Twisted Wishes - When Fairytale Dreams Turn Dark

Chapter 7: Into the Witch's Lair

As expected, the scent is overpowering. My eyes water and my hands tremble with the effort I have to make not to suffer the same fate as Hans and Gareth. It stings but I can hold back.

Nice. Then I can help.

I follow in Valerian's footsteps and walk around the house. Making sure I don't touch anything.

He crouches by the window, looking through the glass. His big foot tramples a flower and I'm afraid the witch might come storming out at any moment and see us.

Valerian's head snaps at me and his eyes widen. The question is clearly legible.

I gesture to the house and then to myself.

Valerian rubs his hand roughly over his face and points to himself, then points to the house. Then he gestured to me and the forest.

I place my hands on my hips to show him I'm not going back.

A growl escapes him and he points to the spot next to him. Happy I crouch down next to him.

Valerian glared at me for a moment before we peered inside together.

Inside the light is dimmed and the two boys are enjoying cake and candy. My own stomach grunts and Valerian gives me a disparaging look. I ignore him and look for the witch.

She is sitting in her chair by the stove braiding a girl's hair. That must be her granddaughter.

"I have a plan," I whisper. A very stupid plan. One with a high probability of failure.

"Tell."

"You get that witch out, then I'll get Hansel and Gareth out."

Valerian doesn't have to say anything. I just see what he thinks of my plan. It's the dumbest thing he's ever heard.

I shrug without words and give him a skeptical look. I wait in silence for him to come up with a better plan because I know he wants it. And he knows I know.

When he swears softly, I know I've won.

"Then what am I supposed to do to get that witch out?"

I grin and push him forward. "You have a whole house of candy at your disposal."

Valerian furiously stomps at the door and grabs the doorknob. It is made of hard candy and he puts it in his mouth and nibbles on it loudly. His gaze never leaves mine.

I give my thumbs up and enjoy his irritation. It makes me smile.

A casual, big and happy smile. Something I haven't done in a while.

I can't believe I had to end up in a dangerous situation for that.

The door flies open and the old woman steps towards my company. "Wolfling, how dare you touch my cottage. The fleas will gnaw on my candy."

Valerian's nostrils spread. "Let a poor animal eat." He begins to walk, pulling candy from the house in his journey. The witch hisses and goes after him. The doorway is now free and I slip inside.

To then crash right into the grandchild.

Shit.

"Who are you?" Her young voice doesn't match her cunning eyes. Her grandmother's eyes.

"Eat, I want to eat." I walk over to the table with the two children and sit in the chair between them. My back is turned to the girl.

I bend over and try to catch Hansel's eye, but the kids are so engrossed in gorging that they don't see me.

I put my hand on Hansel's arm and He stops eating. His eyes take me in and at first glance he doesn't seem to recognize me. That absent gaze soon gives way to a glint.

I put my finger on his lips to keep him from saying anything. With a quick glance over my shoulder, I lean over and begin to whisper in his ear. "You are not safe here. The witch will make you work until your hands bleed and finally she will put you in the oven." I nod to the oven and Hansel follows my gaze. With wide, frightened eyes, he turns back to me.

I smile reassuringly. "Do not worry. We'll get you out of here. Make sure your brother follows you. I have to take care of the girl."

Hansel slides off his chair. I quickly grab some whipped cream from a cake and spread it over my mouth. Then I get up too and turn to the girl. With shaky steps I stand in front of her and then fall down at her feet. My hands are on my stomach like I'm about to throw up.

"I ate too much. Too fast, I don't feel well." I place one hand on the floor and bow my head. Through my knees I can see Hansel shaking his brother. He whispers something in his ear and then points to me. I quickly get up and then grab her arm.

The child blinks quickly and has all her attention on me.

Then there is a scream and my head flies up. The witch is standing in the doorway and her gaze is glued to Hansel and Gareth who seem to be trying to get out through the window.

With outstretched arm she runs towards the children.