COLD (Twisted Forbidden Tales) Book One

Chapter Six

SNOW (Something about the past I )

“ And the prince saved the princess and they lived happily ever after The End.”

My nanny Beth closed the book of fairy tales and began to set up our picnic. After listening to the story, I could only sigh at such a sad ending. I'd instead save myself and then travel the kingdoms. Why couldn't princesses be heroes too? I absolutely hated being still.

Dad left me again today with Beth. He had promised to spend the day with me, but an important matter rose that needed his attention and he couldn’t be with me. I hope he finds his long-lost friend soon. I wanted to meet the person that saved Mommy and Daddy's lives. I wasn’t mad, but I sure was bored.

Nanny Beth only knew how to do picnics and nothing else. No games, no cards, just utter dullness. We have had a picnic in every garden and park the kingdom housed. This was the Forbidden Forest. Wasn't it meant to be explored? My over-excitement got the best of me and surely let me down.

When Uncle Gill permitted us to his space near the Dark Woods for a day of fun to make up for Dad's absence. My imagination conjured up all kinds of adventures that reality burst with its disappointment. Gill's fun meant limits. Well, at least Nanny Beth brought the good snacks. She was an amazing baker, so at least we wouldn't die of starvation.

Finally, I made some headway after we ate and relaxed a bit. Nanny Beth must have sensed my boredom, so she let me explore the garden path along the stretch of land just off the border that divided the Forbidden Forest and the Dark Woods. This part of the land was filled with lavender blossom.

I wasn't permitted to go beyond that, as it was sanctioned by Uncle Gill's brothers for safety reasons. I wondered how many brothers he had. The staff and servants in the palace spoke a lot about the king's special team of guards. They were known as The Seven though I only met three. Uncle Gill was the head guard, then Uncle Ben, who led the magic guard, and Uncle Sloane, who dealt in healing potions and effect.

I loved lavender blossoms, they smelled so good, and thought making a lavender head wreath with some twisted vines for Beth and me would be kind of fun.

After all, she was stuck with an unruly kid like me most days. I would give her a break and behave this time.

A low and deadly growl rang out from the trees across from Beth and it caused me to freeze. Wasn't this a safe zone? Weren't wolves extinct? What's going on?

I didn't know Beth could run that fast as she reached me at the speed of light and shielded me behind her.

A large, tall black wolf slowly appeared before us. Its eyes were blood-red. It was a feral wolf. Nanny Beth whispered for me to stay close to her as she faced off the beast.

"Stay back beast!"

"Or what? " the wolf mocked her as he licked his chops. Feral wolves shouldn’t be able to communicate. According to what the teacher taught us, this one could. It was strange, exciting, and off all at the same time.

"Seems the tip was spot on. " Another wolf appeared beside him and he slowly began to circle us. Nanny Beth's eyes never left his every move. I watched in awe but quickly noticed something strange. Why wasn't I afraid? And is nanny Beth in a fighting stance? Didn’t she just know how to picnic? Was I missing something? Suddenly, an unknown voice sounded inside my head.

"Snow focus! In the next 2 minutes I will need you to run!" was Nanny Beth's voice.

"What?!" I was confused.

"No, time to explain. Just listen, the path behind you runs 30 paces straight and then 10 paces left. Don't forget to count. You will see a cave entrance, walk through it. This will lead you back to the palace. Immediately alert your uncle Danny of what happened here."

"But?"

"Go, now!" Before I could react, Nanny Beth shot fireballs through her hands straight at the black wolf.

"s**t! She's a Sphere! Hurry up and finish her and don't lose the kid!" the wolf said as signaled in the trees as more wolves approached Beth.

My legs were already running as fast as they could. I was so confused. The boring Nanny Beth was actually badass! I covered my mouth as I continued running. If Dad heard me curse he would tan my hide. Five-year-olds should not swear. s**t! I forgot to count. She said 30 paces straight, then 10 paces right. I glanced behind me. I didn't see any wolves after me. Maybe Beth killed them all, but I couldn't be sure and I couldn't double back to retrace my steps.

I stopped to look in front of me. There were two paths, one right and one left. When I looked back, I had already passed another forking with two paths. This was definitely more than 30 paces. Suddenly, three very distinctive growls rang out in the forest, but I couldn't hear out which way it was coming from. Forget it, I will follow my instincts and run the ten paces left and pray that the cave is there, better safe than sorry is what Beth always said. I really hoped that she was okay.

The growls rang out again, shaking me out of my thoughts, and causing me to jump and trip over a large log to the right side of the path. Down I went rolling and tumbling, it seemed like forever to reach an end. Was I going to die like this? I hadn't even lived yet, this was so unfair. These stupid mangy wolves! Why did they have to eat humans? I mean a big hefty steak was juicier than little me, right?

My eyes were closed tight as I continued to fall. My eyes would have been a mess from the debris. I didn't want to witness my end. The stinging pain I felt all over my limbs was evident from the constant tumbling. If my Dad could hear me, I would want him to know I loved him and not to be sad. This was my last thought as silence surrounded me followed by darkness.