But when she opened her eyes, taking in the world around her, the white walls and windows of her bedroom were gone. Instead, there were large trees that rolled as far as she could see – the ground was mossy and damp under her body. She stood up quickly, trying to find her bearings as panic settled in.

No.

As she began to walk, she found herself entirely turning around, but the trees never changed or thinned.

Lost. She was lost.

She sucked in a sharp breath, trying to get a grip on her building anxiety but failing spectacularly. Still, she paused in an effort to call upon the girl she had once been – the girl who felt at home in the woods. The memory helped ground her for a moment.

To her left, something moved in the shadows, and a small scream escaped her lips. She went to step away from the disturbance, but her foot caught on a fallen tree, and she fell hard to her knees. She cursed loudly as a sharp pain shot through her.

Laughter echoed around her, chilling her blood.

A wicked sound.

‘Now, princess, what are you doing in the middle of the forest in the dead of night on your knees? Waiting for me?’ Sapphire looked up, finding Ashes hovering above her.

Sapphire pushed herself up from the ground. She had to tilt her head upward slightly to meet the girl’s menacing gaze.

Sapphire blinked a few times before taking a step back. ‘I’m not sure how I got here. One minute I was asleep, dreaming of the forest – a small child running, trying to escape something … the next, I was here.’

‘Fascinating,’ Ashes said, squinting slightly in amusement. ‘Well, do get home safe, princess. I’d hate for you to stumble across something dangerous.’

Sapphire watched as she almost slipped out of view before shouting, ‘Wait. Please! Just … Just help me find the lake? Point me in the right direction, even.’

Ashes paused, turning on her heel shortly after.

‘It must run in your family to beg Shadow Witches for assistance.’

‘What is that supposed to mean?’ Sapphire asked.

Ashes’ gaze locked on to her then, pinning her in place, as the witch’s eyes raked over her face.

‘I asked you a question.’ Sapphire stepped closer to the witch, fighting the urge to grab Ashes by her dress.

‘Not one I’m interested in answering.’

Sapphire closed her eyes for a few moments, trying to remain calm, but frustration built in her like a weapon ready to be used.

‘Will you help me or are you just wasting my time?’

‘I never do anything for free, princess. What do I get in return?’

‘I have nothing to offer you,’ Sapphire bit out.

She felt the witch’s thin fingers wrap around her wrist, tugging her closer.

‘What a foolish thing to say, princess. Assuming you have nothing I could want.’