Unexpected Feeling's

Caught

 I spring awake to the sound of a loud a thump. Looking around I don't see the familiar ginger bread and milk but musty books and dust shelves. I fell asleep in the library! Whoops. Looking down I see that Maria's book had fallen on the floor. Slowly uncurling from the ball I had put myself in, I stretch out my sore limbs and bend down, picking the book back up off the floor.

If anything I head read in that book was true, which I'm not saying it is, Is there really a curse on this land? I mean sure, the moon has seemed to grow unnaturally large over the years, but is it really coming to crush us? I shake my head. That's a stupid thought, but still... the disappearing stars? That couldn't be a coincidence. After sitting there for a good five minutes I make the decision to go see the one person I always talk to when I'm troubled. Marmaduke.

I walked to the secret compartment the book had been held in. It was still lying wide open so I slide the book back in place and closed the secret door. With quick steps I swiftly made it to the library entrance and checked to make sure no one was outside the door before slipping out and moving towards the kitchen.

Reaching the rather short door I used to always fit into, I open the door and enter and freeze to see Marmaduke moving crazy fast throughout his kitchen. "Marmaduke?" I ask cautiously, not sure whether or not I should disturb him from his intense cooking. He suddenly stopped and a huge grin spread across his face as he looked at me.

"Isabelle my girl! You haven't visited me in so long! So what's wrong?" I chuckle at how he knew me so well. Not quite sure how to ask someone about potential magic I decide to be blunt about it.

"Is this land cursed?" He was quiet as he continued chopping up his vegetables. He finally spoke.

"I can only assume you read the book. In which case, yes, its all true." I stood shocked for a moment, I hadn't expected him to tell me I was right. "The magic is returning!" He says more excited now. "Its all coming back to me! A pinch of this, a pinch of that! It feels wonderful!" He waves his huge knife around dangerously, gesturing to the room. "The very air has changed at the return of it!"

I'm still standing there shocked when he seems to see my face. He stops talking and gives a gentle smile. "Do not fret my dear, for the portrait is back, and the new moon princess is here." I slowly nod. It was a lot to take in but somehow it felt right, as if Id known the place was magical all along. Recovering from my shock I give him a small smile.

"Thanks Marmaduke." He just keeps smiling at me until I turn around and leave the kitchen, already hearing Marmaduke flying across the room at his newfound speed.

Walking out I think over what I just learned. Marmaduke had mentioned something about the portrait being back, and I think I know which one he was talking about. When Maria had appeared a portrait that I'd never seen before appeared outside her door. I had written it off as something she had brought, but if all this was true, how much time was left until the curse took place? Running to my room I pull out a piece of parchment and quickly scribble down the numbers. Finishing my math my eyes widen. 7 more moons. That's one week, one week until the entire land is destroyed.

Taking a deep breath I take a step back. With all this loaded on to me, I needed to clear my mind, and of course there's only one place for me to do that. Changing my clothes into something similar to what I was already wearing, I head out.

----

I made it to the edge of the familiar forest in no time. Dismounting Aiden I quickly run to the spot where I knew the pond sat, waiting for me. I instantly collapsed when I reached the waters edge and was quick to slip off my boots and dip my feet in the cool calming waters. I guess the fact that my life hinged on a girl I just met was harder to take then I thought. As much as I didn't want to believe it, I knew Marmaduke wasn't lying and I just had to suck it up.