Page 16 of Unravelling The Beast

He gives me a little nod before I help him to his feet and he takes my hand in his, but when I glance up at Arlo, he is clearly observing us.

As the overwhelming pull returns, I avert my eyes once more and start to look around until I see a train approaching. Not just any train, but a vintage steam train resembling the one that travels to Hogwarts and I gasp as I look down at a grinning Cree.

"Wow, Cree! It's just like your toy!"

The joy on his face is palpable, and watching him so happy fills my heart with happiness. When it comes to a stop, the loud whistle makes my body jolt, and I place my hand on my chest just as Cree tugs on my hand.

"Don't be scared, Wren. It won't hurt you."

As the conductor allows us on and we enter, I take Cree aboard the train and lower him to his feet when we’re inside before taking a brief look around at the exquisite vintage carriage that is filled with luxurious royal blue and gold materials.

"Wow, this is amazing!"

Cree suddenly clutches my hand, snapping me out of my trance.

"Wren, come sit with me!"

Because of his eagerness, he pulls on my hand, causing me to stagger forward with a giggle, with Arlo trailing slowly behind us.

Cree climbs on my lap as I take a seat near the window, while Arlo sits opposite us. We don't have to wait long before the train starts moving, and Cree bounces up and down on me as we gaze out the window at the beautiful scenery we pass.

I cast a glance Arlo's way every now and again, and he just watches us, straight-faced, completely silent. It makes me feel like he's holding back because I'm here, which is unfortunate, and I don't understand it, but it's his choice.

Cree presses his face against the window the entire time, and I feel like we've bonded more today, but if Arlo can't see it, I'm not sure what else I can do.

Arlo eventually speaks when the journey has ended after a few hours.

"Time for us to go, Cree."

"No!"

Cree's sudden outburst takes me aback, and I calmly peer down at him on my lap as he folds his arms across his small chest with attitude, giving his dad a stern look.

My gaze is drawn to Arlo's, who glances at me, but Cree suddenly surges from my lap and tries to run up the carriage.

I attempt to reach out quickly to catch him, but Arlo gets there first by catching his wrist and speaking sternly.

"What did Wren say about keeping hold of our hands at all times?"

He frowns at his dad and stamps his little foot.

"But I don't want to go!"

Arlo's tolerance appears to wear thin quickly, and he stands before simply picking up Cree and carrying him off the train.

Cree kicks and screams in Arlo’s arms until we're on the platform, and he sets him down, still holding his wrist firmly.

I stand behind him as he crouches down to speak calmly to him at eye level.

"We can't stay here forever, Cree. The trip is over. We'll come back soon."

He gives his dad a serious glare.

"You always say that, and then we never come back!"

When I hear Arlo sigh and then lower his head, I decide to intervene. I take a step forward and place my hand on Arlo’s shoulder before crouching down beside him.

As I keep my focus on Cree, I notice Arlo looking at my hand on his shoulder, and he continues to keep his eyes on me as I remove it and speak softly to Cree.

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