Page 5 of Alpha Dragon Protectors

I pulled into the first rest stop I saw and parked in the lot. I walked straight to the restroom, ignoring the curious stares of the women who crowded around the sink area.

When I returned to my car, my heart raced. Was I doing this? I had never been so far away from home. I didn't want to admit it, but Grayson was right. I had no idea what I was doing.

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and counted to ten. I opened them and sat down behind the wheel, looking at the gas gauge.

I started the engine and pulled out onto the highway once more.

Half an hour later, I found myself sitting in the middle of nowhere. I was tired, hungry, and scared out of my mind. The landscape had changed drastically since I had left town. I knew I was close but even when I got to Shadow Crest, I had no clue as to what to do.

All I knew was that I needed to find my father.

I pulled off the main road and drove down a dirt path, hoping to find a place to sleep. After a few minutes of driving, I slowed to a stop, forcing myself to look around.

Everything looked different. The trees and grass were taller than before, and I noticed that the sky had changed color. Not only that but there was a heavy fog hanging over the ground. The air smelled damp and earthy.

My stomach growled loudly, interrupting my thoughts.

It had been hours since I had eaten dinner. I hadn't planned on stopping this late, but I figured I might as well find somewhere to eat. If I stayed in the car much longer, the heat would eventually make me pass out.

I pulled into the first restaurant I saw, parking near the front entrance. My stomach growled again, encouraging me to hurry up.

I stepped out of the car and walked to the front door, my eyes sweeping across the building. There was a large sign hanging above the doorway with a bright red arrow pointing toward the restaurant. It read:

LIVE BIRDS & ANIMALS

I bit back a laugh, wondering if the person who wrote it thought live birds and animals would bring business.

I pressed the doorbell, waiting patiently for someone to answer.

A minute passed before the door swung open and an elderly man stood there. His white hair was thinning and his face was wrinkled, although he looked healthy enough. He wore a black suit, was covered in dust, and carried a briefcase.

He looked at me sharply, tilting his head slightly.

"Can I help you?" He asked cautiously, taking a step back.

"Uh...yes," I stuttered, catching my breath. "I'm looking for something to eat."

His eyes widened slightly and he shook his head slowly. "No, thank you."

"Oh," I said, confused. "But I-"

"Come inside," he interrupted, pushing past me and leading me into the restaurant. "We're very busy today."

"Busy?" I repeated, following him inside. "But I just came in?"

"Yes," he said, turning around and motioning to the empty tables. "That's why you can sit anywhere you like."

"But I didn't order anything," I said, raising my eyebrows.

"You didn't have to," he replied curtly. "But we're very busy, so I hope you don't mind sharing."

I nodded, following him to a table in the corner. He sat down and gestured for me to join him.

"Where are your friends?" he asked bluntly.

I shrugged, watching him closely.

"They weren't interested in dining with me," I answered simply.

---