Arin trudged through the snow. It was ankle-deep delaying her escape more than she hoped. Of all nights, it had to snow on this one. Christmas songs whispered throughout many homes. Lights flashed brightly giving her a headache. Smoke curled out of chimneys.

            All she could think of was the note she had left behind. She thought of the words she wrote, the sorrow she felt.

            To the Lightfoots, Arin had written. If you’re reading this then you’re probably wondering where I am. Well, don’t bother looking. I’m gone. I left you because I have put you in great danger. I don’t know what kind of twisted nightmare this is but I don’t want to be involved anymore. I don’t want to endanger you more than I already have. Please forgive me for leaving. I just want to protect you.

            She stopped walking and gazed through a window. There was a family sitting on a couch, wrapped in blankets and drinking hot chocolate and eating popcorn. They were laughing at a movie.

            Arin shivered nearly crying with envy for the family’s fortune. She watched the family for another second, debating if she should beg for help, before she continued to walk. Maybe she walked twenty blocks by now.

            There was a large building looming in the distance. It was the high school that the Lightfoots went to. The forest began to line the street as she exited yet another neighborhood, along with the school the orphanage barely peeked into view. So close to her destination. Arin had no idea where the Green Phoenix would be. Hopefully, he would show up soon. For now she had to take refuge back at the orphanage.

  Arin continued to trudge to the orphanage. Repeating the letter in her mind. Also, since I don’t want you to come after me, I left a translation of the Plaque for you. It will sound weird but I swear that it was the real translation. I don’t want you to fear that I stole anything as well, because I didn’t. All I took was the clothes on my back and the cheapest jacket I could find. Nothing else, I promise. I know you may not trust me but it is the truth.

            She wiped the snow off her face with blue hands. She was going to collapse soon. It could be any second now. How would the Lightfoots react if they saw her lying dead on the sidewalk?

            “You there, stop!” someone ordered behind her. Arin turned to see something big behind her. She faced the stranger, gasping at what stood behind her. She gasped. It was another large dog.

            Arin screamed backing away. The lanky dog crept closer, red fur matted down. An Other, her thoughts warned.

            The Other snapped his jaws at her, making sure he missed. She jumped back and began the short sprint to the roadside ditch. Watching her run, the shapeshifter trotted after her. What was he waiting for?

            Unfortunately, the Other did not give her a short head start. The beast sprang forward kicking up layers of snow with each bound. Arin screamed and jumped into the ditch tumbling down the snowy slope. The dog missed her again. Within a moment of stillness, Arin scrambled to her feet. Gazing up to the top of the hill, three silhouettes stood by the edge. Two more oddly colored wolves joined the Other’s side. They came from the neighborhood.

            Arin stood, beginning her escape into the forest.

            “Remember our orders,” the Other growled, leaping into the ditch after her.

            What did I ever do to you? Arin screamed to herself. Trees spread out, Arin quickened her pace. There was no way the Others could navigate this forest, Arin rarely entered it but the odds were still in her favor.

            Approaching a creek, Arin sped up. She was going to have to jump. If Arin slowed down or missed this jump the Others would probably kill her. Less time to think, Arin continued to accelerate. Heart and lungs aching.

            Jump now!

            Slightly screaming, Arin leapt into the air. Legs stiff in the air, regret filled her. This was a bad idea. She should have stayed home.

            Crunch.

            Flattened snow underneath, Arin cleared the obstacle. Victory swelled in her chest, she continued to run at a slower pace.

  A wolf attempted the obstacle. Collapsing into the frozen creek, the wolf flipped over. The other two cleared the obstacle with ease. They should have caught her by now. What were they doing?

            She looked back curiously, they were barely in sight. Above her the moon was cowering behind clouds. It must know her fate. Her body ached from the cold, she was so weak. Her pace slowed but she made herself run. She could barely see the trees around her in the dark forest. Only the growling of the monstrous creatures chasing her revealed their location. Arin glanced back, frightened by their grunts.

            Smack!

            Vision fading, blood squirting out of her nose. Arms and legs numb, everything spun. What did she run into?

            Stars glimmered above. Trees focusing into needles pointing towards the clouds.

            Sitting up, Arin was face to face with a red dragon. Clearly she must be dreaming. An actual dragon in front of her?

            Yellow eyes tore into her soul, exposing her fear and secrets. Behind Arin the two dogs caught up, snarling at her.    

