History of Fictitious: Volume Three

Chapter 9

The day is filled with joy as I pack. Shane insists I take all the dresses to give to my sisters and mother. He also loads a bunch of gold and jewels into a separate bag. He has me packing a treasure trove, even though I tell him we don't need it and that I can't carry it all home.

Shane chuckles and leads me outside, showing me a cart with two horses.

"Wait, where did they come from?" I say, gesturing to the two equines.

He points over to the stable. "Where do you think? You never looked in there, did you?"

I frown because I could have escaped this place much easier if I had known. Then again, I only went outside when Shane came with me and when Fern and I jumped off the balcony.

Once night falls, I can finally leave. Shane, in his red spirit form, and all his staff stand outside to bid me adieu. Throughout the day, I have heard many viewpoints from the spirits. Multiple staff members are proud of Shane's choice. Others think he is dooming them, but Shane doesn't seem to care what they think.

I nod to Fern and Ned, knowing that hugging them isn't an option. They both smile at me and even bow. I thank a few other spirits for their work, like the seamstress who created the dresses I wore. When I reach Shane, my words are lost.

"I don't know what to say. I shouldn't thank you for freeing me, but then there's all this." I glance at the bags and trunks full of expensive items.

Shane chuckles, his figure shifting in and out of focus. "What? I thought it was standard procedure to give your captive a lifetime of jewels."

His joyful attitude then dies quietly. I wait because I know he has more to say.

"Arabelle, I apologize for everything I've put you through. I was possessive and manipulative, and I don't want to be that person anymore. Do you think I can just be Shane from here on out?"

The edges of my eyes crinkle. "Yes, Shane. I believe you can."

I turn to the cart, but when I'm about to sit in the front, I notice a rose on the seat. My eyes drift back to Shane as I pick up the red flower.

"For your father," he whispers.

My attention returns to the rose, and I smile at it before I hit the reins. The horses gallop forward. Amongst the sound of the cart and clopping hooves, I hear someone flying behind me. My head turns to see Shane floating a distance away from the cart.

I smile and then wave at him. Expecting him to slow down and wave back, I'm stunned when he flies even faster. As the horses move forward, I watch him match their pace. He extends his hand out to me once he reaches my side.

I am unsure what he wants, so I reach out too. The cart passes over the last of the castle's grounds. My fingers go straight through his glowing form, and I feel nothing. Shane slows down despite the absence of touch and lets the horses carry me away. I stare at him for the longest time until I can no longer see him.

Finally, I face the front, staring down at my hand. I have been out of Shane's grasp since we met. There's a barrier around me that has protected me from him, and who knows if it will ever come down.

Slowly, I lift my eyes to the trail that will lead me home. Every now and then, I glance at the rose lying next to me. I can't say I love him, but I don't hate him either.

Then there it is—my house, my home. The lights are lit inside. I will the horses to go faster until we reach the front of the house. I jump out of the cart before the horses can slow down properly. I run inside, interrupting my family's dinner.