Page 32 of Whispers of the Elderoak

Her mind was a whirlwind of magic and monsters. Mythical creatures and ancient kings. Princesses and orcs and goblins. She had to admit, she was just a little excited. Like she would be entering the pages of one of her many beloved fantasy books.

She was still furious at her mother and grandfather for keeping things from her. For thinking she wasn’t old enough or couldn’t handle the truth. She had always felt different but every time she tried to ask her mother about it, she wouldcoo at her and say things like ‘You’re just special, my little bird,’ or ‘You’re destined for great things.’

‘What things?’ she wanted to scream at her.

And now she was dead, and she’d never know the truth. Not unless she went through the portal.

A car door slammed and Ava rose from her seat on the porch, meeting Eleanor at the steps.

“Ava!” Eleanor shouted as she rushed toward her with fear in her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” She grasped her arms, steadying her.

“He’s coming—” Eleanor took a breath, frantic. “He knows about it.”

“Who? What are you talking about?”

Eleanor looked around in the dark, eyes darting over the yard, then took Ava’s hand and led her to the back yard. “They might be listening,” she whispered.

They stopped in the back and Ava turned to her, clutching her hands. “You’re scaring me. Slow down, take a deep breath.” Ava tried to calm her friend, her own heart beating out of her chest. “Who’s listening?”

Eleanor stopped talking for a moment as she tried to slow her breathing. “I overheard him talking on the phone,” she rambled. “I don’t think he knew I was there. He talked about the portal and somehow knew what we were doing tonight. He also mentioned blood. Something about using blood to open the doorway.”

“Who are you talking about? Who said that?” she asked, unsure if she wanted to know.

“Henry,” she whispered, eyes wide. “He said he needed your blood.”

Ava let go of Eleanor’s hands. “What?” she exclaimed as she stepped back shaking her head. “No. You—you must have heard someone else…”

Dizziness overwhelmed her and her mouth went dry. Itcouldn’t be Henry. He cared for her. He would never harm her; she was sure of it. Right?

“Ava please. We have to get out of here. He’s on his way,” Eleanor said, trying to approach Ava.

Another car door slammed, causing the women to jump.

“Ava! Are you out here?” Henry’s voice sounded.

“It’s too late, we have to run!” Eleanor whispered harshly.

“Fuck. This is crazy,” Ava whispered, heart racing. She turned and shouted, “In the backyard!”

Eleanor widened her eyes at Ava. “No! Don’t let him see the map!” she whispered.

Henry turned the corner and walked over to Ava, noticing she was trembling. “What’s wrong? Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, I just…What are you doing here?” she asked Henry.

Looking suspiciously at Eleanor and then back to Ava, he ran his fingers through his hair. “I came to check on you,” he said. “I, um… overheard Eleanor talking to someone on the phone. I don’t know what’s going on, but she sounded like she was going to hurt you.”

“What?” she said looking at Eleanor.

“He’s lying! Please, listen!” Eleanor frantically tried to explain.

Ava backed away from them, unsure what to do. She didn’t believe Henry would hurt her, but she also didn’t think Eleanor would make this up. Her boyfriend and her best friend. Her only friend. Fear churned in her gut as she wrestled with what to do, who to believe.

“What’s going on?” she whispered, looking back and forth between them.

“Ava, you’re my best friend! Stay away from him!” Eleanor shouted, getting angrier no one was listening to her.

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