Erin and Lola stepped cautiously into the hidden passage, their feet brushing against the rough stone floor as they moved deeper into the shadows. As they emerged from the passage, they squinted their eyes adjusting to the brightness since they had been in thick darkness for a long time, they found themselves in the heart of the kingdom, the sprawling grounds and towering castle walls spread out before them. As they entered into the palace, they both noticed that something was odd. They met the guards running up and down, their footsteps echoing, their armour clinking in constant dissonance. "Erin, what's going on?" Lola whispered so no one would hear or notice them."I don't know Lola, there seems to be a commotion...you know what, just transform into your inner animal so you can slide into your room through the window, let me see if I can find out what actually happened," she tells Lola.Listening to her sister, Lola tries to transform into an eagle but fails. She tries again but
Duncan's povDuncan stood in his bedroom, his hands adjusting the fine fabric of his outfit, the glittering jewels on his fingers flashing in the light.Duncan's chamber was indeed a place you could admire for hours without even realising it. The walls were adorned with rich velvet tapestries, shone with the light of a thousand candles, their flames casting a golden glow across the room.The floor, covered with thick, luxurious carpets woven with delicate patterns, the sound of Duncan's footsteps as he moved around the room, his gaze fixed on the large mirror that stood in the corner. He was getting ready for his father's masked birthday party.He took a brush in hand and began to run it through the silky strands of his hair his movements slow and deliberate as his eyes fixed were on the mirror, watching as the brush smoothed out any stubborn strand and added a lustrous shine to his hair.The air around him was thick with the scent of exotic oils and perfumes. As Duncan stood before th
Duncan couldn't believe his eyes, there standing before him, was Erin, her eyes flashing with mischief, a wry smile playing at the corners of her lips. The mask she wore, its delicate design a splash of colour and gems, could not hide the spark of recognition in her eyes."Erin," Duncan breathed, the word barely audible over the chaos of the party. Duncan then glances around the room, making sure no one is looking at them. "Erin what are you doing here?" He asks as he pulled her into a dark room. "Is that supposed to be my I miss you," Erin whispered leaning closer to Duncan, her smile teasing and playful. "I thought you could use a little help with that," she said pointing at the stain on his attire before she began drawing eights on his chest. Duncan, his expression growing serious, his voice tinged with concern, looked into Erin's eyes, his gaze unwavering."You don't understand Erin," he said, his words urgent and sincere. "If anyone were to find out that you were here, you cou
Erin's pov"I understand Duncan, I'll go now," Erin said finally agreeing. Duncan notices the sadness and misery in her eyes,"I'll walk you," he suggested trying his best to cheer her up. Erin then smiles at him about to take his hand but just then a guard emerges from the darkness. "My Lord...the king is requesting of your presence," he said with a slight bow. "Ok. Go inside and wait for me," he ordered. He then turns to Erin about to explain but she places her hands on his lips."Don't worry ok, I'll transform into a bat and fly home safely, no one will notice I promise, there's no need to worry about me," Erin whispered to him so the guards won't hear their conversation."But what if they sniff you out?" Duncan further asked."It's okay, they wouldn't be able to sniff me out, you see I took a drop of my sisters potion, it'll help me shield my scent away from other creatures, even vampires," she assured him. Duncan was a bit hesitant but he decided to let her go. As Erin ran from
As soon as she heard the young woman's thundering voice, her pulse pounding in her ears, her breath coming in ragged gasps, she jolted to her feet as she began running on instinct, her feet pounding against the cold stone floor as she found her way through the darkness of the underground chamber thanks to her night vision. The sorceress now sensing the presence of an intruder began to go after her, her footsteps a hollow echo in the oppressive silence of the chamberErin, her legs pumping with adrenaline, sprinted down the corridor, her mind a turmoil of fear and desperation.With each step, her feet seemed to take on a life of their own, her instincts guiding her through the maze-like pathways of the palace's underground, her eyes searching frantically for any sign of an opening.Behind her, the sorceress' footsteps pounded, Erin was sure she was ready to kill whoever she caught which made her even run faster, her eyes still wild with fear, her chest heaving with the effort of the c
Erin, her body still trembling from the night's events, limped through the darkness, her footsteps heavy as she marched toward her aunt's house.The wound in her hand, a burning, throbbing ache, was a constant reminder of the danger that lay behind her. But as she approached her aunt Kayla's house, the darkness of the night lifted, the first rays of dawn filtering through the trees and illuminating the path ahead of her.Erin, her body battered and bruised, walked through the final stretch of the path, her eyes fixed on the small, plain, and simple house that sat nestled in a small clearing ahead of her.The cottage seemed to glow in the early morning light, its windows aglow with a warm, comforting light.As Erin drew nearer to the house, she could see a figure standing on the porch,"Erin!" the figure cried, her voice filled with joy and relief. It was her younger sister Lola, who she had dropped off before heading off to attend the birthday celebration at Duncan's pack.As Erin dre
"M...mark?" Erin stammered. She couldn't believer her eyes. "Mark? What are you doing here?" She asked terrified.Mark moves forward to embrace Erin, holding Erin in his arms, Erin, her eyes sharp and watchful, noticed a swift change in his demeanor.Mark's eyes were filled with an abnormal, unreadable light, his smile shifting into a cold, calculating grin. Erin's heart raced with fear and suspicion, but before she could speak, Mark turned to her parents, his voice warm and friendly."Mr. and Mrs. Grendel," he said, his voice smooth and charming. "Mark my dear," Mrs Grendel said as she lifted her hands to his face, caressing his cheek."We haven't seen you in a while," Mr. Grendel smiled at him with his hands on one of Mark's shoulder.Erin, her body trembling with fear, drew closer to Mark, her eyes fixed on his face trying to figure out what he wanted and what was his reason for coming there as if reading her mind her father then asks,"So what's beings you here?" "Oh father I ca
Erin's pov I stood there with my back resting against the wall. What Mark had said for a reason had my system disoriented. How could he threaten to break me up with Duncan? I folded my arms, walking back and forth in the room. Mark had me completely off balance with his threats. It wasn't because of what he said, it was because he had the means to carry out what he said. I continued to pace forth and back. That can't happen. I didn't know what gave me such agile hope but I was willing to do anything to ensure Mark's threat didn't come to pass.I heard footsteps outside my bedroom door which made me on guard. “What's going on?” I muttered to myself. Was that Mark?I froze in my steps and the door bursted open. I exhaled when I saw that It was Lola.“Lola thank goodness you are here.”I needed someone to share what I'd just encountered with Mark.Lola looked at me with glossy eyes. She was very empathetic towards me and I was most grateful for that even when she didn't know what wa