"Anna, please take this to table three. My shift's over." Belinda said to Anna, as she was already taking off her smock.

It was only a formality. She wasn't expecting Anna to say no, and she didn't. "Sure. Have a pleasant evening," Anna said with a polite smile.

Anna fastened her apron and transported a tray laden with baked goods and coffee to the table through the room's subdued lighting. Anna's footsteps barely sounded on the cafe's creaky wooden floor. She moved with the grace of a shadow, her presence almost unnoticeable among the lively chatter. She greeted the faces she recognised but didn't know.

"Thanks, Alison." The woman said without looking up. They then went on with their conversation.

Anna didn't bother to correct the woman; she wouldn't remember, anyway.

It's time to clock out and go home. Anna grabbed her things from the backroom and bid goodnight to the staff.

A subtle sigh escaped Anna's lips as she watched her coworkers laugh and share stories. They were talking about an outing they had been on the previous weekend and barely acknowledged her.

As Anna stepped out of the backroom, the familiar hum of espresso machines and the gentle murmur of customers filled her ears. Inside the cafe, a muted glow fills the space, setting a cosy and inviting mood.

The soft sound of raindrops on the windows caught her attention. She had forgotten her umbrella.

The misty drizzle lightly kissed her cheeks as she ventured outside with a soft sigh. Amid the misty drizzle, she rushed to make her way back home.

***

Anna climbed the narrow staircase to her modest flat, each step creaking softly under her weight. Her ears perked up as she reached the landing. The sound of her neighbours' lively chatter echoed through the corridor. They clustered together, sharing stories of their day, and the warmth of their interactions hung in the air like a comforting embrace.

Silent as a whisper, Anna walked past them, a spectral presence amid the laughter and camaraderie. They didn't notice her, lost in gossip and shared moments. It was a familiar scene, one she had observed countless times. They were friendly, but their conversations didn't delve beyond the surface, and small talk reigned supreme.

Today, Anna didn't have the energy for pleasantries. She walked past her neighbours with a tired smile, her gaze meeting theirs, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She opened her door to the lingering scent of takeout containers and the deafening hum of her appliances.

Is this my destiny? Filled with uncertainty, her mind's whispers dared her to push past her reticence. Her repetitive daily routine suffocated her. Each morning, she awoke to the relentless blaring of her monotonous alarm clock. Only the sun's hesitant rays reached out to greet her.

The daily grind played like a melancholic tune in her mind, its familiarity and structure intensifying her sense of isolation.

A monotonous routine became her anchor, tying her to a life she didn't want to live. Every dawn, she would rise like the sun's hesitant rays, brewing her morning coffee. Her footsteps led her to work, a monotonous journey.

Anna yearned for a more creative and meaningful existence, her heart heavy with the desire for depth and purpose—time to write.

Sitting at her cluttered desk, she confronted a blank screen that seemed to mock her with its relentless blinking cursor.

Anna's ongoing dedication left her fingers nearly bleeding. Each word she wrote carried a piece of her soul. She worked tirelessly, seeking perfection. Writing allowed her to express her deepest aspirations.

'Fire and Ice under the Lion's Moon' was Anna's primary work. She spent three years writing the book. Her fantasies took shape in a living world.

The story takes place in a magical, mystery-filled fantasy world named Zara. Zara was a vast and diverse world.

There were two continents: Solaris and Polaris. The solarpunk societies occupied Solaris, a temperate and equatorial continent. The polar continent Polaris had icy expanses. King Narcolm ruled it with an authoritarian warrior society.

The characters Anna created had complex backgrounds and distinct personalities. They reflected her desires and fears in each. In different ways, they provided solace and inspiration.

Serena Moon, her protagonist, was determined and courageous—the qualities Anna wanted. As a kindred spirit, Anna identified with Serena's sense of justice and loyalty.

Her father, Atlas Moon, was a wise and compassionate leader. Anna saw him as hope and a better future.

Anna had a special place in her heart for Serena's childhood friend, Aramore Xavier. She admired and deeply resonated with his qualities. Aramore's charisma and compassion make him a natural leader. He harbours a secret love for Serena, prioritising her safety.

