Chapter 10
751 Words
The moment the branch snapped and Ava’s body hit the ground the ancient tree released a terrifying, thunderous scream that shook the forest to its core.
The sound was so horrifying that the fairies cried out in panic and scattered in all directions, disappearing into the nearby bushes to hide.
Even after Ava fell the tree did not stop. Another thick branch lashed out,stretching toward her once again as if determined to drag her back.
But at that very moment, a shadow dropped from above.
A boy appeared out of the air like a falling blade.
His face was hidden behind a mask,and his entire body was clad in black leather battle armor.The armor fitted tightly to his chest like hardened steel, reflecting faint flashes of light.His messy hair whipped wildly around his face as he descended with terrifying speed.
Before the branch could reach Ava.....
Slash!
With a single clean movement,he cut through the tree’s branch with his sword,
severing it instantly.
The tree let out another furious roar and twisted violently abandoning Ava as it turned all its hatred toward the masked boy.
Its remaining branches surged forward together in a wild,deadly assault.
But the boy moved like a shadow in motion.
In just a few breathtaking seconds his magical sword flashed again and again through the air,
Slice. Slice. Slice.
One by one the tree’s massive branches were cut down,crashing to the ground with deafening force.
Before the tree could recover for another attack,
The boy suddenly vanished without a trace,as if he had never been there at all.
Only the broken branches and the trembling forest remained behind.
And Ava lay unconscious on the cold earth.
_____
Ava's POV,
I slowly opened my eyes,my vision blurred and my head heavy.The first thing I realized was that I was no longer under the tree.I was inside a room.
Panic fluttered through my chest as I tried to move.Beneath me was something unbelievably soft.
When my eyes finally adjusted I froze in shock,I was lying on a bed made entirely of large delicate flower petals.Layers of them cushioned my body like clouds.
For a moment,I couldn’t tell if this was real or just another strange dream.
The last thing I remembered…
I had been sitting under the tree.
I had eaten the fruit.
And then_nothing.
Just darkness.
Slowly,I pushed myself up into a sitting position. My eyes wandered around the room. l
Strange objects were scattered everywhere placed carelessly as if someone had left in a hurry. Everything looked old and untouched as if no one had lived here for a very long time.
And yet the bed of flower petals I lay upon was fresh,soft and warm.
Then it hit me.
The fairies…
They had been with me beneath the tree.My heart tightened.
If I am here… then where are they?
The thought sent a wave of unease through me.
As I shifted a dull pain stirred in my leg.I gasped softly and looked down.
My wounded foot had been carefully bandaged something tied neatly around it to stop the bleeding.
Someone had treated me.
But who?
Before I could think further the sound of a door opening echoed through the room.
I turned my head to the right.
An elderly woman stepped inside.
The moment she saw that I was awake,her wrinkled face lit up with pure joy.
She hurried toward me with quick light steps and spoke warmly,
“My child, you’re awake? How are you feeling now?”
Her kindness caught me off guard.I blinked at her in confusion before answering softly,,,
“I… I feel better than before.”
Then with hesitation, I asked
“But who are you,Grandma?”
She smiled gently as if my question pleased her.
“I live here alone in this forest,” she said. “This little house is mine.
And I live here with my small children.”
Her words startled me.
“Your children?” I repeated in surprise. “Where are they?”
Without another word she smiled again and stepped slightly aside.
And then I saw them.
My breath caught in my throat.
In front of me stood two rabbit,a mice, a hedgehog, a dog, a squirrel and a turtle standing on its two legs.
For a moment my mind refused to accept what my eyes were seeing.
My hands trembled as shock washed over me in waves.
Trying to force a shaky smile,I asked in disbelief
“Wow… are these your children?”
- Writer
