The White Dove
The White Dove — an illustrated tales story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Tales.
Page 1
In the ancient Library of Lost Tales, where stories lived and breathed, resided the gentle Ella, a bookbinder with a heart full of dreams, and the cunning sorceress Morwen, guardian of forbidden knowledge. A curse bound Ella to the form of a white dove each dawn, and only an act of selfless courage could break the enchantment, a quest that tested the very soul.
Page 2
Ella traced the worn cover of an old tale. Each morning, as the library bells chimed, she felt a sharp pain, then looked to the mirror to find herself transformed. "Why me?" she whispered, gazing at her reflection, now a snow-white dove.
Page 3
Morwen glided into the room, her eyes like chips of ice. "I know your secret, Ella," she hissed, her voice like rustling parchment. "I can lift the curse, but at a price. Bring me the Sunstone from the Whispering Caves, and you shall be human again."
Page 4
Ella, now in her human form, stood at the entrance of the Whispering Caves. "The path will test you," a voice echoed from within. "What you value most shall be your greatest weakness." Steeling herself, Ella entered the dark, echoing cavern.
Page 5
Deeper in the caves, Ella stumbled upon a chamber filled with glittering gold. A voice echoed, "Take what you desire! Riches beyond measure!" Ella paused, her fingers twitching. "As Seneca said, 'Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.' This temptation is just a distraction!", she exclaimed, pushing past the hoard.
Page 6
The path led to a chamber with a single ornate mirror. As Ella approached, she saw not her own reflection, but a vision of her deepest fear: the library consumed by flames. A voice taunted, "Save the library, or save yourself? Choose!"
Page 7
Ignoring the vision, Ella pressed onward, deeper into the caves. Finally, she reached a hidden grotto where the Sunstone pulsed with warm light. As she reached for it, a shadowy figure lunged from the darkness, Morwen's face twisted in fury. "You chose the library over power! Fool!"
Page 8
Morwen raised her staff, ready to strike. Thinking quickly, Ella threw herself in front of the Sunstone, shielding it from Morwen's attack. The staff struck Ella, but the Sunstone flared with light, engulfing them both. "You cannot defeat pure selflessness!", Ella exclaimed, falling to her knees.
Page 9
The library bells chimed, and the light subsided. Morwen vanished with a scream, and Ella stood, whole and human once more. The curse was broken. The library was safe.
Page 10
Ella smiled, her heart lighter than ever before. She had saved her home, not with power or riches, but with courage and selflessness. From then on, Ella cared for the Library with a strength only true love could inspire, for what you protect becomes part of you.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Read Wonder Tales on your phone
Wonder Tales is available on Android. Get Wonder Tales on Google Play.