CASTLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FOREST
"We're really lost," said a blonde-haired girl.
"And that's because of you, Blythe!" Elle jerked.
Riley, Wiley, Orva and Lear could only sigh at Blythe and Elle's argument. at times like this they still have time to fight. But they did not try to defend Blythe because it was indeed her fault. Well, even though it wasn't purely intentional, they still feeling annoyed. Just imagine, Blythe who was in charge of carrying the map dropped it into the river which was immediately lost to the swift currents.
Lear who was running the front suddenly stopped. It inevitably made his friends bump into each other behind him. Elle keep scolding because still upset with Blythe's negligence.
"Shhh! Look at that," said Lear, stopping Elle's scolding.
The others followed the direction pointed by Lear. There was a very large house, even more suitable to be called a castle, standing majestic. The lights around it made the castle not look too scary at night which was dotted with drizzle. Slowly, they walked closer to the castle gates. Riley tried to push it and the gate opened immediately.
"Where are you going, Riley? What if the owner of this castle turns out to be a bad person and likes to kill and eat human flesh? " Blythe asked in a trembling voice.
"Then, it seems like you would rather sleep in the woods with the wild animals there," replied Orva who had been silent hearing her quarrel with Elle.
After that, Orva walked ahead of Blythe and followed her other friends. despite being afraid, Blythe knew she had no choice. Riley arrived first at the castle door. With hesitation, he moved the ring bell hanging on the door. They waited a while for the door to open. In front of them, a woman in a white dress stared with a flat face.
"Who's coming, Ryba?" Another voice came from inside.
The woman called Ryba turned her head and slightly bowed to her. Her face looked very beautiful and still very young. Her reddish brown hair was left loose. there was no smile on her face when she looked at the six teenagers who seemed to shiver with cold.
"Go, Ryba. Prepare a room for them and tell Ona to prepare food. ”
"Yes, miss."
The young lady invited them in. The door is closed again and locked. She walked across the large hall. Riley and his friends followed while gazing in awe at the castle's interior. Big and luxurious. Blythe who walked right behind the woman had thought that he was a ghost because her footsteps couldn't be heard.
They arrived at another room that was no less big. Some of the women who seemed to be going back and forth organizing food on the table. Besides, some men stand calmly. 'Looks like they are guards,' thought Riley. They sat quietly in chairs, while the woman remained standing looking at them with cold eyes.
"My name is Autumn. I'm the owner of this castle. You may stay here, but tomorrow all of you have to leave," said Autumn sharply. "At eleven p.m., all of you must be in the room. No one allowed leave the room until six o'clock in the morning, or you will accept the consequences. Good night. "
Riley looked at Autumn leaving with a frown. While Lear, Orva, and Wylie looked at the food in front of them with happy faces. It's been a day they are spinning direction in the middle of the jungle. The four of them ignored Carly Blythe and Elle. they all enjoyed the food that was presented.
"This place is terrible." Blythe complained, flung himself on the bed.
"Yeah. But the lady was very kind to prepare a room with this good, "said Elle.
Orva rolled his eyes lazily. "Quickly change your clothes. I was tired and wanted to sleep immediately," said her firmly.
In another room, Riley was unpacking the contents of her bag to get dry clothes. Lear and Wylie are also busy with their belongings. After changing clothes, Riley, Lear and Wylie sat on the bed. they talked about the strange castle in the middle of this forest and the owner, Autumn. To Riley, all of this seemed strange and could not be called a coincidence. He had been feeling sensitive saying something had led them to get to this castle.
"Well, for me it's no problem. As long as Elle doesn't do anything strange. You know, even though she's a coward, she likes everything that has mystery, "said Lear, yawning. "Let's sleep!"
The atmosphere was quiet until Riley woke up in the middle of the night. He sat and listened carefully. Came a soft knock from the bedroom door. Despite his hesitation, he moved toward the door to see who was knocking. He sighed to see Elle- looking at him with a small smile. The girl slipped inside and looked at him.
"No, Elle! Back to your room! It is midnight. Remember what Autumn said. "
"Come on, Riley. Are you really not curious about this castle? " Elle seduced in a whining tone. "Miss Autumn won't know we are exploring the castle."
"I'll go with you," said Wylie, who also loved mystery. He woke up hearing Elle's voice.
"I'm not meddling. Go and take responsibility for yourself, "said Riley, then returned to the bed.
Wyllie and Elle snort at Riley. Then left the room and walked slowly in the hallway lit by lanterns. They admire the carvings along the walls. Looks very beautiful and unique. They had to hide several times from the guards that roamed the castle aisles. The next two hours were a pleasant atmosphere for Elle and Wylie without knowing that danger was lurking in the dark part of the castle.
"Miss?" the robed figure stared at Autumn who sat staring at the night sky through the bedroom window.
"Do what you have to do, but leave the others," said Autumn.
"Thank you Miss."
* * *
To be continued...