I peer through a clearing in the woods that overlooks the village and wait for the town square’s morning bell.

Ring! Ring! Ring!

I pull a scarf over my face and make my move.

Weaving between the vendors and villagers, I look both ways before slipping inside the store.

“Good morning, whoever you are!” Mr. Lorimer calls from the back. “I’ll be with you after I find my glasses!”

I don’t bother responding.

I rush to my usual bookshelf and grab A Midsummer’s Night Dream, flipping to the last page.

He’s already written me back?

I’m very sorry to hear about your father’s cruelty again. Would you like me to deal with him for you?

I can. Just let me know…

Once I do that, can we finally meet in person?

Also, you were right about this book.

I hate it.

Pick something else.

—Your Only Friend

Although nothing would make me happier than seeing my father suffer, it’s far too late for that now.

I appreciate your offer, and even though he deserves it, I’ll have to pass…

Something in my life has changed recently, and I have to go away for a while.

If you see this note, meet me in the Whispering Woods. I’ll be wearing a red scarf and sitting near the misty brook that’s half a day away from the village.

If you come and you don’t like what you see, leave.

I’ll never know the difference, and I’m honestly not sure if you’ll read this in time anyway.

—You’re Only Friend, Too

I slam the book shut and steal a copy of Hamlet from the wall before running out of the store.

With my heart racing a mile a minute, I head toward the woods again, leaving this life behind once and for all.

Not So Fast

Gabriel

Lafayette is sleeping on the steps when I return to the Arwyns’ home, a rifle perched on his lap.

“Lafayette?” I push his shoulder. “Lafayette?”

“Oh, shit.” He jolts awake and stands to his feet. “Uh, sorry. I was just napping.”

“Is she still inside?” I snap, frustrated.

“Of course,” he says. “I checked every hour on the hour. She’s in her bed.”

I walk past him and push the front door open, heading to Belle’s room.

“It’s time to leave.” I knock on her door. “The quicker you come with me, the better.”

She doesn’t make a sound.

I knock again, a bit harder this time. “Come to the door now or I’ll be forced to knock it down.”

Unsurprisingly, she doesn’t comply, and I give her a full minute before forcing the door open.

Her room is empty, save for a note on her pillow.

Fuck You, Gabriel.

The Whispering Woods

Belle

Hours Later

My mother’s locket held a secret compass in the second chamber. Its brass needle shone under the darkest skies, keeping me safe and in control on the days I ventured away from home.