Anna's tribute to her grandmother Constance Decray was heartfelt. Constance inspired cherished memories and deep admiration. A caring, sacrifice-making Constance inspired Anna.

The antagonist was Prince Leo. Anna weaved a complex past for him. Anna resonated with Prince Leo's quest for validation. She faced a dilemma with her choices. Torn between challenging her character and feeling guilty. Prince Leo's character drew Anna in ways she may not readily admit.

Anna aimed to inspire her readers with her novel. She tried to reach a flawless conclusion, but it eluded her.

Anna experimented with mixed plots, twists and resolutions to intrigue readers. Despite her best efforts, none succeeded. She wanted a lasting impression left on those who walked through her creation. Characters and messages were vital to her.

Doubt gnawed at every one of her choices. It whispered in her ear, making her question every choice: genre, plot and audience. The doubts grew, and they shadowed her efforts, leaving her frustrated and desperate.

Anna longed for a fresh start in her darkest moments but knew it was futile. In 'Fire and Ice under the Lion's Moon,' she had invested too much of herself; it had become more than fiction. Her characters deserved a conclusion worthy of their journey.

Finality weighed heavily on her. It paralysed her. Her passion battled negativity in a bleak realm of doubt. She sighed, disappointed with another rejection letter. There was little chance of getting constructive feedback. A torrent of dismissal replaced it. Her dreams were being crushed with each refusal. The weight of her perceived inadequacy hung heavy in the air.

Anna said a self-deprecating refrain, "Back to the drawing board." The messages were identical, delivering soul-crushing news.

"Our company has not accepted your manuscript for publication." They provided no encouragement or guidance, only formal rejections. The term "rejected" hung over her like a dark cloud, a relentless spectre haunting her at every turn.

The sound of rain added to the melancholy, tapping against the window. A solitary tear escaped her weary eyes, tracing a salty path down her cheek. She wiped it away with her sleeve. Each rejection letter reminded her of the relentless cascade of dashed hopes.

Devoid of inspiration, she sank into her bed with a half-empty glass of wine. She took a long, bitter sip, hoping the crimson liquid might calm her feelings.

A faded scent of well-worn pages filled the room, reminding her of her past failures. Her gaze wandered the space, settling on the bookcase in the corner.

Anna exhaled heavily and was about to toss the letters into the trash when her phone rang.

Anna hesitated, eyeing the screen to find her agent, Cathryn Churchill, calling.

Cathryn, a talented and ambitious agent, had discovered Anna's novel online, started contact, and secured representation. They formed a close bond through countless revisions and late-night calls.

With a sigh, she gathered herself and picked up the call. "Hello, Cathryn," Anna said.

Cathryn's voice, warm and comforting, flowed through the phone. "Anna, hey! I thought I'd check-in. How are you holding up?"

"I'm okay, I guess. Just having one of those nights, you know? You caught me at a bad time. I am at present guzzling wine and questioning my life choices!" Anna vented her frustrations to Cathryn.

"I get it. I completely understand. Remember, this is only a bump. You're such a talented writer," Cathryn assured her.

"It's more than rejections, Cathryn. It's this book. Three years later, I'm still not sure how to finish it. It is so overwhelming to me."

"Let's not be so harsh. The writing process takes time. Every author struggles." Cathryn said. "Take a deep breath and trust yourself."

"I try, but I can't break through this wall. It's like my creativity has dried up. I don't know what to do."

"Anna, I met Mark Collins at a literary event last week, and he expressed an interest in mentoring you. He's an incredibly successful author who believes in you."

"Mark Collins? Wow, that's amazing! Why would he want to mentor me?"

"He sees something special in you. Your short stories caught his attention. If you follow his guidance, it can make you an outstanding author," Cathryn said.

"I don't know what to say. This is all so unexpected."

"I know, it's a lot. Remember, Anna, you deserve this. Trust yourself and your abilities. You've worked hard."

"Thanks, Cathryn. You still believe in me, even when I don't believe in myself. I'm grateful for this chance."

"You don't have to thank me. I'm here for you. I'm confident you will get a lot from this mentorship."

