Moonlight Magic

Chapter 4

"Darling, darling." Someone was here. I woke with a start. The previous night came flooding back. It took me while to register who was shaking me.
"Mum?" Thank God. I was glad to see a familiar face after...
"Are you okay, sweetie?" Worry and weariness were etched on her face.
"Did you just get back? Is Dad back as well?" I asked instead.
"Yes..." She sighed. "Were you alright last night by yourself?"
What I really wanted to say was: 'No! Someone with purple eyes broke in and threatened to kill me!" But instead, "Yeah."
"Did something happen? Was someone here? You don't look so good." Blood drained from my face. She wouldn't know, unless...
"Ummm... No." When she didn't look convinced, I added, "Seriously Mum, I'm fine."
"Then how come you're here? Did you stay up all night?" Right.
After the creep left, I went into auto pilot. I had closed and locked all the windows I could reach and doors then picked up the books and tidied the shelves. Before I knew it Mum was shaking me awake.
"No, I went to bed but woke up after midnight and you guys still weren't back," I half lied, "so I came here and guess I fell asleep, reading," pointing to the upturned book. I had always felt most at home in the library then anywhere else in the mansion. There was a wood burning fireplace and the Gothic styled shelves lined nearly all four walls. It's a classic design for a library. And I suppose while other people had comfort food, I had books.
"Didn't you get my text?" I focused on my mum again.
"I did. I replied. "
"Okay... But are you sure you're alright?"
"Yes, yes, yes," I assured her. She's always worried more than she should. But then again I don't blame her. I tended to be trouble.
"Very well." She stood and turned to go.
"Uhh, Mum?" I spoke up, "Can I stay home today? I feel tired." The truth was after what happened last night I didn't think I could have fallen asleep.
"Hmm," she hesitated. "Fine. I'll call and let the school know. Dad and I will be going to bed. If you need us just knock." I fell back against the sofa as the door shut. I'd always been a tad spoiled from being an only child. Just a bit.
The fire had burned out and it suddenly felt bone cuttingly cold. What if he came back? I didn't know why I didn't tell Mum the truth. I certainly wanted to confide in her but an impulse told me not to. Perhaps it was what Purple Eyes said. What did he mean by 'people closest to you aren't always what they seem'? What was he warning me about? There weren't many people I had let get close except Talia and of course my parents. Stop Rebecca Queen Elles. Stop asking questions, it will only lead to trouble. Yet, it was trouble finding me.

*****

When I returned to my room, I found a note stuck on my mirror. Cremlim Institute. The Black Forest. I shivered. The Black Forest? Not another forbidden place. The Black Forest was also more commonly known as the 'Cursed Woods'. It was only twenty minutes from here. I had no idea why people of Ravensvale were so superstitious. This little town in the middle of somewhere unknown had the massive forest sitting on the edge of its borders. There were myths and legends of magical creatures taking up residence in those woods. And I didn't know of any Cremlim Institute, certainly not in the Cursed Woods. Thinking of magic, I was brought back to that mysterious book. I stuck the chair under the door knob and dug it out. Hopefully, if someone tried to barge in they would at least be delayed. I quickly flipped through the pages and landed on a random page with no spell inscriptions but a message. Those who seek this book may gain power. However, those who are weak willed will forever fail to find themselves again.
Uneasiness filled my chest. I threw it aside. Magic wasn't real. Yet the words although plain, had a chill to its warning. Maybe I should've given it to the guy, if it was what he was looking for. He might've abused its 'so called' power but at least I would be rid of it. No. A huge part of the problem was not knowing why the tome was even here and locked away. It was as if the thing was alive. Time for some answers.