She pushed herself off the wall. “You have to believe that I didn’t come to hurt you, Grace. If I wanted you dead I could have let the Fury kill you or done it myself many times over by now.” She spread her arms. “I appear to you in this form to make you feel comfortable, not so I can trick you into some elaborate scheme. I need you to trust me.”

“Why?” I asked.

“Because, Grace, you’re going to need my help.”

“I’m afraid of you.”

“Fear can be good for you. It helps you make wise choices. Don’t touch the flame or you’ll get burned. Don’t run with scissors. Guard your eyes, guard your ears, stay away from anything that can harm you. We do all these things in fear of harm, which is wisdom. And trust me, Grace, evil is most definitely trying to harm you.”

“Not in Haven Valley,” I objected. “We’re safe here.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course.” Even so, I felt doubt tug at me.

Bobbie smiled. “Can I ask you a question?” She continued before I could respond. “What will they say when you tell them about what happened in the woods? How will you explain the fact that you didn’t get a scratch? Because you were saved by a strange creature and willingly followed that creature into a cave? A creature that then followed you into Haven Valley?” She tilted her head and grinned. “That’ll ruffle a few feathers. They’ll assume I’m a Fury in sheep’s clothing.”

“And maybe they’d be right.”

“Maybe, but I can assure you that without my guidance, you’re going to face a terrible fate. You know how concerned Rose is with the safety of this little heaven on earth.”

She was right about that. I didn’t respond, but then she already knew I was agreeing with her, because she could read my thoughts.

“Be careful, Grace. Even here, in a place with perfect laws to keep you safe, there is danger,” Bobbie said. “And more is coming.”

“More? Wolves in sheep’s clothing, you mean? Like the prophecy warns?”

“For now you just need to accept my offer to help keep you safe. Like I said, you’re my charge. I’ve waited a long time to reveal myself to you.”

And yet she could still be the darkness masquerading as light. A Fury who had tricked her way into the gates to sow destruction.

“Really? Me, darkness masquerading as light? It could be anyone, but I promise you it’s not me. My only purpose is to keep you safe. It’s why I saved you from the Fury that would have mauled you and left you to die.”

I was torn, but she made a strong argument.

“What do you mean, the coming threat could be anyone? Do you know who the wolf in sheep’s clothing is?”