When The Witching Hour Strikes

Chapter 1

It was the Witching Hour... when people go missing. They told me the Witching Hour arrives at midnight. But I think it comes at three in the morning, when I'm the only one awake. It creeps up on you, silently, and then engulfs you in the silence, thick and heavy, like a winter coat, or a thick blanket.

I wake up, covered in sweat, the same exhilaration running through my body.

What. Just. Happened.

*hours later*

As I went through the day, I couldn't help but think. What was that place? I keep seeing it in dreams, but have no clue what it is. It just feels so real. Like I've been there before... But I haven't... have I?

A sharp rap on the wooden desk wakes me out of my reverie.

'Yes Miss Durling?'

'I was merely wondering, if it would be your pleasure to tell the class what the significance of the balcony speech is in Romeo and Juliet?' she said, dripping with sarcasm.

'Um, yes Miss. it's the moment where they come to terms with the love they hold for one another, and the moment-'

'That will do Miss Quinn. In future do not spend your time daydreaming in my class.'

'Yes Miss.'

For the rest of the lesson I pay attention, there is an exam soon on this after all. I wish I could learn more about the interesting Shakespeare plays. With summer approaching, it's all I can do to stay focused and not let my mind wander to the outside. 

The outside, where I've come from, yet never left the grounds of the orphanage. Where I'll never venture again. At least not outside of my dreams.

*The next day*

I wake with the same exhilaration running through my veins. I can't believe it, the dream felt so real, why am I here? Stuck in this orphanage where if I left, I would be hunted down then beaten for leaving. So the odds are not in my favour, shocking I know.

My thoughts wander everywhere, from why Romeo didn't check her pulse, to the world waiting for me to reach out and grab it. If only I knew how to...

But how do I get to a place so far away that's in my dreams?

What should I do with these dreams?

Do others have them? Or will they think I'm crazy?

The sunlight streams through the gap in the curtains, soothing me with the warmth. I love mornings, so peaceful, and serene before the hectic day begins.

I should introduce myself. My name is Ellie and I'm 15 years old. I live in Aotearoa, New Zealand, a beautiful country, but under the influence of bad people at the moment. I'm a Maori, and because it's 1894, and we're still under Governor Grey, Maori has been suppressed. I'm not allowed to talk about my culture at all.

My parents died when I was very young, and I have no siblings, or relatives that would ever take me in. My destiny is probably to become a servant for a rich pakeha family, or maybe help out in a shop. Who knows what the future holds.

The knock at the door startles me out of my reverie. Slowly I get up and open the door.

'Well, you're not quite what I expected' says the apparition

I'm left dumbstruck. How is this possible? 

A/N: Grins evilly... tee hee  Hope you like the book so far! I know it's a bit all over the place but that will change as the story line becomes clearer in my head. I am also very aware that the chapter is shorter than others you will find on here, but that will also hopefully change as it flows better later on.  Please feel free to leave me any constructive criticism in regard to what needs to make more sense. What do you think will happen next?

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Til next time,

Charchar xxx