Chapter 1: The Owl House

                                    

                                          
Camila hadn't laid eyes on Eda's face for fourteen long years, an excruciatingly long time since her life had taken a turn for the better. It was then that she had taken in a radiant little bundle that Eda's note had described as a hope for light in Camila's life. As a result, Camila gave the child the name Luz; meaning light in Spanish.
Her love for Luz knew no bounds. She loved her daughter with her whole heart and soul.
From the very beginning, Camila and Manny decided to withhold the truth about Luz's origins. After years had swept past without a trace of Eda, they concluded that it was in Luz's best interest to remain unaware. In her eyes, Camila and Manny were her biological parents.
As time passed, Luz grew into a clever and independent young girl, mirroring the spirited nature of her adoptive father.
Luz and Manny would frequently go on hikes through the forest that lay just beyond their home. Together, they would explore the winding trails and streams. And whenever her schedule allowed, Camila would join them, momentarily getting away from her hectic life as a veterinarian. They taught Luz how to track animals through their footprints and droppings, and educated her on the identification of various plants and mushrooms. They passed along their knowledge of how to build fires and craft makeshift shelters.
Luz's affinity for the outdoors flourished as a result. She possessed a love for snakes and other reptiles and amphibians. With gentle care, she would capture these creatures, marveling at the intricate patterns and vibrant colours of their scales. She would give them names and engage in conversations, as if they understand her words. On occasion, both Manny and Camila were convinced that the creatures truly did understand her.
Amused by Luz's extraordinary ability to bond with any animal she encountered, Manny affectionately dubbed her his little Disney princess. While she was a bit different from the other little girls, both Manny and Camila found this trait endearing.
Manny worked as a zookeeper at the local zoo, a job he adored and enjoyed sharing with Luz. During closed hours, he would occasionally bring Luz to the zoo, where she would sit in front of the enclosures. Astonishingly, the animals would gravitate towards her, captivated by her presence. Luz would make playful faces and gestures, and the animals would reciprocate.
A similar event occurred whenever Camila brought Luz to the veterinary clinic. Dogs, cats, birds, and other pets would exhibit a curious behavior, unlike with anyone else. Instead of scratching or biting, they would purr, nestle, and display an unwavering trust in Luz.
Luz practically radiated joy, perpetually adorned with a smile that illuminated the world around her, even though she lacked friends her own age. She did not mind solitude as long as she had her books and her beloved animals. She had a very vivid imagination and a creative mind, she delighted in drawing, writing, and concocting fantastical tales and characters.
However, everything changed three years ago when Manny received a devastating cancer diagnosis, ultimately succumbing to the illness.
As Luz was forced to witness to her father's gradual decline, her light waned. She was determined to be brave and cheerful for him, but at night she struggled to hide her true feelings; anguish and fear. Each night, she would cry herself to sleep, clutching onto his old worn-out shirt.
Each year, on the anniversary of Manny's passing, Luz and her mother would visit his gravesite, tenderly laying flowers as a tribute. For hours, Luz would sit beside the tombstone and recount the cherished book he had left for her: "The Good Witch Azura." This fantastical tale told the story of a young witch embarking on magical adventures. Luz treasured the book above all else, finding refuge within its pages, a world where limitless possibilities abounded.