            A real dragon. A really real dragon. How do they manage to find these creatures?! Arin stared at the ground quivering. Air whistled as the dragon seized Arin with its giant claw.

            “Who are you?” the dragon asked lifting Arin off the ground.

            Pain sealed her voice. She opened her lips but nothing came out.

            “She was our catch! General Scolo wants her—”

            “For what exact reason? Right now you might be depriving me of dinner! I haven’t eaten since we arrived here days ago.” The dragon licked his lips hungrily.

            “She is related to those Plaque hoarders. We need her so we can get information about the Plaque Reader and prophecy!” an Other roared.

            “I read the Plaque!” Arin blurted not realizing what she just said. The dragon growled.

            “I’m turning her in,” the dragon spat turning his back to the Others. Even though he moved Arin a few feet, the scene changed dramatically. The dragon had served as a border between the forest and a small campsite. Arin squirmed in the dragon’s grip, frightened by the six cloaked people staring at her.

            “Are you still going to eat me?”

            “Shut up, you simple-minded child,” he ordered strictly.

            “I swear that I don’t even taste . . . that good . . .” The dragon stopped walking and gazed around a medium-sized camp. How was this hidden?

            “Sir! I have great news!” the dragon roared. The six stood, approaching the dragon and frightened child.

            A deep growl came from one of the tents. A black wolf stepped out. Arin was captivated by the yellow markings and spirals crossing this stranger’s body. Was this one of the wolves that attacked her at the park?

            “What? Found a little kid? Good for you. I don’t care!” he barked.

            “What if I told you—”

            “We’re the ones that found her! We deserve the reward!” the Other shouted indignantly.

            “What are you talking about?”

            “It’s the Plaque-Reader. She’s all yours. My gift to you, Scolo, sir,” the dragon bowed his head, dropping Arin in front of the wolf. She remained still, astounded that this was happening. Perhaps she was still dreaming. It was the only logical explanation.

            “Oh really?” he seemed surprised. He drew his ears back handsomely and placed a paw on his chest, doing a small, possibly mock, bow. “Honored to meet you, young one.”

            “Wh—what are you going to do to me?” she muttered horrified, shaking. She tasted blood and bile in her mouth. “I may have read the Plaque but I’m not special, I promise!”

            “The Plaque-Reader is special! You can read the ancient text and have the knowledge of what it says!” Scolo said drawing his lips back into a snarl at the last word.

            Arin dragged herself away. A few Others laughed as he slowly padded closer to her. “Please let me go. I—I—”

            “Oh, quit your whining. I’m going to make sure you help us find the ones the prophecy speaks of.” He laughed leaping behind Arin and wrapping a furry arm around her shoulder. She winced, shaking even more.

            “Get off of me, you monster!” she shrieked. Her screams brought a smile across his muzzle.

            “I’m not a monster, I’m a hero! We don’t belong in this world but a place called Fynne instead. Would you like to go there?” Scolo laughed. Everyone was disguised in shady black cloaks. Were they cold? The two shapeshifters that pursued Arin, now human, forced her to stand.

            “Let go of me! The Lightfoots will be here! The Watchers will be here and then you’ll be sorry!” Arin shouted.

            Just please don’t come after me. Just forget about me, Arin recalled. Tears began to well up. That was how she concluded her letter.

            “Aw. Is the little Plaque-Reader sad?” the Other whimpered mockingly.

            “N—no.”

            “Move her in my tent so we can talk later,” he ordered. An Other grabbed Arin’s good shoulder and pulled her onto her feet. He was armed with a long sword. Now fear consumed her thoughts. She can’t resist trembling. They are going to kill me.

            The Others surrounded her, everyone taller than Arin. Their hands on the hilts of their swords. Clearly they had no care for personal space for she could practically hear their heartbeats. One stepped forward grabbing Arin’s chin, lifting her head so they were staring at each other. Arin stared into the Other’s void-like hood fearfully. What was so fascinating about her?

           “Give her a blanket. I want to present her to your king alive. What is the point of having a dead Plaque-Reader?” He began to cackle, “or perhaps give her one of those ridiculous suits we wore when we attacked her!” The Others forcefully guided Arin to the tent that Scolo came from.

            She squirmed in their grip, trying to break free. They were far too strong for her.

            “Arin!” Who was it now? Everyone turned to see Ms. Holt standing at the camp entrance with the Plaque in her hands. “I refuse to let you do this to our hope!”

            “Ms. Holt! Help me!” shouted Arin. Others pulled her back, while a few moved to the front of the group.

