Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11

I lie awake in Thokk's bed, staring at the ceiling. His steady breathing should be comforting, but after today it only reminds me of everything I stand to lose, and even worse, everything he stands to lose because of me.

This isn't a grand adventure anymore. And obviously I was a na?ve little girl for thinking it ever was in the first place. It's not at all like the whimsical adventures Great Aunt Charlotte spun to my grandmother. This is real life - Thokk's life - and I'm putting him in danger just by being here.

I turn my head to look at him, memorizing the lines of his face in the dim moonlight. Even in sleep, there's a furrow between his brows. I am still in awe of him as I look at the silhouette of his short tusks.

Carefully, I ease myself out of bed, freezing when he stirs. But he just mumbles something unintelligible and rolls over. Quickly, I grab my clothes and little satchel and tiptoe to the door, pausing for one last look.

I breathe a sigh of relief, then immediately feel guilty. Here I am, sneaking away from the kindest, bravest, most incredible person - okay, orc - I've ever met.

"I'm so sorry," I whisper, fighting back tears. "But I have to do this."

With a deep breath, I sneak out the door and into the night.

It's not hard to get passed the guards. They're fast asleep.

The streets of Fablewood are eerily quiet. I stick to the shadows, my heart pounding with every little sound. Twice I have to duck behind barrels to avoid a few townspeople – or would it be "monsterfolk" I wonder.

"Come on, Zoe," I mutter to myself. "You've got this. Just find the clocktower and get out of here."

Hopefully it will be that easy.

Regardless, first I have to find it. Easier said than done. In the dark, all the quaint buildings start to look the same. I wander in circles for what feels like hours before I finally spot the tower's silhouette against the starry sky. That must be it.

"Yes!" I whisper-yell, pumping my fist as I draw near and am sure I've found it. But then I catch myself.

How can I be happy to be leaving Thokk. I am not.

Just then, a nearby shrub rustles and I freeze. After a tense moment, a rabbit hops out.

They have normal rabbits at least It is not six feet tall with dagger like teeth.

I let out a shaky laugh and murmur to myself.

Sometimes, when I get anxious and feel alone, it calms me just to hear own voice.

"Get it together, girl. You're jumping at bunnies."

Finally, with my courage up, I make my way to the tower, slipping inside. The room where I first appeared looks just as it was when I left it.

"Okay," I say, squaring my shoulders. "Time to go home."

You sure you really want to leave Zoe?

I have to.

For Thokk.

Right.

I close my eyes, remembering the words above the archway in the museum basement. A single tear rolls down my cheek.

Be strong Zoe.

"Enter all who still believe," I say firmly.

Nothing happens.

Oh right ... maybe ...

"Exit all who are done believing?"

Still nothing.

"Come on," I groan. "Fine, I still believe! I totally, one hundred percent believe!"

More nothing.

"Grrr," I huff. "How about... there's no place like home?" I click my heels together for good measure.

Nada.

"I believe I can fly!" I sing softly, spreading my arms. "I believe I can touch the sky!"

At this point, I'm not sure if I'm laughing or crying. Probably both.

"Fuck!" I finally yell, kicking the wall in frustration. Pain shoots through my foot.

Language Zoe.

"Ow! Stupid magic tower!"

I slump against the wall, dejected.

Now what am I going to do.

I can't stay. And apparently, I can't leave.

But the answer comes quickly. Thokk was threatening to walk me to the border, so I will just go find it myself.

Standing up, I dust myself off. "Okay, new plan. If I can't magic my way out, I'll walk out."

I peek out the tower door. The street looks clear. Taking a deep breath, I step out into the night once more.

"Just pick a direction and go, like when your lost in the woods." I tell myself. "You've got this."

I choose a path leading away from the town center, figuring that's my best bet for finding the edge of ... whatever this place is. Fablewood. As I walk, memories of the past few days flash through my mind. Thokk's gruff kindness. The wonder of discovering a hidden world. That first kiss that felt like coming home.

Real tears sting my eyes, not just the single one I let pass earlier, but I blink them back. "You're doing this for him," I remind myself. "He'll be better off without you causing trouble."

A twig snaps behind me and I whirl around, heart in my throat. Nothing there. Just shadows and trees.

Don't start freaking out.

I press on, trying to focus on putting one foot in front of the other. But with every step, doubt gnaws at me. Am I really doing the right thing? Will Thokk be okay? Will I ever see him again?

"Stop it," I scold myself out loud.

You made your choice.

And, hello, did you really even have one?

They don't want you here.

Just then, as if in response to my voice, I hear a rustle in the nearby brush.

I realize with a sinking feeling that I have gone far from town now. What light there was has faded. Now only the faint moonlight casts shadows among the trees.

"Who's there?"

As if in answer I hear a snarl. Then a growl.

And are those red eyes peering at me through the brush? Suddenly panic takes me and I start to run.

Is it doom dogs!

Whatever the hell those are.

They can't be good.

Branches whip at my face as I stumble through the underbrush, my lungs burning. Ten minutes pass, then maybe twenty. I have no idea where I'm going now, just away from whatever the hell that was.

Eventually, I slow to a walk, my legs trembling with exertion. The adrenaline fades, leaving me exhausted and scared. But I continue, stumbling through the dark forest for what feels like hours.

What am I doing?

I don't even know which direction leads out of here now! I am definitely good and lost.

Maybe I am already back in the "real world?"

But I don't know, and I don't even care.

I am just spent.

I slump against a tree, sliding down to sit at its base. As the reality of my situation sinks in, something inside me breaks. I can't hold back the tears any longer. I bury my face in my hands and sob.

"Oh grandma, I wish you were here. Or even Great Aunt Charlotte," I hiccup between breaths, "You'd know what to do."

But even she probably wouldn't have had a solution for this...