Viena and the Black Mirror

[ 13 ] - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

      Faul desperately needs to get away from his friends. No offense to them, but his life is very much on the line.

Considering how long he put off accomplishing the second part of their deal, he is uncertain how merciful Miss Vae will be. The deadline was due by the summer solstice, seven months from now. A considerable amount of time he thought he would get to take advantage of. But, of course, things took a drastic turn of events.

Ever since the girl, Viena, attempted to open the Bridge, he had been in a hidden state of panic.

Breaking the mirror spell was supposed to be the tough part. One he spent years planning and learning about in order to have the slightest idea how he was going to unravel a permanent spell. Previously unheard of.

But he didn't need to anymore, all thanks to Viena. Faul does not know whether he should be relieved he doesn't have to do it, or frustrated.

There was still work to be done, of course. Work he needs to accomplish by escaping his friends and sneaking back into the castle. All without using dark magic, the only thing he can do without failing miserably. But no, every guard in the kingdom just had to have a magic tracker bracelet that only picks up dark magic.

One thing at a time, Faul exhaled. One thing at a time.

Faul sighed in exasperation as Fleaya became distracted by yet another attraction. He looked around the crowded carnival, scanning for anything that could help him get away from the disguised fairy and cat without raising suspicion.

He spotted a redheaded girl sitting alone on a bench nearby with a journal in her hand. It wasn't long before a plan developed in his head. Once the girl made eye contact with him, he immediately put it into motion.

The girl gave him an odd look, but only when Faul began gesturing wildly to a distracted Fleaya and circulated his pointer finger by his head, did the girl get the memo. She gaped in realization, laughing when Faul gave her the most pleading grimace he could. She pocketed the book and pen in her coat as she made her way towards him.

"You need an out?" She whispered.

Faul sagged, rubbing his palm against his temple. "Yes, please."

She chuckled. "Alright, let's see how good I am at acting."

"Hey Faul!" Fleaya yelled from behind, startling him so much he jumped. Out of the corner of his eye, the woman snickered. "Ooh, who's this pretty girl you're talking to?" Fleaya teased.

"My name is Rodette," the woman introduced. "Do you mind if I borrow him for a bit? I was just asking him to dance." She grinned, tucking a strand of auburn hair behind her ear.

Fleaya clapped her hands in excitement. "Oh, of course! Faul, go dance with her." She began shoving him in Rodette's direction, a smirk stretched across her face like a person who just won a second game of matchmaker.

Rodette laughed, looping her arm around Faul's as she led him away. "I'll make sure he gets back soon!"

"Keep him if you want!" Fleaya yelled, picking up Paulné from the floor, much to her chagrin.

Rodette responded with a laugh, keeping Faul's arm around her as she led him far into the crowd. "Well, she's certainly charming. For a date, I'm surprised she let you go so easily."

"Uh, both our families insisted we go out together. She's not really the type of person I'd hang out with as a friend, either." Faul mumbled, the lie slipping out like liquid sandpaper. Although lying didn't burn him like it did whenever Sen forgot to speak truthfully, it still made him uncomfortable.