"You can count on me. This is a golden opportunity. I'll give it my all."

"That's my girl. I know you can do it. Take a break, clear your mind, and let those creative juices flow. I'm just a phone call away whenever you need me."

"Cathryn, I will. Once again, thank you."

"Anytime, Anna. You'll do great. Be confident. Goodnight and sweet dreams."

"Goodnight, Cathryn. Thank you."

They both hung up. Anna kept the letters as a reminder of her journey, confidence and enthusiasm for writing.

Her veins blazed with confidence. She would commit her time and energy to prove her worth to the world. She was ready to let her characters, stories and worlds shine. Her passion was writing, and she wouldn't give up. The letters weren't failures but challenges. She aims to improve, learn from feedback, and seek more opportunities.

Anna's writing journey began with childhood stories inspired by her grandmother's enchanting tales. Writing became her escape from loneliness and anxiety, filling hours in her room with stories and poems.

Tragedy struck at thirteen when she lost her mother, deepening her connection to writing. It became a way to explore life's mysteries and search for meaning. With time, her passion for writing grew, and she pursued her vision as a novelist without compromising creativity.

Anna prioritised refining her writing skills, often working late into the night. While seeking feedback from online writing communities, she frequently felt like an outsider without a sense of belonging.

In her unfinished manuscript, Anna found contentment and warmth. With a glass of wine, she immersed herself in Zara's enchanting realm, finding refuge from the daily grind.

As her eyes closed, Anna's imagination became her refuge. Her real-world troubles faded into distant memories.

In Zara's idyllic world, she ventured deeper, discovering beauty that seemed to stretch endlessly. Anna's writing blossomed into a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds and emotions. There, she found captivating creatures, their melodic songs filling the air.

Colours blended around her, delighting in her senses. A kaleidoscope of colours morphed before her eyes, amplifying her sensations.

The sun's warm rays enveloped her, filling her with boundless opportunity. The cool touch of uncharted frontiers sent a thrilling chill down her spine.

Amid the creatures, she could feel their gentle touch and hear their whispers, infusing her dreams with enchantment. Surfaces whispered untold stories, and fragrances echoed her limitless imagination.

The array of flavours on her tongue danced like a symphony, blending reality with fantasy. The strange sights and sounds created an overwhelming symphony of enchantment.

Emotions surged within her, fueling her imagination with an unpredictable and chaotic energy. Anna's grip on reality weakened as her imagination surged forward.

The vivid world of Zara became a refuge from Anna's monotonous routine. As she immersed herself in Zara's creation, she felt her reality shift, as if the sand were slipping through her fingers.

***

Anna's awakening was a symphony of discomfort, marked by a parched throat, a throbbing head, and a churning stomach. Memories of the previous night, filled with attempts to drown out rejection with alcohol, flooded her mind. As her life stagnated and rejections piled up, writer's block suffocated her creativity, leading to self-reproach and desperation.

In a moment of agonising clarity, she pledged never to drink again. She saw it as the shackle that bound her to her fears and hindered her escape from a cycle of despair.

Anna's awakening was slow and dreamlike, her fingers tracing patterns on soft pillows until a sudden realisation jolted her awake. With a panicked start, she leapt from her bed onto an unfamiliar floor. The serene beauty of morning sunlight surrounded her, accompanied by a symphony of bird songs and dancing shadows. Her racing heart and rapid breaths contrasted with the idyllic scene, leaving her disoriented and panicked, wondering where she was.

Anna, it would be best to stay calm. An unfamiliar voice echoed in her mind.

Anna's mind swirled with immense fear and curiosity. An unfamiliar voice sounded alien. Panic rippled through her veins like an electric shock.

"Who... who are you? Where are you? Where am I? What is happening?" Her words tumbled out in a rush, mirroring the chaos and confusion that had taken hold of her.

The voice responded with a calm yet unwavering demeanour. Anna, I understand this is bewildering, but time is short. You're in Zara, from your book. I am Serena Moon, and I brought you here for a reason. We need you. Chaos is spreading through Zara, and we need you to stop it.