Book excerpt: Twelve portals have opened between Earth and the dark world of Metamoor, weakening the mystic veil that separates the two and protects humanity from an evil that threatens to consume it. Five girls have been chosen as Guardians to stand against this menace. Gifted with powers over the elements, Will, Irma, Taranee, Cornelia, and Hay Lin step into their new roles and together become the force for good known as W.I.T.C.H.!