On the other side of the door, inside Fiona's room, she sighed in frustration. She had had enough of Britney.
This wasn't the first time Britney had suspected her of being involved with creepy beings, simply because Fiona spent most of her time alone in her room. Britney believed she was some sort of accomplice in an imagined war of some kind. She was a strange kid. Barely. No, not barely she had no friends at all, because she chased everyone away with her bizarre beliefs.
Somewhere in between, Fiona felt a little bad for the girl. She only hoped that when Britney got into high school, her life wouldn't be filled with bullying.
The next day, Fiona was finally allowed to return to school. She felt relieved yet uneasy, knowing she would have to make up for the two days she had missed. All because of that strange dream she still struggled to recall.
She entered her classroom, which was unusually rowdy. Students chattered and argued over an issue she didn't care to understand. Ignoring the noise, Fiona made her way to her seat, which was thankfully free from gossiping classmates.
"What's all the ruckus about, Aviva?" Fiona asked.
"An excursion," Aviva replied casually, scrolling through her phone.
"An excursion? About what?"
"The museum."
"Are you mad at me or…?" Fiona trailed off.
Aviva sighed and dropped her phone onto the desk. "Of course I'm angry. Why didn't you tell me, Fiona? I thought we were friends."
Fiona froze. Was she talking about the strange things that had been happening to her? The cave… the dreams? How did she know?
"I wanted to tell you," Fiona said carefully, "but I needed to keep you away from harm."
"Harm?" Aviva scoffed. "And you couldn't even save one for me. You ate them all."
"I had to kee-" Fiona stopped. "Wait… ate what?"
Aviva sighed. "The shepherd's pie, silly." She covered her face dramatically.
"Oh," Fiona breathed, relieved. "That's what you meant."
"What did you think I meant?" Aviva asked, brows knitting together.
"Nothing. So… why are you mad about the pie? And how did you know I had it?"
"When I came to your house yesterday, I took a detour to the kitchen. I asked your chef if there was any shepherd's pie left, and he said you ate the last slice."
"I'm sorry," Fiona said, smiling. "I'll get you some."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
Aviva's mood instantly brightened. "So why is everyone upset about the excursion?"
"We were supposed to go to Sparkling Waterfalls, but it was postponed. Instead, we're stuck looking at boring old artifacts."
"I don't think the museum sounds that bad."
"Not that bad?" Aviva scoffed. "We traded a fun day for dusty old mummies."
Fiona giggled softly. "Let's just hope it's fun."
As they waited, Sir Lewis entered the classroom holding a tablet. He adjusted his ponytail and began roll call.
When everyone was accounted for, they boarded the bus.
Fiona found herself seated between Aviva and Twilight.
"This excursion will be nice, as long as Sir Lewis is here," Aviva whispered.
"Only for you," Fiona whispered back, casting a wary glance at Twilight.
Aviva soon moved to sit beside Sir Lewis, leaving Fiona alone with Twilight.
She cursed silently. Why does the universe always do this to me?
Twilight stared out the window, his thoughts drifting far away, to Phosaither, to blood-soaked fields and a voice that haunted him.
Save Phosaither.
The bus jolted over a speed bump, and Fiona accidentally leaned into him.
She froze.
Instead of insulting her, Twilight looked down with faint amusement.
"Are you comfortable," he murmured, "or should I fetch you a blanket, Miss Marvin?"
She tried to move.
"If you move," he whispered, "I'll stab you."
Something pressed against her back.
A knife?
Twilight pulled away, revealing a pen. "So you fear death."
"You're insane," Fiona hissed.
"And you lack sanity," he replied coolly.
They arrived at the museum. A grand building guarded and well-kept.
Inside, dinosaur skeletons towered over them. Mr. Henry introduced himself and began explaining the country's history.
He spoke of great rulers, tyrants, and builders. The students listened. Some eagerly, others bored.
Then they reached a heart-shaped rock split in half.
"This is our latest discovery," Mr. Henry said. "The Heart Rock."
Fiona's breath caught. The cave.
They continued.
"King Marvin the First," Mr. Henry announced.
Fiona stiffened. Marvin?
He spoke of Queen Rose, Prince Sun, and Princess Star. Fiona stared at the paintings, unease settling deep in her chest.
After the tour, they gathered in the canteen.
"I'm dying of boredom," Aviva complained.
"I liked it," Fiona said.
Aviva groaned.
Fiona excused herself to the restroom.
On her way back, she passed through the Egyptian exhibit.
A growl echoed behind her.
She turned.
A pale figure lunged and slammed her against the wall, fingers crushing her throat.
"Give me the heart necklace."
"I-what-?"
"Give it to me!"
Her vision blurred.
Then. Slice.
The creature collapsed, head rolling across the floor.
Fiona gasped.
Twilight stood there, sword dripping with black blood.
"T-Twilight…"
He looked at her as if saving her was an inconvenience. "Is like you like attracting trouble?"