Of Cunning Minds: Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 27 - The Forbidden Forest

Ominis insisted that they stop to purchase new attire before venturing into the Forbidden Forest, saying that another minute in his shabby suit would be the epitome of torture. Sebastian didn't complain as he was growing especially uncomfortable in his pants that were too short and his shirt that was too tight.

A sigh of relief left Ominis' mouth as soon as he was clad in a crisp, three-piece suit. He adjusted his cufflinks as Sebastian shrugged on a jacket and laced up a pair of leather boots. They were ready to go.

The Forbidden Forest possessed an ability to prevent nearly all light from reaching its twisting paths. Even in the middle of a bright spring day, Sebastian had to cast Lumos to watch his footing. Ominis provided a general direction to the troll den, but Sebastian was hesitant to rush full speed ahead. He was well aware of the horrors that lurked in the forest, and they would be of no service to Thea if they got eaten before reaching her.

A twig snapped to their right and Sebastian practically leapt out of his boots, aiming his wand at a suspicious bush.

"What is it?" Ominis asked in a hushed tone.

A small deer emerged from the shrubbery, tilting his head at Sebastian's threatening stance.

"Just a fawn," Sebastian sighed. A small grin tugged at the corners of his mouth as he studied the tiny animal. There was something about it that was so pure and kind. It made him think of— "Merlin!" he screamed.

A wolf had pounced, sinking its teeth into the flesh of the deer. The sickening sound of its neck breaking rang throughout the forest. It was followed by several howls that seemed to be moving closer to where they were standing.

"Run!" Sebastian shouted.

He fired off a few fire spells in the direction of the wolf as he sprinted alongside Ominis. They stumbled over branches and tree roots, fumbling their way through the dark, damp forest. Sebastian couldn't tell if the growls coming from behind him were real or simply a figment of his imagination. He didn't dare turn around to confirm his suspicions.

Suddenly, they found themselves at the edge of a small cliff. The fall wouldn't be enough to injure them, and Sebastian thought it might just steer away the wolves.

"We have to jump," Sebastian instructed. "Cast a softening charm, it will be okay."

Ominis didn't have time to protest when the first wolf lunged towards them.

"Jump!" Sebastian repeated. He kicked off the ledge, waving his wand just in time as his feet hit the dirt. Ominis was on the ground to his left, panting heavily. To his relief, Sebastian was right about the wolves: a dozen yellow eyes were staring angrily at them from the top of the cliff. They waited for a minute before turning around and walking away with frustrated whimpers.

"Sebastian," Ominis began quietly.

"Wow. I mean, I knew this place was dangerous, but I wasn't expecting a chase like that." He wiped the sweat from his brow, still staring at the ledge the wolves previously occupied.

"Sebastian," Ominis said again. His voice was dripping with anxiety.

"What it is?" He didn't have to turn around to look at what was standing in front of them; the smell was enough. Clearly, it had hit Ominis a few seconds before wafting its way towards Sebastian. He slowly pulled his head in the direction of the putrid odor.

Standing twenty-feet tall, holding a club, and wearing a scowl was a forest troll.

"I think we found the den," Ominis murmured.

~~~

Thea shivered and pulled her knees closer to her chest. She was leaning against a thick tree on the edge of the poacher camp. Well, technically, she was tied to the tree and she couldn't help but feel grateful for the ropes as they provided more warmth than her flimsy excuse of a dress. She felt a sudden rage towards Anastasia's fashion sense.

She watched Clyde and his men as they talked loudly around a blazing fire in the middle of the camp. She knew they were planning how to take down the forest troll. She recognized the area almost immediately when they dragged her along the floor of the Forbidden Forest. The den was nearby, and the troll blood would be the last ingredient needed to break the curse on the pocket watch. This was the final step Clyde needed to take before extracting her soul. She sniffed at the thought.

Her only consolation came in the form of knowing that Ominis and Sebastian had been granted their freedom. They didn't have to run or hide anymore. Ominis could go back to Anastiasia and maybe Sebastian would reconnect with Anne. They'll get the lives they deserve. Thea sniffed again.

"I didn't peg you as such a crybaby," a rough voice jeered.

Thea turned to find Harlow circling around from the back of the tree. She set her jaw and glared at him.

"Do you miss your 'wittle' friends," he mocked while crouching in front of her. "Clyde told me that posh one screamed like a banshee. I'm sorry I missed it." He grinned, exposing his yellow, crooked teeth.

Anger bubbled in Thea's chest. She clenched her fists and stared determinedly into Harlow's eyes.

"Isn't that sweet?" he cooed. "Don't worry, once we're done with you, I'll be sure to send your ashes to lover boy."

Harlow stood abruptly.

"Now, let me see if I can get more tears to fall from those pretty eyes of yours." He swung his foot back and kicked her hard in the leg.

The pain was excruciating, but she wouldn't give Harlow the satisfaction of seeing her suffer. She bit the inside of her cheek and dug her nails into her palms.

"Nothing?" he sneered. "Let me try again."

Thea shifted to move her leg out of the way in time. Unfortunately, this earned her a strong kick directly to the stomach. The air left her body with a pained groan. Harlow threw his head back and laughed.

In his fit of hysterics, he didn't see the figure move to stand behind him.

"You shouldn't have done that, " Sebastian growled.