Around in the magic town
There is smoke everywhere. And wherever there is smoke, there is fire. But instead of running towards the fire, I run away from it. I want to turn back but I can't. I run deeper into woods brushing past the trees.
As I stopped, I heard someone behind me. I stiffen under the scrutinizing eyes. I try to run but I can't. I'm stuck. A long-fingered hand wraps around my waist and other slowly creeps around my mouth muffling my words and thoughts. I struggle but I can't get out. The pressure grows and I struggle to breathe. I fight and-
I opened my eyes with a start seeing it's still dark. I'm sweaty. I wiped my forehead and jumped out of bed. I look at the sun clock outside my window to see it's just 3 in the morning. I rubbed my face and decided to run around in the backyard.
It is dangerous to run out of my house at this time. I hear howls and hoots. Knowing that werewolves are up and so are their owls. I shrugged off the eerie feeling. Even though I've been here long enough to get used to this, it still makes me very uncomfortable.
As it started to become a little brighter, I ran up the stairs towards my roof. I've always loved watching the sunrises and sunsets. They make me feel the safest. I take in a deep breath as the dawn turns to morning. A small smile turns up on my face.
As I walk down the stairs, I hear the door being unlocked. I go in the bathroom as the footsteps make it's a way to my kitchen. Everything is working like clockwork. No disturbance, no distractions. Just the usual.
As I walked out of the room all dressed, I saw a cup of drink put perfectly near my books. I sit down at my desk and open the books while sipping the drink.
I made it my life goal to protect myself before anybody else. If I can't save myself, how can I do my job of saving others? My drink is nothing but a mixture of different crystals that protect me from darkness and bourbon to hide the bitter taste.
"Miss Fable, are you done drinking?"
My housekeeper, Arbella Josè, a witch, is kind enough to take care of me. She and her entire coven decided to serve me till their last because I saved them from a witch hunter. But, that's a case to be discussed for other days.
"I am almost done, Ari. What is the rush?"
"Someone is here to see you. Says they have a case for you."
"Identity?"
"Not natural."
I scoffed. Asking a human to solve supernatural is like asking a kitten to act like a dog.
"Send them in."
Finishing off my drink, I open my drawer a little to be prepared for an unknown assassin. Let's just say, not many are my fans here. I see a glint of Jade shining right in my eyes. As I heard the footsteps, I put the notebook on the table to write notes.
"Hello lady."
"Too fancy. Another bag of fairy dust that's being sold among humans?"
"More like, bags of jewels."
I look up to see a king. I eye him and move him to sit down. He looks around with disgust. This might not be your palace but it's home to me, sir.
"You have no manners. No wonder people dislike you."
I waved my hand in dismissal. I was not going to listen to his mannerly lectures.
"A king himself on my doorsteps. Seems serious."
"It is. I wish for you to search for my daughter."
"Give me more details about this case, Your Highness. I am not a psychic to know everything around here."
He rubbed his forehead. It seems like I am frustrating him. He fists his hands and releases a much-held breath.
"Her mother died and I wanted a wife to fit in her clothes. The only person that fit in them perfectly was my daughter. Before the marriage, she ran away peeling off my gold giving donkey. Now, I want you to find her and bring her back."
I wanted to shoot him then and there. Everything was beautiful in this realm until you enter the dark part. The part where the stories behind happily ever afters lay.
"Advance is required to make before I take off."
He pulled out a bag of coins and put it on my desk. Grabbing it, I counted them in front of him. Checking whether they're fake or less. I had to do it. Not to insult the client but to make sure I'm being paid for what I do. After all, we know the story about what happened with Pied Piper.
"Hmm. Seems good. I'll be leaving tomorrow morning."
"Do you know where to start?"
"I might have an idea."
After he went, Arbella walked in. Her face said it all. She was disgusted and angry.
"Are you really going to hand him over his daughter?"
"I know there's more to the story. I gave her the plan of running away without a trace."
"You knew he would come?"
"Yes."
"Why take the money?"
Her question was correct. Why accept the money when I was not going to help him?
"This is the only way I can help her. I've been trying to save them from the darkness. The least I could do is thug someone wrong to save the right."
"What about the king?"
"Donkeyskin can kill him."
"You're going to use the Jaded Dagger?"
"Not exactly."
"I don't understand."
"Using the Dagger depends on her. But killing him is mandatory."
She nodded and helped me pack my bags. I had to reach the Donkeyskin before the king's men. I knew he would use all his resources to find her and I was going to prevent that from happening.
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