Daughter of Magic (A Frank Zhang Fanfic)

III. Hidden Away

I was in my room for the rest of the day. I was finally bored to the point of tears when I heard a rhythmic tapping. It was Leo telling me I could come out.

I got up and left my room. All the lights were off and everything was dark. I snuck down the kitchen to get food. There wasn't much in the fridge, but I found something to eat.

I sat down on a couch in the kitchen and ate. All was quiet. The room was actually quite nice. There were a table and couches along with an actual kitchen. It was nice.

After a few hours, I got up and went back to my room. It wasn't too long until dawn. I climbed into bed, not even caring to change clothes.

It didn't take very long to fall asleep. I had been up for a majority of the day and I was exhausted. My dreams were almost as exhausting though.

I stood in a forest filled with mist. It was cold and quiet. Not a soul to be seen. I didn't panic, though. Hecate always told me not to panic. Panicking brought the inability to think and do.

I listened. Nothing. I then felt a presence behind me. It was Hecate. She always had a strong and calm presence about her. Whenever she was around, the air crackled and it felt tense.

I turned around. Mom stood there, a long black clock falling behind her. Mom's pale skin shone in the limited light. Mom appeared in many different forms. Sometimes she was white, sometimes she was black. It varied, but my dad described her as black when he met her. She changed between white and black a lot.

"Greetings, Esmeralda."

"Greetings, Mom. Is there something you need?"

"Yes, in fact," Mom answered. "There's going to be a girl who joins your crew. Her mother was a witch and she has the potential to use magic."

"Is there any particular reason that you're telling me this now?" I asked.

"You need to know before you met her. I know you can sense when magic is strong in someone."

"Why, Mom? It's going to be a while until we get to California."

"Because you have a job to do, my darling. I'll see you soon."

Mom was surrounded in mist, disappearing from sight. I didn't know what my job was to do with this girl, but if Mom is telling me that I have a job, then I gotta to that job. I ain't got no choice but to listen to my momma.

I woke up the sound of people talking in the closet. It sounded like Leo and Annabeth. I listened quietly, trying not to make a sound. They seemed to be arguing.

"What do you mean, he doesn't like her?" Annabeth demanded. "She's the nicest person ever!"

"I don't know why!" Leo exclaimed. "He just doesn't! He told me last night that she was rude to him and didn't treat him like the leader he was."

Annabeth huffed. "That's a load of bull. Ezzy would never do that. Sure, she's got an attitude, but she would never be rude unless provoked."

I heard them talking for just a little more before the door creaked open and Leo stepped in, Annabeth following. I got up out of bed and stared at them.

"Yes?" I asked.

Leo held out a plate. "I got your food."

I took the plate out of his hand. It was a giant burrito the size of a brick.