            Ms. Holt set the Plaque on the ground. Others drew their swords, readied their spears. “Spirit from the Plaque, aid me!”

            The Green Phoenix swooped from the sky above, startling everyone. Her eyes lit up at the sight of the magnificent bird. The giant green hawk screeched loudly before soaring forward. The ruby dragon leaped in front of Scolo and Arin guarding the two. It wrapped its wings in front of itself as the phoenix slammed into its body. The Others ran for their weapons next to the firepit as the ruby dragon collapsed in the snow. A hole in its chest, scales sizzling from the extreme heat.

            “Hold on, Arin!” the Green Phoenix shouted, “we’ll save you!”

            Scolo shifted into a human, seizing the closest weapon. The Green Phoenix screeched again and dove at him. He swung his sword professionally, faking the phoenix out. Her friend dodged, screeching.

            “Start retreating! Go to the regroup point!” Scolo ordered.

            “Sir, we can take them,” an Other commented.

            “I am your leader now obey! We cannot risk any more casualties.”

            Others obeyed their leader, evacuating camp, leaving Arin alone. Scolo continued to fight the Green Phoenix, sword still in hand. Her friend remained strong, intimidating Scolo by his size. The young Other noticed that the camp had cleared out and began to flee. Green Phoenix and Ms. Holt allowed him to run, more focused on Arin.

            Green Phoenix collapsed, bleeding heavily from his chest. Arin ran to his side, too scared to know what to do. Ms. Holt joined Arin, hugging her tightly.

            “I’m so glad we made it on time.”

            “I—I’m sorry,” the Green Phoenix mumbled. “I’m sorry, Arin. We have to meet up soon.”

            “No. I wanna be with you. I want to join you!”

            “That’s . . . going to have to wait. Otara, please take care . . . of her while I recover.”

            “I promise.”

            Otara?

            “Hopefully, we can meet up soon.”

            “We can help him! You’re going to be fine!”

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

            “Don’t worry, Arin. I’m a phoenix, I’ll respawn soon.”

            Relief washed over her. So those rumors about phoenixes being immortal were true.

            “Where do we meet? When will we meet?” Arin’s voice quivered.

            “You . . . stay put. I’ll find you.” His body began to melt into the snow. “Just stay safe.”

            “I promise—”

            Dying out like a fire, the Green Phoenix vanished. Arin buried her head in Ms. Holt’s chest, trembling like a leaf trapped in a storm. Her nose continued to throb, she was in so much pain.

            “Ms. Holt, what’s going on? Is this a dream?”

            She helped Arin stand, embracing her in a tight hug. “We have to walk and talk. I have to get you to safety.”

            “O—okay.”

            Ms. Holt grabbed the Plaque, lifting it off the ground with ease. A sealed letter slipped out of her pocket, landing in the snow. Arin grabbed it for Ms. Holt, examining the wax seal on it. She gestured for Arin to start walking with her.

            “You should carry that, Arin. In the event that we’re separated, give it to whoever you encounter first, Crimson or Other.”

            “Crimson?”

            “Remember? The people that Mr. Lightfoot talked about?”

            “In that made up world? I thought it was just a joke!”

            “No, Arin, it isn’t. I thought the dragon,” she gestured to its burning corpse, “would be enough proof for you.”

            “I guess I was just hoping that none of this was true. That my life was normal.”

            “I’m sorry, Arin. I wish I could have prevented this.”

            She sighed, falling behind as they marched through the dark forest. Ms. Holt continued to carry the Plaque, silent.

            Arin had so many questions surging through her small mind. “Why are the Others after me? Why did the Green Phoenix call you Otara? Did he know you?”

            “The Plaque reacts to anyone, you just have to say the right thing. I told the Green Phoenix that you were in danger. He must have been nearby because he was waiting for me outside when I began my search for you.”

            “If the Plaque reacts to everyone, then why am I special?”

            “The Green Phoenix chose you. He thinks you’re the one who can help fulfill the prophecy. Many have been waiting for you, Arin. You can help find the Children of Destiny, as they are apparently called. Before all of this we called them chosen ones to simply put it.”

            “Really?” Arin examined the letter. It did seem incredibly medieval. “I really don’t believe any of this. Dragons? Shape shifters?”

            “Only if you truly believe will you find your destiny.” Ms. Holt climbed over a small slope. “My trainer always told me that.”

            “Are you implying that you come from Fynne or whatever?”

            “I am. I came to Fynne and brought the Plaque with me. Green Phoenix just tagged along.”

