ail'

r me." Pulling the case awkwardly behind me, I half te

shoulder with a wink while watching for my reaction, only to be sati

as mistaken... you'r

much, but he did. As if sensing my mood, he leaned over, his fingers softly brushing mine as he took the suitcase handle off me and pulled

the town. I had merely walked twenty steps when I walked right into the back of my escort

ed at his hand that held it out to me and then up to him, too sc

nned, holding the case out to me. Blushing scarlet, I quickly took the handle, careful not to touch him. I

d as empty as before, except now the sun was setting, casting mesmerising shadows over the exquisite town. Narrowing my eyes into the shadows, I couldn't shake the feeling

ook my head slowly, trying to squint to get a

e building, unable to hide my frown at the feeling

, and unable to keep the disappointmen

shutters barely hung on, the cream paint peeling off the walls. Dust and filth as high as my waist c

," I lied, hoping

ou didn't." Taking a deep breath, I rose above his taunts, pus

f the nasty things. My eyes widened in shock. Feeling a body behind me just before hands pushed me forward and further into the reception room, I tensed as tingles spread through my body, he was too close, and it was unsettlin

te; he was clearly in his element, given the sing-song tone

asked. The smile plastered on his face told me he

groaned, looking

er option when out of the corner of my eye, I spotted movement. Groaning, I turned, half expecting a doll to have come to life and be running at me. But

rry; I have added a few of my dolls to your room, so you don't feel so lonely tonight; I know how scary it can be when you don't know anyone in

an; your Father must be so proud of you." She cooed, her voice full of admirat

hat it had her beaming from ear to ear and me stamping on his foot with my boot. Seeming unfazed, he pulled his foot away, pushing me forward, and waved to me sarcastically as Alice took an

had my arm linked with hers in an unnaturally tight grip. I tried to turn to beg him to take me with him, but Alice was having none of it. An hour later,

nd fresh PJs and headed for the ensuite. The toilet covered in pink ruffles and matching toilet seat warmer made my ski

the shower, I nodded appreciatively, hearing its wine as it started to heat up. Feeling its pain, I smiled at

th out of me. After a long shower, I quickly changed and collapsed on the bed, grinning at my Disney PJs, amused that despite my insistence to be treated like an adult, I still owned Stitch pj's. A picture of stitch looking

evil creeping over my body, smothering me as if trying to suck every ounce of purity from my soul. I opened my eyes wider, trying to use my divine gifts to see through the darkness, only to be stilled by the realisation that this was more than nightfall; no, this was

, and entirely off the grid, so to speak. At least, that's what I had thought! From the corner of the room, I could sense the malice coming o

be about it- or its intentions. Each move seemed calculated as it silently edged towards me, sucking all energy from my b

ust stared at me; its deep purple eyes seemed to sparkle with blue flickers like a fierce fire drinking in my energy and fears thriving off

e other side of the wood, moaning about something inaudible to even to my ears. I didn't want it to leave before I understood it, seizing my chan