*********
Felicia snatched a little pink purse from the table and flung it at Ariel.
"Here. Spend it however you want — these cents are enough for what you need. Now get out of my sight and fetch me the recipes for chicken rice." She hissed the words, then added, "Don't even think about stealing my money or running away. If you do, I'll track you down and kill you."
Elizabeth started to speak, but Ariel stopped her with a quick, warning look.
"Yes, ma'am," Ariel answered, voice steady.
At her uncle's house Ariel always showed respect; she called his wife "Mother" out of love. The woman never returned it.
After she gave Ariel a list of chores, Felicia pushed back her chair and went inside. Ariel grabbed a basket and dashed out, heart pounding — Knox would be home soon, and maybe then she'd finally learn the truth about her mother's death.
Maybe Knox wasn't certain, Ariel told herself as she walked through the woods.
Elizabeth ran after her, but Felicia blocked her way.
"And where do you think you're going, young lady?" Felicia demanded, face hard.
"I'm going with Ariel," Elizabeth replied.
"Go back and read your book. You're not allowed to go anywhere with her." Felicia's voice snapped.
"You can't stop me. I have the right to choose," Elizabeth shot back. She turned toward the gate and, with a flare of hurt, said, "You're not the caring, loving woman I used to know, Mother."
Anger flashed in Elizabeth's voice; she stormed out after Ariel.
"Come back here, Elizabeth!" Felicia yelled.
"Let her go, Mother," Melanie called from behind them, voice mean. "She's been possessed by that witch who killed her mother. Now she talks to you like that and even Dad listens to her."
Felicia's face twisted with rage.
"If this keeps up, do you know what will happen?" Melanie taunted, earning a suspicious look from her mother. "Dad will put her in Big Sis's school — or maybe get her a job."
"That will never happen," Felicia spat.
"It might, if she stays here. I know what I'm saying, Mom."
"So what do you suggest?" Felicia asked.
"Simple. Sell her," Melanie said, bright-eyed.
A cruel smile spread across Felicia's face. "You're my daughter," she murmured, but then uncertainty flickered across her features. "But your father won't approve."
"You don't have to worry about Dad. Just tell him something convincing — make him want to sell her." Melanie's grin was predatory.
"That's my smart baby," Felicia purred.
Ariel paused when she saw Elizabeth running up. "Why are you here, Beth?" she asked.
"Of course I'd come. I'm not going to leave you alone." Elizabeth panted to catch her breath. "I'm sorry for what my mother and sister said."
"It's not your fault," Ariel said softly. "I can't complain. I appreciate everything you all have done for me."
"Oh Ariel — you deserve more than this." Elizabeth's words made Ariel chuckle.
"I'm not greedy," Ariel said. They both breathed out, then Ariel added, "Hope your mom won't scold you for this?"
"Who cares? I go where I want. I'm not a child anymore — I'm an adult. I don't like being controlled."
"True, but you're still under your parents' care," Ariel replied gently.
"I know. But there are things an adult should be allowed to do." Elizabeth smiled, and they both laughed as they walked into the market.
The market was a jumble of color and sound: people haggled over portions of food, garments, and pets. There were magical animals for sale — a yellow lizard, a white fox, a tiny blue jelly — and whispered deals for magical stones. Stalls sold bracelets, jewelry, Halloween costumes, horses, and other oddities.
A fortune-teller who had been stirring a potion paused when he noticed the girls peering at the stalls. He approached them with a flourish.
"Hello, mademoiselles!" he boomed. The girls flinched but returned his greeting.
After a few words he guided them into his shop and sat them down.
"Please — I won't take long. I am Wakanda the fortune-teller. Let me read your futures."
"We don't have time," Ariel said. "We're on an errand. Our mother will be angry if we're late."
"No need for money," Wakanda said with a conspiratorial wink. "I called you here — I'll do it for free. What's your name?" He turned to Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth Thomas," she answered, smiling.
"What a lovely name for a lovely girl," he said, and Elizabeth blushed. Then he offered a hand. "May I have your palm?"
She placed her hand in his as the shop's candlelight flickered.