Chapter Ten
Time to Explain
"Mallory, it's time to hear the explanation."
"What explanation? I don't remember any explanation!" Mallory said nervously.
"Mallory, you know exactly what I'm talking about." I said in a matter-of-factly voice. Mallory sighed in defeat.
"Fine…you got me. So we were at… oh, right! After going to Ever After High, I went to the secret garden every second I could. And Spike was always there…" A silent tear rolls down her cheek.
"Mallory, if you can't go on, it's okay." I said my voice soft and gentle.
"No. You need to know." Her voice was harsh and hurt.
"Okay then. Mal, continue."
Mal cleared her throat and carried on. "But one day, I went to the garden and found Spike curled up into a ball, rocking back and forth, back and forth. He told me, and I remember his exact words, 'They're coming. They brainwashed me Mal. I'm a monster. Kill me, I hate myself! Get away from me Mal…I'm dangerous.' That stung. Then his magic aura surrounded him and its usual navy blue color turned blood red. He stood up and he nearly punched me, but mid-way he stopped realizing what was happening. He spoke again, 'The shadows are coming. They brainwashed me. They want your magic, your life force. They made me a monster. I need to redeem myself Mal, I need to save you.' Then they came. They tried to take me away. But Spike saved me. He made a hole and pushed me through, he doesn't remember because Prick had already taken over his system. Prick was in control and that was Spike last effort against him."
"And now you're here…" I said quietly. Though Spike was thoroughly affected because he thought he did nothing, Mallory was deeply scarred because she knew the truth.
"You want to know why I act like I'm completely head-over-heels about Ug?"
"Sure." I was surprised by the question so I quickly blurted out an answer.
"It's because the shadows are watching. If they know I love Ug in a fatherly way they will attack him. But normal mushy-mushy love is useless to them. Love makes them grow stronger, so I pretend acts of love and kindness don't affect me. Because that's what they feed off of.
"Mallory, won't the shadows hear you?" I asked slightly scared.
"Make a soundproof bubble around myself and anyone nearby when I talk about Ug like this so, we're safe."
"Mallory, I'm really glad you told me this. I feel really connected to you."
"I do to. But Briar, it's time to get you back to the secret garden. Spike should be normal again since Prick doesn't have enough power to completely overtake him. I'll tell Ug you had to go but you said bye. The hole is still open and will stay open for about eight more minutes. I'll be back in a bit too."
"Right! That hole is your ticket back to Ever After too!"
"No. I meant I will be back at the portal ready to say bye to you."
"Huh? I thought you were coming?"
"I'll explain later…"