Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. No copyright infringement is intended.

"What's wrong brother dearest?" She said with a sly grin on her face. For a second, just one I caught a glimpse of her thoughts. I didn't need to breathe, but I took a sharp intake of breath at the thought that crossed her mind just for a moment, but I still caught it.

"He's scared. So he should be. All this planning cannot be wasted now."

My eyes bored into hers a flash of recognition showed on her face, she knew that I had read her thoughts. I watched as her eyes flickered into the forest behind me. I could sense that there was someone else nearby. Trying to turn to face them was impossible, I was unable to move. It was like I was rooted to the spot.

The smile that spread across Alice's face filled me with fear.