit and just the faintest hint of hot chocolate. The biggest change of all was in Sofia herself. Her legs had been replaced by a beautiful coral-pink mermaid's tail. On her back grew flowing, tendril-like wings. She was entirely covered with gleaming scales, and she had a set of impressive talons on each paw. But what about her roar? Could she still do that? There was only one way to find out! Sofia filled her lungs with air, then roared with all her might. The sound burst out of her, bouncing off

the surrounding cliffs in a satisfying echo. It sounded like there were a hundred Dragon Girls in the lagoon, not just one! Sofia felt something bump against her. Looking down, she saw a tiny pink jellyfish. Sofia had seen lots of jellyfish before. But she'd never seen one with friendly eyes and a big smile!

The jellyfish clapped two tentacles. "Nice roaring!" "Thanks," said Sofia. It was funny how normal it felt to talk to creatures here in the Magic Forest. "I'm Sofia, by the way." The little jellyfish did a twirl, fanning herself out like a dancer. "I am JellyJo," she replied. "The Tree Queen sent me here to fetch you. She needs to speak to you and your friends urgently." Sofia nodded. "We must rescue the third Sea Keeper." "That's right," JellyJo said, sounding serious. "And the Fire Queen is determined to stop you. The Magic Forest and our seas are swarming with her Fire Sparks. They are bigger than ever." Sofia's heart sank at this. She did not like the Fire Sparks! They stung when they touched you. If they had grown bigger, that probably meant their stings would be worse. I won't let it worry me, Sofia told herself.

Sofia knew that the Fire Queen had a terrible plan in mind. She was determined to destroy the seas that surrounded the Magic Forest. But Sofia and her friends were just as determined to stop her! JellyJo pulsed up and down. Then, to Sofia's surprise, the jellyfish rose out of the water and into the air. "Let's go, Sofia!" she called, beckoning her with several tentacles. "Coming," Sofia replied. With a strong flap of her wings, she followed JellyJo into the warm evening air. Sofia was sorry to leave the lovely lagoon. But she knew that she and her friends had an important job to do. Sofia flew across the lagoon behind JellyJo, who was surprisingly fast! At the far edge was the Magic Forest itself, filled with mysterious smells and sounds. The air cooled as Sofia and JellyJo weaved their way through the tall trees. The

deeper they flew, the darker and quieter the forest became. After a little while, Sofia started to feel strange. Her thoughts were swirling. She knew she was in the Magic Forest, but where was she heading again? And why? Sofia knew this feeling. She always got confused when the Fire Sparks were attacking. But there were no Fire Sparks nearby. What was going on? Sofia's unease grew. Then, through the trees, Sofia saw something glowing. We're at the glade already! she thought with relief. The glade was where the Tree Queen lived. It was protected by powerful magic. Sofia knew she would be safe there. But as they flew closer, Sofia gasped. The glow was not coming from the glade at all. Instead, she saw a whirling mass of Fire Sparks. It was like a huge bonfire. Worse, each spark was much bigger