Miss Metilda Magoon was locking up the cash register late that night after a long day. Her bookshop "Metilda's" was actually starting to pick up; many people were beginning to be interested in her unusual collection of books. But, she hadn't the heart to put a 'now hiring' sign in the window yet; she kept thinking that Leora would turn up sooner or later.

She had heard about the horrible break-in only a month before, about Leora's aunt being murdered. Police had talked to witnesses who said they saw some strange looking men go into the building around the time the policemen figured she was killed. They concluded that Leora had come back to the apartment that day, but left just a moment later. She never returned, she didn't contact anyone, not even her boss, Metilda.

Metilda sighed as she held at the apron she made Leora wear. But, finally coming to the fact she'd never see Leora again, she set it in a drawer and locked it. But as she looked up, she gasped.

Leora was standing there, right in front of her; black jeans and all, it was like she never left.

"Oh my goodness! Lori?" Metilda wondered.

"Hey Mellie!" And without hesitation Leora came over to her and hugged her. Metilda began to cry in relief.

After she helped the old woman lock up, Leora wasted no time. "Listen, Metilda, I won't be coming to work for you anymore."

"What? Why not my dear?" Miss Magoon asked.

"Well, because of all this." She pointed to her bags she had sitting on the ground behind her. "I'm leaving New York."

"Well, I don't understand I-"

"Do you remember what you told me a month ago? The last time you saw me? I told you I wanted to get out of this place, travel, and go on an adventure. Well, I have, and just like you said to me; I've found my place in the world after all."

Smiling bitter-sweetly, Metilda replied, "I'm glad you did. Lori, I don't suppose I will see you again, will I?"

Leora grew a stern look, and told her sadly, "No, I don't think you will."

So, she hugged the old lady and tried to ease her pain. But, nothing would help. And without a word, she picked up her things, she began to walk away. But, just then, something struck Metilda.

"Leora! Wait!" She ran up to her and pulled something out of her purse. "Here, I want you to have this," It was the entire collection of Grim Fairytales. Leora couldn't believe it.

"Metilda! This is wonderful thank you!" She took it happily and walked once again to the corner.

"Lori, can I ask you one thing?"

"Sure."

"What's it like? This new life you've found? Is there anything you can say to describe it?" asked Metilda.

"Miss Magoon, the only way I could is by saying one thing: it's just like a fairytale." And Leora walked off around the corner, with a smile on her face.

Sighing, but with a smile, Metilda turned and walked home, just picturing what Leora's new life was like.

Fog covered the path leading to Central Park, and it was Leora's final stop before going back to the 9 kingdoms. Looking around her in the forest, she looked up at all of the tall buildings, the bright lights, the loud noises, and the other aggravations of this unpleasant city. It was true, she would miss it some; but she also knew that one day, long from now, she would come back to just see how everything is going. But still, she had one thought on her mind.

This city is just too fast for me. I need a place that is more my speed, and I think I've found it. It's been interesting here in New York, but I think I'll like living in the 8th Kingdom much better.

"Oomph! Oh, sorry sir, I didn't mean to run into-" Well, it turns out it wasn't just anyone I ran into.

"You!" Looking up at Damien, I smiled. "What are you doing here? I thought I told you to wait on the other side of the mirror!"

"No you didn't! You distinctly told me to wait by the mirror! You never clarified which side to wait on! And let me say, this is quite a kingdom! I mean, look at all the candles in the castles! That must have taken quite a long time to light them all!"

"As much as I love your rambling, let's go." I struggled to pull him through the mirror, but he stopped me.

"Aren't you going to miss it? You may not be back for years! You're whole life has been here, don't you feel like you're leaving it behind?"

"No Damien, you're wrong. I've got my life right here." I took his hand in mine. And then he made that adorable face I can't stand! So, without any ado, I kissed him. It was awesome!

"Come on, let's go home!" Stepping through the mirror, we passed through the flashing frames until we ended up in the Sleeping Queen castle, my castle.

After I had unpacked, Damien and I walked through the courtyard that sunny day.

"You know, I don't think I've enjoyed life as much as I do now. Why is that?" Damien asked.

"You know, I don't know!" I replied.

"Well, maybe it's because I've finally found my princess, and we lived happily ever after!"

"Happily ever after? I don't think we're there yet! I think we're far from it actually!"

"Why do you say so?"

"Because the worst possible thing is about to come over us! What is heard to be a nightmare, that makes everything in life seem unhappy!"

"And what is that princess?" He asked me.

"Wolf's and Virginia's wedding! It's not far away, and they want us to help with everything! Do you know how stressful it's going to be? The hard work, the wedding dress Virginia didn't want, Wolf eating the food before the actual ceremony, and then the-"

But Damien put his finger to my lips, "It's alright, everything will turn out right, I promise. You don't need to worry about a thing! I am your knight and shining armor, what to you think I'm here to do?"

"Umm, tell me you love me and buy me pretty things?" I answered jokingly.

"No Leora, I'm here to protect you, from everything!" Damien stated as he held me in his arms.

"Oh, you see, I knew that! Really, I did. I was just testing you that's all!"

"Sure you were!"

"Hey! Don't you start that with me you-" But without another word, Damien stole me away into one of the sweetest kisses ever to linger on the earth. Somehow, things were going to work out.

I know what you're going to say, "I love happy endings!" Sorry to disappoint you, but its not over! This story is far from finished, so keep looking at my updates. Ta Ta! Fairytale Dreamer