Chapter 2

As I look around, I see shadows. So. Many. Shadows. All I can see are shadows. The shadows are everywhere. I hear a growl in my right ear, except as I look over, there is nothing but shadows. I look to my left and glimpse two bright white glaring eyes.

“NO!” I shouted as loud as I could muster, “NOT AGAIN! PLEASE!” I rush out of my room, sprinting and stumbling through the castle's corridors. As I scream, “SOMEONE PLEASE, HELP,” a door opens, and I run toward it.

“What is going on out there?” they say, sticking their head out to peek at the long corridors. I shove past them and slam the door shut. “Please, you have to help me.” I beg, “Do you have any medical skills?”

“I do; why do you ask?” they reply with slight concern in their voice. I turn around and lift my ginger hair to show them the giant scratch marks on my back. “I’m in dire need of medical assistance. Is there any way you can help? I’m not sure how long I have.”

“Oh dear, I’ll see what I can do,” they say, “do they hurt at all?” They say, lightly brushing the skin around the scratches. I wince at their touch.

“I think adrenaline was saving me from most of the pain, but I think it’s wearing off now,” I reply.

“They look quite painful,” they respond sympathetically. “How did you get them?”

I am not sure if I should tell anyone about the “thing” yet, I think to myself. “I'm unsure how I got them,” I reply, hoping to be as deceptive as possible, and from what I can tell, they don’t seem to know I have just lied to them. “I woke up to a mixture of blood and mud on my bed and my entire body.”

“What is your name? I should probably know who I’m trusting and ensuring my safety to.” I know I am acting far too cautious, but I don’t care.

“Oh, my name is Sanao. Your voice sounds familiar. Might I happen to know you?” asked Sanao.

“It’s possible… and likely,” I reply.

“Well, what is your name then?” Sanao asks inquisitively. “I have told you mine; now it is your turn to share. What is it?”

Should I tell them my real name or an alias? I had never done good under pressure, and I began to panic. “My name is Emerald,” I blurt out.

Sanao bows down in respect, worry openly displayed along their candle-lit face, “My apologies, your majesty. I cannot see your face, and it’s challenging to distinguish the difference between people and… things in the dark.” The last part was only barely audible.

I'm sure my face had many questions written upon it, but “I prefer if you wouldn’t address me as ‘your majesty’ at this moment, please,” I say in desperation. “and honestly, I don’t really care what you call me right now; just help me.”