“Hi Rosie, I’m Vivian. Uhm – were you following me?”
Rosie’s hand wringing becomes more pronounced. “Well – yes. Sorry. I was flying to the garden when I noticed you walking this way, and well, we only just got you patched up, and I really think you should reconsider before going inthere.”
Her eyes shift to the forest again, widening. Her feet start to tap lightly on the ground as if they’re unconsciously willing her to move away.
I guess I’m not the only one having a visceral reaction to the forest. Still, something else she said stands out as a much larger red flag. If she was back at the castle, is she here to drag me back?
I thought there would be big, burly guards, but now I’m kicking myself for my preconceived notions. I’m a feminist. I need to do better.
Frowning, I ask, “You patched me up?”
“Well, it was really Sin who did the patching, but I dressed you. It didn’t seem right for Sin to do it, and we didn’t want to leave you exposed. Do you like your leggings? I have a stash from the human realm. I thought it might be nice to wake up with something familiar.”
At her answer, I realize Rosie is sporting a pair of black leggings and a tank top.
“That’s, uhm, thank you. I appreciate it,” I answer, and I mean it. The thought that they considered who should dress me makes me feel less violated.
Rosie beams. “It’s no problem at all! I am really hoping we can be friends. I live at the castle, and it’s been so long since Morgana let someone new inside. But you’ll see we have so much in common and I would love it if you could maybe come towards me and move away from the forest.”
She’s talking a mile a minute, and I swear I can hear bells tinkling in alarm.
Immediately, I take a step backward instead, towards the forest. Rosie might seem friendly, but she lives at the castle. She is not an ally.
“I can’t do that.”
Rosie’s eyes dart left and right across the trees like she’s expecting something to jump out and eat me at any moment.
Same girl, same.
There’s a branch poking my back. Another step, and I’ll be in the forest.
A chill runs down my back. Ireallydon’t like having my back to the woods right now. I’m only mildly comforted by the thought that, hopefully, Rosie will scream if something pops out to grab me. That might give me enough time to dart away.
On the bright side, I’m ninety-six percent sure that Rosie won’t follow me into the forest if I decide to make a break for it.
“I really think you should reconsider,” she chirps again. The alarm bells are a bit louder this time, the sound travelling as if carried by a light breeze.
“Why?” I ask, crossing my arms.
It’s probably not wise to stay here a moment longer. It’s putting a severe cramp in my escapee lifestyle. But I think I would be remiss in my goal to not die if I didn’t at least get an idea of what’s waiting for me in the forest.
Rosie’s hands twitch like she wants to reach out and pull me away. My eyes narrow on the movement, but she doesn’t try anything. “This is the forest of the forgotten dead. It’s where Morgana keeps all the dark creatures. They’re not friendly. They’ll rip you to pieces the moment they sense living flesh,” she says.
My heart sinks. That’s the kind of thing that would have been noted in a brochure.
I glance on either side of me, hoping that now that I’m far from the castle, I can spot an alternate path. But no such luck. The forest stretches on for what seems like forever.
This escape plan is not going well.
Chewing on my bottom lip, I consider my options. I don’t take my eyes off Rosie – just in case she decidesto try and sneak closer. But I think she’s too worried I’ll back up any further.
Realistically, I can only see two ways forward. I either go back to being a prisoner, or I can take my chances in the forest, where I’ll likely be torn apart.
Sighing, I reluctantly accept that I need to go back.
But only to bide my time until a better escape plan comes up.
And I don’t have to be happy about it.