            Arin stopped, dumbfounded by Ms. Holt’s words. If the person she trusted most said all of this was true then it must be. People were actually going to hurt her just for reading that rock?

            “Keep up, Arin! We have to hurry!”

            “Where are we going? To the police I hope.”

            “To Fynne, Arin. It is the only place you will be safe.”

            “Why can’t I stay with the Watchers?”

            “Arin.” Ms. Holt paused, adjusting her grip on the Plaque. “Those Others will report back to their leader. They are desperate to get a hold of the Children of Destiny and you. You have to go to Fynne. The Watchers cannot protect you.”

            “Oh right, they are supposedly invincible. They want to cover the universe in darkness, right?”

            “Actually no, they don’t want to conquer the universe. They are the darkness of the prophecy no doubt. However, they only focus on conquering my nation in my world, which is still awful of them. I just told Mr. Lightfoot that so he would take me in and help me.”

            Arin joined Ms. Holt’s side again, folding her arms. “Oh . . .”

            “I’ll be with you though. Every step of the way. Even if I’m not, the content in that letter will keep you safe.”

            Arin had nothing to say to that. She tried to piece all of this together. She was the Plaque-Reader, someone who will be able to find the chosen ones foretold on the Plaque. The Green Phoenix chose her, stupidly thinking she could fulfill his quest. Now she was forced to go run off into another dimension with a bunch of evil people hunting her down.

            In silence, they continued on to their destination. The forest was interminable. The snow morphed into muddy ice, crunching loudly under their feet. Arin was sweating in all of the heavy gear. She panted tripping over a hidden root.

            “At this rate we won’t reach the portal by the end of the week. Arin, what I’m about to do may be weird but just . . . live with it,” Ms. Holt sighed looking at the dawning sky. Arin stood up wiping the snow off of her. While Arin cleaned up, Ms. Holt set the Plaque down.

            “What do you plan on doing?”

            Ms. Holt was gone, a white wolf, the size of Arin, took her place. Arin stumbled back, frightened. Her social worker could also shapeshift?

            “What do ya’ think? Impressive isn’t it? Well, if we make it to my home then I can teach you how to do this!” Ms. Holt smiled padding closer to Arin.

            “Why can you, um, all shape shift?” Arin asked backing away from her.

            “This topic is for later. Just get on!” Ms. Holt smiled flashing giant teeth. Arin picked up the slightly heavy Plaque, struggling to carry it for a moment. Somehow she managed to slide the Plaque on top of Ms. Holt and climb on. One hand on the Plaque and letter, the other gripping Ms. Holt’s fur.

            Ms. Holt sprang through the snow almost throwing Arin off. The snow parted ways as she sped by. Wind buffeted her face. The trees began to spread out. They were getting close to a highway.

            “Won’t people freak out when they see us?” Arin asked and the highway peeked into view.

            “That’s the fun part.” Ms. Holt leaped onto the streets. It was mostly empty, a few were traveling the icy roads. Arin lowered her head, worried that a car would hit them. “Don’t worry, almost there.” Ms. Holt leapt over the median, skidding to a halt.

            “Why did we stop?”

            Ms. Holt remained quiet, waiting for a car to pass, then continued. The Plaque slightly shifted under her hands, Arin wanted to say something. To ask Ms. Holt to slow down.

            Leaving the street, Ms. Holt eased her pace. “You okay?”

            “The Plaque is a little loose in my grip. I’m afraid I might drop it.” She stopped for Arin to readjust herself.

            “I’m sorry for making you hold onto that. Also for all of this. We’re almost there.”

            “To where?”

            “The portal. I used it to arrive a few years ago, and when I arrived the Lightfoots took me in, soon learning that I was a Crimson. I told them everything they needed to know about this prophecy and war. Sure, I had to lie for parts of it, but it’s worth my reputation if it means saving millions. Anyways, I discovered the portal while spying on the Others and went through that night, taking the Plaque with me. Looks like they just found the time to come to this world and begin their search.”

            “Wow . . .” was all Arin could say. This was too much for her.

            Ms. Holt walked through the forest. Both weary, longing for rest. Arin nodded off a little. Her nose no longer throbbed but she did feel a bruise forming. It would be best to deal with it later.

            “You still okay?”

            “Yes, ma’am.”

            “Good. I think it’s time you get off.”

