Cinderella followed the golden orb.

The orb flew into the orphanage, passed through halls and corridors, and stopped in front of a wall. Suddenly, the wall opened to reveal a hidden door. The door creaked open—inside was a secret chamber!

As Cinderella stepped into the room, she said, “There’s a secret chamber here? I’ve been in this orphanage so long and never knew.”

Just then, a voice called out: “Cinderella, I’ve been waiting for you!”

Cinderella looked up to see a tiny figure flying out of a book on the table.

“I’m the elf in charge of guarding the magic book. I know you’re searching for the book that can defeat the witch. It’s here.”

“I can’t believe it. The magic book was in the orphanage all along.”

“Though it’s an orphanage now, don’t forget—it used to be a royal palace! Long ago, the king received a trove of treasures, including a chest of magic books. If you can master even half of them, you’ll become the most powerful magician in the world! But the king didn’t know their value and stored them here with the other treasures.”

“I don’t want to be the most powerful magician. I just want to defeat the witch and save the children she turned into birds.”

The elf nodded. “Among these books is one that can counter her exactly. With your talent and my guidance, you’ll master it quickly. I’ve long wanted to stop that witch, but my duty is to guard the magic books—I cannot leave this place. When I saw her Black Dragon  wand about to strike you, I used a burst of golden light to protect you and tried to capture her, but she escaped. Now that you’re here, you can do what I could not.”

As the elf spoke, he handed a magic book to Cinderella.

Cinderella thanked him and eagerly began to read. She studied day and night, asking the elf about anything she didn’t understand. In just a few days, she had mastered the essence of the magic book.

Impatient to act, she strapped on her wings, bid the elf farewell, and—along with Little Fay—flew to the tall forest tower to rescue the children turned into birds by the witch.

When the witch saw Cinderella, her face darkened—but she quickly forced a smile.

“I can sense your power. You’ve found the book to defeat me and trained in its magic. What can I do? You just want to save the children. Go ahead, take them.”

Cinderella rushed to open the birdcage.

But just as she turned her back, the witch lunged at her, trying to push her off the tower.

“Watch out!” cried Little Fay.

Cinderella dodged just in time.

The witch missed, lost her balance, and fell from the high tower.

The witch was dead. The curse was lifted. The birds turned back into children. Cinderella took them back to the orphanage and helped each one find their parents. They were overjoyed and thanked Cinderella again and again.