Chapter 2: Monkey Monkey

There's no light inside. I swiftly close the door behind me, as quietly as I can, and fumble for a light switch. I can't find one…

Suddenly, a dim light fills most of the room, and oh my god, I whip round, half frozen in fright as I see –

Bon. On the centre desk. Next to a lamp. Smirking in his Pine Marten form. That seems to be his most common form… maybe that is what he will finally take shape as?

My legs almost give way beneath me as I almost collapse in relief.

"Scared?" He smirks. I fail to suppress a tiny giggle and, quietly making my over to the desk and my daemon, begin to riffle through the drawers.

Forty minutes later, and the most I have found is a crisp white document of papers, dated as today, with a long list of children's names, ages and daemons on them. I'm guessing it would be useful – only a little, but still worth the search and danger – so I folded it up and stuffed it in my pocket for safe-keeping.

I feel like I am about to give up…

Thump.

I glance around quickly. "Bon?" I hiss. He shakes his head.

"Don't look at me!" He quickly changes into tiny mouse again, diving for cover into my pocket.

Then, soft shuffling sounds near the door – from the outside! I quickly clear the desk of any evidence we've been here – shutting the drawers and shoving the remaining papers into my satchel. I haven't had a chance to read them yet, but Lord Asriel and his underground government may find them to useful.

I shut off the light from the lamp, and Bon and I hide together, under the desk.

Silence. I'm so afraid, I can hear my heart thumping loudly in my ears. I just hope no one else can…

Creeaaakk…

The door slowly, slowly swings open with a dull creaking sound, and I can feel Bon stirring in my pocket, getting ready to leap out and change if necessary.

A bright light floods the room, and I have to squint against it for a moment – until, in front of the desk, two golden paws shield some of the light emanating to under the desk.

Golden monkey paws…

Ms Coulter's daemon is a golden monkey… My breathing shallow, I move back – as quietly as I possibly can – towards the back end of the desk. The golden paws advance.

Quiet… back…quiet…back…quiet…back…

I can't see the paws anymore. I stop moving – maybe he's gone. After a few seconds, I slowly stand up and survey the room – the light is still on, but I can't see him anywhere… breathing a sigh of relief, I turn around to collect my satchel off the floor –

Oh my god, it's happening so fast – one moment I'm standing there, Bon in Pine Marten form next to me – the next Bon is yelling on the floor, writhing under – under…

The golden monkey…

The screaming sounds are coming so fast and high, and I don't even realise it's me making them as I fall to the floor next to Bon – I forget his pain is my pain and vice versa – until it stops.

Bon has changed form into a large, wild cat and has thrown the monkey to the floor.

I stand up too fast and feel my head swim… Why didn't I listen to Lord Asriel?!

"Aphra – come quickly!"

I don't need to be told twice as we race out of the room and through the hallway – and come bang into contact with Ms Coulter herself.

A/N: Ok guys, sorry it's sooo short:( But I'll upload the new chapter asap, I promise:D as always, reviews pleasseee?? haha lovessss xox!!