Deadly Secret

Escape

Sorry it took so long for me to write this chapter. I hope you enjoy it! 

Esther wrapped her arms tighter around Luna, squishing the alicorn and desperately wishing she could teleport.

An imposing figure draped in a black cloak stood before her. Esther noted the white eye on the sleeve, the dreaded symbol of her mother's agenda.

Lady Gisela had arrived.

"Mother," Esther muttered, "I see you've come for a visit,"

"Daughter, I see you're not where I left you,"

"I can explain," she attempted.

"Really?"

"I... was looking for you," Esther's gaze darted towards Bramble, "I asked this gnome to take me to you..."

"Nice try," Lady Gisela strode forward, heels clicking on the pristine marble.

"Stop!" Esther shouted. Her command reverberated around the room, and mother hesitated for a brief moment, "I'm not going back!"

"Esther—"

"I can't go back," she breathed, "Why can't I be like your son... Keefe?"

"I have my reasons," Lady Gisela answered coldly.

"Because I'm defected? Because... what?"

"The world doesn't know you exist, dearest. You're my secret weapon,"

"I can't even master my powers!" Esther blinked rapidly, trying to banish every tear, "Let me go! I'm useless to you, and no one would need to know,"

"You're quite useful as an experiment. It's interesting to see what makes you weaker than Keefe,"

Esther's gaze darted toward Bramble, "Get ready," she mouthed.

"What?"

"I'm not going back, mother!" she said, trembling. Esther took the gnome's hand and adjusted her grip on Luna before dashing into a nearby corridor.

"What way, Bramble?"

"Right!" he squeaked.

The group sprinted through the castle. Esther relished the thrill of the chase, and she found great satisfaction in picturing Lady Gisela bolting after them in heels.

After a few minutes of twists and turns, Esther stopped to catch her breath. She panted heavily and cursed Luna for being a stuffed animal.

 Bramble prodded Esther, and they continued their desperate escape.

It was exhausting, and nauseating, and exhilarating.

Every heartbeat felt like an eternity, and she began to loathe the sound of footsteps echoing on stone. Eventually, Bramble began to slow.

They darted into a corridor... but there was a light at the end of the tunnel. A massive glass door revealed a sea of green foliage on the other side. Bramble cautiously held it open for Esther to exit.

She stepped outside. Colour and light washed over her, and Esther felt warm for the first time. Blankets dreamed of imitating sunlight, but this fresh, emerald existence surpassed everything.

"Luna," she giggled, "You were right, it really is worth it,"

"What about me?" Bramble whined, "I'm right here, and I'm actually capable of speaking,"

Esther giggled and skipped further into the forest, touching anything she could find. Bark, grass, leaves... everything was so fascinating.

It was as if she were truly alive for the first time.

Shouts suddenly pierced the quiet, and a massive dome flashed into existence, trapping the three escapees inside of another forcefield. A tall elf strode from the castle entrance, sporting a familiar black cloak. Mother's Psionopath.

A burst of anger overcame Esther, "So, mother can't even bother to chase me down herself?"

He simply smiled and strode closer to the bubble the group was entrapped in. When his body melted through the forcefield, and the elf reached for a weapon, Esther began to panic.

Bramble grasped her hand, and Esther attempted to wriggle out of his grip. It was a sweet gesture, but how were they supposed to fight if they were holding hands?

The gnome only held on tighter as a low, mystic song erupted from his mouth. Branches and roots wrapped themselves around Esther's waist. As she struggled to escape the strange plants, Bramble shut his eyes, murmuring an unfamiliar melody, and the scenery dramatically shifted. Somehow he was carrying her through the soil.

"What are you doing?" she hissed.

Of course, he didn't answer.

But at least they were safe.

Is this a good chapter length or should I write longer chapters? Thanks so much for reading!!