Ninety Five

Raven

My legs scrambled into motion, fighting to maintain speed with Vlad. We continued our journey on foot, and I felt a shakiness in my limbs, paralyzed with fear.

Everywhere looked more sinister now that my dad wasn't with me. Knowing how smart my dad was, he was probably going to suspect foul play and find a way to get the staff before me.

Vlad wasn't helping matters; he was so irritated and impatient, with his eyes like flint stones and a dark scowl playing on his face.

I needed to do this for him before he loses his shit.

We kept moving, with Vlad waiting for my direction. I was so tired and needed a break but I didn't dare tell him.

My heartbeat raced with a fluttery feeling in my belly when I recognized a sun-baked road that we had driven past when my dad and I came here. Then I recognized the colored huts, the tall flagpole, and the wooden benches scattered throughout the place.

"Vlad, I think this is the place," I pointed out the road.

His face lit like a sunburst