History of Fictitious: Volume Three

Chapter 10

My family's response is about what I expected. My mom sits, weeping over her breakfast, while Gill and Flint debate who should warn Shane off. Thankfully, Danny isn't there as he headed off with Sasha for their honeymoon in TerraNeil last night. My sisters shout above each other, telling me of men's gross intentions. It's the same speech I've given to them over the years.

"I'll be okay!" I holler, getting all of them to pipe down. "Shane made terrible choices that aren't easily forgiven, but I must do this."

"Why? For him? For you?" Flint asks me.

"Yes, both of those. Look, I understand why you're worried, and I would be concerned if you weren't. But this time around, this is entirely my choice. I'm the one who suggested it, and I can return whenever. Well, so long as the barrier isn't up."

Gill scowls, "You expect us to let you do this after making a comment like that?"

My mother sighs, overcoming her grief, "So what, Gill? Are we to be as possessive of Arabelle as this Shane was? Are you going to force your sister to stay home?"

Mia gasps. "Mother! You're going to let her go?"

"I don't want to, but your father never would have started his business if I told him it was too dangerous at sea and forced him to stay home. This is Arabelle's choice, as much as I hate it."

I hug my mother, thanking her. I know it's hard for them to understand, but I can't let Shane quit breaking his curse when he's so close. All of his servants are counting on him. He can't let them down when there are two months left.

I head to my room and grab the bag I packed. There's little in it since I know I'll be treated like a princess when I return to the castle. When I turn around, Gill stands in front of the doorway.

"I'll see you to the castle and give this lowlife strict pounding," he says.

"But, aren't you returning to Derwin's port today with Flint and Jenessa?"

Gill ruffles his hair, which is about as long and thick as mine. "So what? I'm supposed to let my baby sister walk in the woods alone to a haunted castle. It can wait."

I smile. It's nice to know Gill has my back, even if sometimes he thinks I'm spoiled. We leave the house together after I bid the others another farewell.

My walk with Gill is quiet until we spot the castle up ahead. He narrows his eyes and says, "You'll have to wait until nightfall. That barrier will be up, and it's a nasty piece of work."

"You tried coming for me during the day?"

He nods, "We got to the castle grounds before we were stopped by the magical force. Then, a group of spirit creatures chased us away. Are you sure you want to return? You're not under some sort of spell, are you?"

I shake my head. "No, I'm not under a spell. I just want to help break one."

Something snaps behind us. Before Gill can react, a cub hits him over the head. I scream as my brother falls to the earth. Blood leaks from the back of his head. I try to reach for him, but a sword hovers close to my neck.

I glance over to see that the aggressors are the same group that attacked me when I first escaped the castle. They grin at me, missing teeth from their fight with Shane.

"Where's your Beast?" the leader asks.

I step back, "You really don't want to do this. He is close by, in that castle, in fact."

They laugh. "And even if he is, daylight is still up, so he can't stop us. It took us a long while before we figured out who he was. We were going to raid his castle, but I think you will be an excellent prize."