The Hidden World book 1

Chapter 6

 The classroom was darker than it had been before, the lights dimmed down. Ms Mortars nodded to them as they walked in. The other kids were all lying down and falling fast asleep.

"Good luck" Ms Mortars said, not turning to them as she set down a young girl with black pigtails.

"Luck? Why do we need luck?" Atlas asked, walking over to her. She looked at him.

"You will all need it" She responded, "now get going. I'd rather have a home to go back to."

Hunter didn't know what she meant by that but Aubrey already had her backpack and so did Gray. Aubrey grabbed Hunter's hand and he squeezed it slightly.

"Come on. She said for us to go" Willow said as she led them out of the classroom.

They were walking back to the classroom when Hunter remembered that class was supposed to be out a while ago, but then again the so-called intruder, which turned out to be a... protector?

'Yes, that's what I am to you.' Hunter jumped not expecting the voice of the dog. 'It's fine sir. I'm not going to hurt you or your daughter.'

Hunter felt like he was about to nod but that would be weird in front of everyone here so he didn't. The dog seemed to chuckle.

'I'm being kind here by not letting the young princess hear this.' Hunter thought that was cute until he continued, 'Really, she is a princess. You're a prince. A prince that had to be saved from his uncle's grasp. That's why you're here. To save us all.'

Hunter shivered. 'Save? Save you all? What do you mean?' Hunter could just see the dog smile. 'And me being a Prince? Impossible. I live in a building that's been crumbling for years, I can't be some...'

'Prince? Then where did you get the necklace? No one's born with jewelry.'

Hunter's jaw tightened. 'I don't care where it came from. All I know is that my mother has been working hard for me and my daughter.'

'So naive.'

'I'm not naive' Hunter snapped.

There was a chilling chuckle. 'But you are. The back of your necklace says things. It speaks to you. It did when you believed in many things when you were younger.'

This made Hunter stop in his tracks. How did it know? How did it seem to know almost everything about him?

"Hunter?" Willow asked, concern written on her face.

"Take Aubrey. And go get our backpacks. I... I need a break, "he said, closing his eyes. He looked at Aubrey and smiled. "Go with Willow and Atlas. They will take care of you."

"No. I want to stay with you" Aubrey exclaimed as her tiny hand tightened around his.

'She's scared that you'll leave her alone. Like you-'

'Enough. I know. I know it was my fault.' Hunter thought, closing his eyes again. "Dear," He opened his eyes again. "I won't leave you. I promise. I just need a few minutes to myself, okay?"

Aubrey's frown deepened, if that could happen anymore. "Okay" She replied and looked over at Willow and Atlas. Gray had his hand out ready to take her hand. Aubrey smiled but walked over to Atlas instead, making Atlas jump with surprise that she chose him. Atlas took her hand as she held it out for him. Gray didn't look too happy.

"You'll be alright here alone?" Willow asked Hunter.

Hunter nodded. "I'll be fine, just need to clear my head."