            “Are we—”

            Ms. Holt shushed her. Clearly something was wrong, Ms. Holt rarely demanded silence. Arin slid off her back, taking the Plaque with her. Ms. Holt shifted back into a human, all of her clothing still on.

            “You need to follow my instructions very very carefully, okay?” Arin nodded, remaining quiet. “The portal is disguised as a small blue fire. It is going to be hovering off the ground. When you grab it make sure you’re holding everything. You will have to think of the place you want to go to which is Fynne. Try to imagine a lush forest with a river nearby. Are you following so far?”

            “Yes, ma’am.”

            “Now, the Others have an ambush waiting for us. You and I will have to split up for a while.” Arin opened her mouth to protest, but Ms. Holt continued, “if an Other attacks you, don’t fight back. Give them the letter. It is more important that you’re safe, okay?”

            What’s inside this letter? Arin nodded. “Should I wait for you by the portal?”

            “Only for a moment. If we do get separated in Fynne, give the letter to whoever you encounter first.”

            “Give the letter to someone, got it.”

            “And keep the Plaque safe.”

            “I will.”

            “I’m going to go ahead, I’ll signal with a howl when it is safe.”

            “How do you know that they’re up ahead?”

            “Their tracks are in the snow, Arin. Now, I’ll be back. Be careful.”

            Ms. Holt shapeshifted again, her powers frightened Arin. While her Watcher skulked away, Arin readied herself for the signal. Letter tucked in her back pocket, squatting by the Plaque ready to lift it up.

            Ms. Holt, please stay safe.

            Birds began their morning song, hopping around the trees above Arin. Cold bit at Arin as she waited. Hopefully it would be soon.

            Deep within the forest, there was shouting, barking, yelping. Ms. Holt must have encountered the Others. Arin trembled, fearing the idea of Ms. Holt getting hurt.

            A howl echoed through the trees. It must be the signal!

            Mustering her strength, Arin lifted the Plaque off the snow and began to jog through the forest. Where was this wisp-thing? It sounded like she couldn’t miss it, but the forest is big.

            The only thing Arin could do is continue straight. Climbing over hills, stepping over roots, she searched. There were no eerie glowing portals anywhere.

            Ms. Holt, I’m lost.

            Arin began to freeze; fingers and toes numb.

            Ms. Holt, where is the portal? Help me.

            The Plaque felt heavier with every step she took. Arin accidentally dropped it as she was shuffling down a small hill. She chased after it, hoping her weakness caused no damage.

            Not a single chip in the Plaque.

            Arin picked it up, staggering on. If she slowed down, Ms. Holt’s distraction would be for nothing. What mattered was getting to Fynne. No matter how crazy this all was, she had to get to safety.

            Snow crunched under her, leaving a trail that reveals her exhaustion. The new day approached, the sky changing color slightly.

            The search continued, portal missing. This was a disaster.

            “Arin!” Ms. Holt, in her human form, raced to her. “Hurry! They’re right behind me!” She took the Plaque from Arin, shoving her forward. “Run, Arin!”

            Picking her pace up greatly, Arin forced herself to sprint. Branches slashed at her ankles and face. She kept looking back to make sure Ms. Holt was by her side.

            “Just keeping going, Arin! Don’t look back!”

            “Y—yes, ma’am!”

            Side by side, they raced up the, hopefully last, hill. Arin slipped a little as the snow was unable to hold her up.

            “We’re so close, just a little further!” Arin reached the top, doubling over exhausted. Lungs and legs uncooperative. “Arin, look. It’s right there!”

            She lifted her head. A small blue flame hovered a few feet away. They made it after all.

            Spirits lifted, Arin jogged closer to it. She made it.  It nearly took the whole night, but it was worth it.

            “I would stop if I were you.” Scolo appeared from his cover, hopping over the log he hid behind. “It took you some time to get here. I was getting bored. Before we fight, I just want you to know that you’re surrounded right now by archers and some of the best swordsmen there are. Surrender and I’ll give you mercy,” he offered. Ms. Holt joined Arin, making sure the child was behind her.

            “You’ll never touch this child. Never again!”

            He looked up, shooting daggers at her with his chaotic eyes.

 “Fine then, Crimson,” he roared, shifting back into a human. “Don’t hurt the child yet. Just . . . watch and enjoy the show.”

            “Remember, Arin.” Ms. Holt set the Plaque down, staring at Arin for a moment. Was she talking about the letter? Ms. Holt made her way to Scolo.

