Chapter 1
I felt something on the back of my head. I covered my face too late after my mask had fallen off.
"Ella!"
Hattie shrieked.
"Ella?" Char exclaimed?
With my hands over my face, I broke out of Char's grasp and ran into the dark night. My orange coach was no longer outside of the front door. I quickly rushed home, covering my disheveled hair with my hands and trying to stop the downpour of rain that was starting.
I quickly arrived home and slammed open the door.
"Mandy!" I cried out, "I've endangered Char yet again! And Kyrria!"
"Don't worry, love," she said, with worry in her voice, as she scurried to retrieve all of my belongings, with bread flour still all over her hands. I tore off my ball dress and donned my servants' wear, and I smeared my sooty skirt over my face. Then, I stuffed a bag full of my clothes, my Tonic, and my magical book.
From the front door, I could hear Char and his men approaching. Quickly, I stuffed a couple of coins in my pocket, and then, I ran for the door.
"Ella!" Char gasped when he saw me, "Ella?"
I glanced up with sadness, and I saw his yearning face. Then, I scurried out of the door, hiding my face in pain. As I was halfway out, I felt his hand clasp onto mine.
"Ella," he murmured, with hope in voice, trying to keep me stil, "Why must you be like this? Why can't we..."
I shook his hand off, not bearing to hear the rest of his words.
And I ran.
From behind me, I heard shouts as the men yelled, "Get her!" But, I was running much too quickly. As I ran, the chilly wind bit at my cheeks, and tears flowed uncontrollably out of my eyes.
I was never going to see him again.
The last thing I heard was his yearning voice yelling my name.
Then, the night lapsed into calm silence.