AN: And I'm back again! Thanks for all the reviews, and for the sincere hatred of Varice. I hate her too guys.
Daine sat on the single sofa, immersed in the book. Numair's scholarliness had amazed her. He, liking to read, had a gigantic library in his study. Shelves upon shelves of books. Some had bored her beyond belief, but others were fascinating narratives. Fantasy, to be exact. At first, she had been slow in agreeing to read them, but eventually Numair had found a series of books that amused her enough for her to not chuck them onto the floor. Just as she was really getting into the book, Numair stumbled into the room, carrying a big brown box. What's in the box? She wrote.
"Your surprise." He said smugly, black hair wild.
Curiosity sparked, she put down the book and hopped off the couch to take a look. Carefully, she opened the box, and a kitten popped up. Amber eyes blinked at her as the kitten meowed softly. She swept the kitten up into a hug as it meowed in bewilderment. Where did you get it?
"Well, seeing how much you liked it," He paused to pet it affectionately. It purred as his big finger patted its head. "I stopped by the hospital and picked it up."
She set the kitten down as it ran away, undoubtedly to find some quality furniture to shred. Just as she was about to pick up the book again, after hugging Numair, of course, her phone buzzed. Numair had insisted on buying her an iPhone, since she had to text. The text was from Delphine, who had become her best friend over the course of a week. U busy? Found a totally awesome place in the forest.
Daine smiled, and showed the text to Numair. He glanced outside. It was late afternoon, about 4 o'clock. "I don't know, Daine, are you sure you can go alone?"
Daine smiled, annoyed and bemused at his over protectiveness. It was nice to have a person who would worry over where you were and you in general. I've done it before, Numair. And Delphine will be with me. You know it's wonderful in the forest.
He smiled, and consented. "Alright, just be careful. Try to be back by dinner, won't you?"
Daine smiled, and nodded, throwing on a light jacket as she texted back, Coming, meet you at the main trail.
The main trail was where all the paths started from. If you looked from above, it would look like a twisted, gnarled tree, with the main trail as the trunk, with all the other paths branching out. Delphine was already waiting for her. "C'mon!" She said impatiently.
Daine just smiled and trailed after her. Delphine had told her that she liked exploring, and had been looking around the forest for ages. The two walked in a companionable silence for a while.
As they walked, both enjoying nature, the forest grew steadily darker around them. Daine didn't notice, taking in the spring life. Abruptly Delphine turned around, blond hair shimmering. Daine whipped out her notebook and pencil. Are we there yet? I don't see anything.
Delphine sounded oddly preoccupied. Usually she was a lot more chatty and chirpy. "Yes, we're here, I think. Give me a sec to make a call, would you?"
Daine nodded, stepping for away to give her some privacy. Delphine went to a nearby tree, taking out her phone. After a few minutes of talking and nodding, she came back. "Alright, that's done. Just a little bit more to go! Trust me, it'll be worth it."
Why are we going off the trail? Daine questioned.
"I told you it was special." Delphine said happily, taking her even farther.
The two walked a bit more. "Daine?"
Yes?
"For what it's worth, I'm really sorry." Delphine turned around, and Daine saw sorrow in her eyes.
She was confused. For what?
"This." Delphine suddenly grabbed her and yelled, "I have her!"
"Ah, good." A voice purred. Ms. Kingsford stepped out from a nearby tree. She looked much the same, just dressed in more practical clothes. And her eyes, which had been jovial and happy during school. They were a cold, misty blue, the color of a block of ice. She smiled like a cat at a helpless bird. "Very good, Delphine, you've done your work well."
Daine had started struggling the second Ms. Kingsford had walked out. But Delphine was stronger, and Daine had wilted during her time in the hospital. She was powerless. Ms. Kingsford—no, Varice—lifted up a silvery item. It was a tranquilizer gun. "Now, now, honey," She said soothingly, a cruel smile adorning her face, "It'll only hurt a pinch, then you'll be dreaming."
Daine struggled wildly, but it was too late. She felt a prick on her leg and things began to swim around. Varice smiled even wider as she began to fall limp. "Oh, little girl, it's all your mummy's fault, isn't it?" She cooed, her voice like an evil angel's. It was sickly sweet.
Daine struggled weakly, but it was no use. The last thing she heard was Delphine's voice, whispering to her, "I'm sorry Daine." Everything went black as she slipped away.
I'm sorry Daine…
AN: So…how was it? Now you can feel justified in hating Varice. Love it? Hate it? Tell me in a review. I would love your opinions and speculations on Delphine.