DISCARDED: The Ones The World Did Not Need

Eight

A common stereotype is that people with transformation magic are mischievous and cunning, thus cannot be trusted.

Avery's house was a considerable distance away from the central court.

It stood in a far corner that was away from other houses and shops which did not make sense to Racheal.

She looked down at Enid who seemed excited which was to be expected since she was always excited whenever they were going someplace new.

"We're here, let's get down." Micah said opening the door of the carriage that had stopped in front of a quaint little cottage painted white with a straw roof.

High class houses were made with an aluminium roof, so Racheal wondered if the princess actually lived there.

The cottage seemed welcoming enough, except all the windows were shut.

"Remember Racheal, you don't have to agree to this.
If you don't like the idea or Avery, I'll figure something else out."

Racheal turned to Micah, not knowing how to tell him that she would not be able to complain even if she did not like the idea.

Instead she smilled and nodded.

"Let's go in already!" Enid yelles tugging Racheal's arm.

"Okay, okay."

Micah knocked on the door but there was no reply.

He sighed, looking apprehensive.

"Is anything wrong?" Racheal asked.

"No...Avery's just a bit of a trickster."

"You guys are so slow! Let's go!"
Enid said as she opened the door and bolted in.

"Enid, don't run into someone else's home uninvited!" Racheal yelled chasing after her.

Immediately she stepped her foot into the house, Racheal was back in front of the carriage.

The air was still and for a while, Racheal stood there looking at the shop in dazed dread.

After a few minutes, she looked around to see that Enid and Micah were nowhere to be found.

"Lass? My prince?" She looked into the carriage and even the rider was no longer there.

She heard a creaking sound and when she turned to the cottage again, the door was wide open.

She felt a force willing her to go through the door again but the closer she got to the door, the more the indescribable fear that sat deep in her stomach gripped her.

"It's just magic, it's just magic." Racheal whispered to herself, although she had no idea what type of magic it was and why anyone would cast magic on their own home.

Racheal closed her eyes and stepped into the cottage again.
She opened her eyes.

She was in front of the carriage again.

This time, the fear pricked her like something evil was breathing down her neck.

She looked back but no one was there.

Her breathing had become laboured and her hands couldn't stop shaking.

She sat on the floor beside the carriage with her head in between her legs to try to calm herself.

She could not shake the feeling that something was looming around her and that thing did not have her best interest at heart.

"Racheal!"

Racheal's head bolted up as she heard Enid scream.

"Enid? Enid where are you?!"

"Racheal!" Enid screamed again.
This time, Racheal was sure it was coming from the shop.