The Entanglement {Book 1}

Chapter 22: The New Me

When I woke up, I was in a field. A completely barren ground that I had never been before. It looked like I was perched on a mountain top. The grass was green and spread for miles. The trees were forest green and swished in the wind. They were so tall, it looked like it touched the skies.

There was not a single cottage or home in sight. Where was this place? It was a bright and sunny day which oddly contrasted to the calm and breezy spring day I just had. Is this even real? A golden butterfly flew past my head. I looked at its gold wings and body and decided to follow it. I was so busy analyzing my surrounds that I had not even noticed my attire.

I no longer wore my long flowing wedding dress but a simple white dress that many peasant girls would often wear during a celebration back when I was young. I was also shoeless. My golden locs were pinned back behind my head in a tight bun from what I could feel.

I shook off the many questions that were building in my head and continued to follow the golden butterfly. It flew determined through the hot but warm air. Why am I so absentmindedly following this bug? I don't know. But instead of stopping in my tracks and retreating back, I pushed on. I feel some sort of connection with this butterfly, but I'm not sure what it actually is.

A reincarnation? An alley? A foe? Why am I drawn to you? I jog off with the butterfly up the grassy hillside and spot a field of the same golden butterflies. I stop to gasp at the marvel of this sight. They were beautiful. There were so many here, how would I keep up with my golden friend. I turned to the left to look over at the butterfly, but it had disappeared in the crowd of butterflies at the bottom of the hill. I ran after it and once I was at the base of the mountain, all the butterflies scattered off. Before I could stomp my foot in frustration, I spotted a door.

The door had gold designs all around the doorway and arch. The doorway was not that much bigger than me, but it looked more likely to fit a colossal horse or something. It was cracked open, and a bright gold light shuns out of it. Was the butterfly leading me here? Was it my guide? I stepped forward a bit, eager to find out what was behind that door. My pace quickened, and I moved through the empty area towards the door until my foot landed in something.

It felt warm and oozy on my toes. I looked down and gasped in horror. I was ankle deep in a dark black puddle. What is this? I tried to yank my foot out but slipped. My other foot landed in the black pool. I tried to think of a smart way out, but it looked like the door was getting bigger. I looked down and noticed that instead of being ankle-deep like before I was now shin deep.

I was sinking, and I looked around for anything to help me. To my dismay, there was nothing around me but grass. I tried to grab on to the edge of the puddle as my two feet kicked in the puddle, but it was no use. It was not steady enough to pull me out. The pool was now waist deep. Am I sinking faster? I heard a loud creak and looked up to see the door closing.

No! I thought as I tried to wiggle free. How am I supposed to get to the door now?! I felt hands on my ankles and yelped in fright. Something is in this puddle with me. It grabbed my ankles and pulled with all its might. I scratched and pulled on the edge of the puddle, but I was dragged under and into the black pool. It was not mud nor was it water. It was more of a shadow. When my whole body was submerged in this puddle, I landed on my two feet. I fell on the ground and looked around.

I was surrounded by black faceless creatures and people screaming in terror. Is this where I'm supposed to be? What is this place? My shuffling attracted some attention of one of the faceless beings. It started galloping toward me, and I stared wide-eyed in fear. Something in my brain finally yelled at me to run! So my feet started moving even though I had no idea where I was going.

In this place, all the trees are barren, and the sky is dark. It looks like we are in town since I can see cottages, a castle and other things.

The bricked ground I am running on is a cold grey color. I round the corner and shove myself into the castle. The castle doors are ajar, and one of the doors looks like it has fallen off its hinges. I try to calm my breathing to not attract any other creatures and remain in my hidden spot. I could see through the tiny hole from the open doors and spot the faceless creature running in the opposite direction. I let out a sigh in relief until something moved in the distance.