When a Young Heart Loves (The Secret of Moonacre Fanfiction)

A Disturbing Night of Disturbances

The sound of smashing furniture woke Maria with a start. Her room began to shake. Screams came from outside her door. Maria jumped out of her bed and ran to her door. She twisted and turned the handle, but the door wouldn't open. Using all her force, she pushed against it with her shoulder. The door didn't budge. Albert's cries came from the other side. Maria banged her fists on the door, "Albert I'm coming!"

Her wardrobe exploded, revealing the secret entrance. Shards of wood flew around Maria, cutting her bare arms. The monster emerged from the rummage. It spotted Maria and screamed. An unknown force tossed Maria to her bed. She was lifted into the air, stopping mere inches from the roof. Below her the creature circled about her, whispering an incantation. Maria's muscles stiffened. She tried calling for help, but no sound came out. She couldn't move, she couldn't do anything.

"Maria!" Robin yelled as he broke down her door.

Robin ran towards her but the creature stepped in between them. The debris flying about the room whizzed to a halt. Time seemed to slow down. The creature reached out its claws and shot a pale green light straight through Robin's heart. His body crumpled. He fell slowly to the ground. His face etched with pain, he looked to Maria as the light slowly left his eyes.

"Robin!" Maria screamed as she felt herself smash back down to the ground. She tried to reach for him grasping at the air around her. She fell through her bed, straight into blistering cold water. Coldness pierced her skin. Water forced its way up her nose. She continued sinking, an invisible force dragged her further down. She kicked and pulled. Air escaped from her lungs. They burnt with pain. Suddenly she hit the ocean floor. Excruciating pain flew through her body as she felt her bones break from the impact. Darkness engulfed her. The last thing she saw were the pearls, glowing along the ocean floor.

"Maria! Maria! Please wake up!" Lizzy yelled vigorously shaking Maria by her shoulders.

Her eyes shot open. They were red and filled with tears. Beads of sweat rolled down her face. Maria was shaking and gasping for air. She looked about her room. The pile of furniture was still in place. Her friends and family, they were all around her. At the foot of her bed stood Robin. He was alive. His face strained with concern. He was shirtless, and Maria sighed with relief at seeing his torso whole and complete. Ms. Heliotrope furiously fanned at Maria with her scented handkerchief. Loveday held Albert, trying to comfort his cries. Sir Benjamin searched around the room, wondering what could have given his niece such a nightmare.

Cat and Jane were kneeling on the floor next to Lizzy. Maria realized she was squeezing Jane's hand. The boys stood behind Robin, carefully apprehending her. William's face was a mixture of fear and confusion.

At seeing them all alive and well, Maria broke down sobbing.

"Maria, what happened?" Loveday asked rushing to her side. She pulled Maria into her arms.

"Loveday, it was horrible. Everyone was dead!" Maria cried through her tears.

Loveday shushed her, "no it was just a dream, Maria. We're all alive and well. No one's in danger."

Maria shook her head. They were all in danger, and she didn't know how to save them! 'I couldn't even protect my friends!' Maria thought as she looked at Jane. Maria loosened her grip on Jane's hand, letting her blood flow to her fingers.

"This was worse than before," Cat said with a frown.

"Excuse me, tea for the moon princess coming through," Marmaduke broke through the crowd carrying a tea kettle and some cookies. "Drink this, it will help you sleep through the night."

Maria nodded her head and took a large gulp from her cup of tea.

Albert rubbed away the tears from his eyes and reached over to Maria. He placed a slobbery kiss on her cheek. Maria giggled through her tears. She took Albert from Loveday's arms and squeezed him tightly, planting kisses all over his face. Albert laughed with delight. "You sweet, sweet, boy, I will never let anything happen to you," she cooed.