𝔗𝔥𝔯𝔬𝔲𝔤𝔥 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔗𝔞𝔩𝔢𝔰 ✓

The New Girl in Town

Picking up a few apples, I laughed as Eric juggled them before throwing them in the basket. He payed the merchant before we headed off.

It was in the afternoon and we all decided to go to the market. There was nothing quite like it at my hometown, so I was having a blast. Ariel seemed like she was having a good time with Eric.

Mina! I heard Ariel call, she ran into my arms, sobbing.

"Umm excuse us," I told Eaton, who looked worried but nodded.

"What happened?" I asked, pulling her to the side. She pointed to a stand that was selling weaved baskets. I cursed when I saw Eric talking to a pretty girl. She was as young as Ariel and had long brown hair and green eyes.

How could I forget that there was a villain in this story? I thought. It was Vanessa, the village girl who Eric thought saved him instead of Ariel. Except in my case it was Morgana and she was back.

"I can't let her see me," I told my friend. "Let's go Ariel. I think you shouldn't watch them anymore."

Unbeknownst to me, Morgana was already well aware of my existence.

*Switching to 3rd pov*

"What in the world has gotten into him?" Eaton asked to himself as he saw Ariel and Mina walk away.

It was obvious that Ariel was depressed about this while Eaton was confused. Eric had been gushing about Ariel after he came back last night and after their canoe ride.

His attention was on Mina, following her movements with his head. He hadn't even realized Vanessa heading towards him.

"She seems to have you wrapped around your finger," Vanessa spoke, making him jump.

"I think I'm falling," Eaton confirmed. "but I have nothing to talk to you about."

"This just won't do," Vanessa ticked, chanting out a few words before a green spark shot at him and Eaton blinked furiously.

"Mom?" he asked, looking at the teenager.

"And there we go," she sighed. "You just can't keep yourself out of trouble. You're in my way wherever you go."

Hunter rolled his eyes and looked at his mom with discontent.

"Why did you put me back in this book?" he asked.

"You were taking up too much of my time," she said thickly. "I needed to focus on stealing this prince instead of watching you."

"Well your plan backfired. You just removed the spell again," Hunter replied, stating the obvious.

"Because you were falling in love with that tramp," Morgana sneered. "I can't have that."

Well it's too late, Hunter thought. She might have given him extra memories, but he still possessed the ones he made as Eaton.

"Here's your job now," Morgana ordered. "Keep hanging around Mina and don't let her get in my way. Easy Peasy. And don't even think about falling in love with her."

*Back to Mina*

I could only sit uncomfortably as Ariel cried her heart out. The fact that she couldn't even make any noise because a sea witch, also Morgana, took her voice, was even more disheartening.

The only thing I told Ariel was that I was her guardian, but now I was thinking of telling her about Morgana. Along with Eaton, she could probably help me as well.

"Ariel, I want to tell you something," I started quietly. "I'm from a different realm and my goal is to help you achieve your happy ending with Eric. However, a witch named Morgana, posed as both villains of this story, the sea witch that took your voice and the village girl who Eric supposedly loves. My goal is to stop her, but I'll need your help."

Drying her tears, she nodded. If it will help me get back my prince, I'll do anything for you.

"Thank you," I said gratefully. "I don't actually have a plan yet, but tomorrow's the last day and I will help you."

As she gave me a hug, there was a knock on the door and I opened it to reveal Eaton.

"I have some terrible news," he told us. "Eric has decided to marry Vanessa."

Ariel burst into tears again like she totally forgot about the conversation we just had about stopping Vanessa.

"I'm going to let her calm down," I told Eaton, closing the door.

"I'm confused about my cousin," he revealed. "Eric hasn't stopped gushing about Ariel since he found you guys yesterday. I thought that he was in love."

"Well I guess that he isn't," I replied distastefully, wondering where Vanessa was and how to avoid her.

I noticed that Eaton looked a bit uncomfortable and fidgety and asked, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," he stated, clearing his throat and straightening his posture. Eaton seemed a bit off now.

"Well beautiful, are you up for another date? Care to go stargazing on the beach tonight?"

I beamed at him and nodded. There was no way I could refuse Eaton's requests anymore.

Taking his hand, I didn't notice the flash of uneasiness and guilt in his eye before he went back to joy.