            Others closed in on Arin from behind. Her heart skipped a few beats as she watched Ms. Holt. The two had engaged in combat already, swinging their fists at each other strategically. Ms. Holt dodged a high swing before hooking her fist diagonally. Snow from the ground flew in the Other’s hood, blinding him. She stepped back, pivoting her body away from him. Scolo shifted back into a wolf. All of this shape shifting confused Arin.

            Ms. Holt grinned and flicked her hand upwards. The snow at his paws morphed into thick ice. He struggled to break free from his ice prison, but it only became worse, snaking its way up his body.

            “What are you idiots waiting for? Attack the Crimson!” he barked, the Others charged forward.

            None were guarding her now. Arin picked up the Plaque and stepped around the fight as slow as possible. The Others were swarming Ms. Holt but somehow she managed to fight them all off.

             Go for the wisp. Nothing else. Find it, grab it, then hope that you won’t die before you leave. Arin approached her target. The tuft of magic blue fire looked so small and frail. A few Others turned around and charged to Arin, weapons ready. She gasped paralyzed with fear.

            A snow wall was summoned, separating the two sides. The wall disappeared revealing the Others trapped in ice.

            “Use fire! Melt all of the ice!” Scolo ordered, away from the fight. The few Others obeyed not even encouraging their leader to fight. Fire erupted from a few of their hands. Arin gaped at them. They could use fire?!

            “You’re a coward!” Arin managed to say. He laughed. She trembled, his appearance was even more horrifying with that cloak.

            “I’m letting my men do the work!” He approached Arin, unsheathing his sword.

            “What weak leadership. No wonder you’re losing!” Arin squeaked, she sounded so pathetic. Scolo twirled the sword in his fingers, boasting his great skill.

            Arin turned to run allowing the Other to pounce upon her, thrusting his sword at her shoulder. The blade cut through her thick jacket, not touching her skin. Out of fear, she dropped the Plaque. Escape became a priority. She hid behind a tree, watching Scolo warily.

            “Watch as your friend dies!”

            Ms. Holt struggled to defend herself against the Others. She was covered in sweat, slightly mixing with blood.

            “No!” Arin pleaded. All of the Others charged at once flanking Ms. Holt from every direction. She was tackled from behind, the Others pinned her down.

            The battle stopped as the Others realized their victory. Scolo shifted his attention from Arin to Ms. Holt. Blue light illuminated from the center of the dogpile. A few backed away ready to flee. Ms. Holt helped them with their retreat as she threw them all off at once, posing in her wolf form again.

            The Others regained their balance, a few began to melt more of the ice. Arin continued to hide, stomach tight. Ms. Holt released a battle cry of rage and hatred, baring her fangs at the few remaining foes.

            Scolo waved his hand at the other grunts, they moved to the edge of the clearing, suspecting an attack from Ms. Holt. Scolo charged forward, a few steps into his lunge he shifted into his wolf form. Ms. Holt ducked under his pounce before throwing her head upward, clamping her jaw around his neck. He whimpered pulling away pained.  Ms. Holt turned her attention to Arin, silently ordering for her to run.

            Arin left her hiding place, rushing to the Plaque. The Others were so preoccupied with the Crimson, they seemed to have forgotten about the entire reason they arrived to this world.

            Scolo stepped behind Ms. Holt, snarling. Blood mixed into the snow under him. The two barreled towards each other, colliding in a fury. He buried his fangs into Ms. Holt’s neck. Ms. Holt was hardly fighting back. Why?

            Oh no. Please. Don’t kill her, Arin begged to herself as Ms. Holt collapsed. Arin staggered to the portal, the heavy Plaque in her arms. She tried not to watch the fight.

            Scolo backed away from Ms. Holt, preparing for a counter attack. Ms. Holt glanced up at Arin. She smiled for a moment trying to assure herself that things will be all right. Her head slowly fell into the snow, eyes closed.

            Arin gasped, nearly dropping the Plaque. Scolo laughed with the Others. The wisp was wide open now. Arin glanced from the wisp to the Others. She could run away and be free but she didn’t want to leave Ms. Holt behind. No, she had to. She was dead. Arin closed her eyes, focusing on what to do now. She could mourn later. Maybe she wasn’t ready for revenge yet.

            I have to go. I’m sorry, Ms. Holt. I’m sorry.

            Arin reached the wisp. Balancing the Plaque in one arm, Arin reached out for the small portal. Like Ms. Holt instructed, Arin thought of Fynne. The forest and river. Her destination.

            Fist closed around the wisp, Arin disappeared from the winter forest.