Page 8 of Wicked Revenge

“Wow, they sound too good to be true, Ella.”

“I know, but that's what happened. Now, enough about me, I need to know what the fuck happened to you.” She squeezes my hands tightly in hers.

“I will tell you everything, but not here. Can you meet me after you close at my cottage?”

“Are you staying in Grams’s old cottage?”

“No, I bought a place,” I get up and walk over to the desk to grab a pen and paper. I am still wary of anyone finding out where I am staying, but this is my best friend. I know I can trust her. I draw her out some directions she should be able to understand and fold it in half. “Make sure you are not followed,” I instruct as she stands.

I tuck the paper in her apron pocket before crushing her back into my chest in a hug that hopefully shows her how happy I am to see her again. I release her after a few moments and make my way to the door, before looking back at her frozen in place with tears in her eyes.

“Ella, I promise, I will be there when you come,” I try to reassure her fears. The last time I left her here, I disappeared. I get it, she doesn’t think she will see me again. “Bring some food with you, I am fucking starving.” I smile at her to break the tension before walking out the door.

She doesn’t follow me.

It's for the best. It was hard enough to walk away from her now that I've gotten her back. I will see her again. No one is taking me this time. I am the one doing the taking now, and I’ve got to stick to the plan.

Today wasn't a complete waste. My childhood friend might have made me, but she also gave me some vital information, even if I have more questions. I need to find out more about these Shadows.

Who are they?

Why do the Kingsmen fear them?

But first, my fourth mark needs to learn of his place on my list.

Making my way back out of the alley, I follow the cobblestone path to his house. He will be the fourth Kingsmen to receive my special little calling card, and by tomorrow, he will know exactly what that means.

Chapter 4

As a child, I walked these streets into town and back, exploring the woods as I went. Shadow Forest reminds me of the fairy tales my Grams would read to me.

The darkness that I’ve experienced now taints my memories like a curse, but it doesn’t take away from the beauty of the town.

The sun is starting its descent for the day, washing the sky in deep purples and pink hues. The streets are bare right now, only a few stragglers here and there as I take the path away from my mark’s house near the town square that leads to the main road.

Most of the houses around town have that similar whimsical feel that my Grams had. My cottage is similar, even if it appears to have been completely renovated. It has a modern vibe while still having the same feel as hers– but also a certain darkness to it.

It really matches my soul.

I’ve noticed a few newer builds, and I’m sure there are more deep throughout the forest for the loners like me.

Taking in the houses as I walk down the cobbled path, my boots crunching on the loose stones, I notice there are no children playing in the yards. It’s late enough in the day that children are no longer in school, so where are they?

Do they not feel safe here? Knowing the darkness that I endured at the hands of the Monster and his men, I’d imagine that to be the case.

It won’t be like this much longer.

I long to see the children of this town exploring the forest, playing in their own yards, walking freely in and out of town like I did growing up. It wasn’t always like this.

The years have not been kind to Shadow Forest, and the darkness that shrouds this town can all be traced back to him.

The path that leads me to my bike is just up ahead, but I stop and look back into town. The people of this town deserve to live happy, free lives.

They shouldn’t have to live in a constant state of fear, wondering who, or what, will come out of the woodwork to torment them into submission. The people deserve to feel the love, joy, and peace that once flowed like a river through the town.

Turning to the hidden path, I take in the forest surrounding the town. I spent so much of my time exploring these woods as a child, my Grams worried I’d decide to move out here and live my days in the trees. This was my happy place.

The smell of the sap as it drips from the tall pines and the fallen logs scattered throughout, make a perfect spot to sit and rest after a long walk, or to sit and draw. I’d spend hours lost in my sketchbook out here.

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