Caden doesn’t think. He draws his bow and shoots the wolf down. The rest of the pack scatters as their leader falls dead on the ground. Their howls can be heard as they fade from view.
Caden takes Ava up in his arms, fearing the worst.
She’s unconscious but alive and breathing.
He notices a deep cut on her brow, but no blood.
The wolf, was he….no it can’t be!
There are no apparent bite marks on her body.
What the hell happened here? This makes no sense!
Riddled with doubts, he carries Ava home as fast as possible.
Adeline awaits them outside, worried.
“Caden, what happened?"
“I lost her in the fog... wolves got her… it was my fault.”
“No, this cannot be.”
Adeline can’t hold back her tears and starts to cry.
“Calm down, she’s unconscious but still alive."
“Call Dr. Nathaniel now! Hurry!”
“Are you sure we trust him?”
“Yes, now go!”
Caden carries Ava upstairs and places her on the bed.
Damn it. I should have known you weren’t ready. I hope it’s not too late.
The doctor knocks on the door, and Adeline guides him to Ava’s bedroom upstairs.
“So, this is the young little Ava i’ve heard so much about!"
"Let's take a look, shall we?”
Dr. Nathaniel takes his time to check Ava.
"Luckily, I don’t see any damage to the skull or the spine. She's still breathing, which is always a good sign, and her wounds seem to be healing just fine.”
He picks up his stethoscope and places it near Ava’s heart and lungs.
“Everything seems to be in order.”
“Then why is she unconscious?” asks Adeline.
“Judging by her wounds, i would say it was caused by a fall or a blow to the head. Give her a couple of days maybe; she should wake up by then.”
“What if she doesn’t?”
“Whatever happens, call me!” He reaches for his briefcase and grabs a small vial with some pills.
“Take this, it will ease her pain”
“Thank you, doctor,” says Adeline. He grabs Caden’s arm and takes him to a corner of the room.
“You have to be more careful, Caden; if they suspect that Ava’s alive, we will all be in grave danger,” the doctor whispers.
“I know, thank you, doctor.”
He takes his briefcase and leaves.
Ava is in a deep sleep but can hear everything that is happening around her. She’s trapped in what looks like a labyrinth made of thorns.
Where am I? What is this place?
As she tries to look for a way out, she finds a little girl wondering about.
“Are you lost?" You sure look lost!” she says. “Who are you?”
“My name is Anneliese, but you can call me Anne. And you are?"
“I’m Ava.”
"Ava... such a lovely name," she says, smiling.
“What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to help you.”
“Help me?”
“I’m here to help you find who you really are.”
“What are you talking about? I know who I am, i don’t need your help!”
“There are secrets waiting to be revealed and doors to be opened. The labyrinth will open itself to you once you reach the center.”
“Stop it! You’re not making any sense!”
“You may try to deny it. The truth is in your blood, and in time you will find it.”
“What truth? Who are you really?”
“You know who I am.”
“You’re lying!”
“Search for the truth and you’ll find me there!”
“You’re lying! Let me out! Let me out!” Ava wakes up suddenly, screaming.
Caden was sleeping in a chair next to her and almost fell. Realizing that Ava is awake, with tears streaming down his face, he gives her a tight hug.
“I thought I’d lost you there, princess!”
“What’s wrong? What happened?”
“Don’t you remember?”
“I remember we left the cabin to go hunting, then everything got hazy!”
“You got caught by a big bad wolf, but everything is okay now that you’re here” he smiles.
“How did I get here?”
“I brought you home, of course!”
“When was that?"
“Three days ago.”
“Oh, my head, it hurts!”
“Lay still and rest, the doctor said you would feel better in a couple of days. You were really lucky!”
“I was lucky you were there!”
“I will always be there for you, don’t forget that!” Ava smiles.
“Had this strange dream though.”
“What about it?”
“Forget it, it’s probably nothing,” she sighs. Ava raises her hand to touch Caden’s face.
“Ever gonna tell me the story behind this scar of yours?”
“Someday, i promise!” he assured. Then, for a moment, Caden’s expression changed.
“What’s wrong, dad?”
“I was just thinking how much you remind me of her.”
“Who?”
“Your sister, she was about your age when she died. I was afraid I’d lose you too.”
“That won’t happen.” Caden smiles.
Meanwhile, Adeline rushes through the door and sees Ava awake. She doesn’t say a word; she just gives Ava a nice big hug. “What time is it?” Ava asks.
“It’s past dinner time!” Adeline answers.
“Is that rabbit stew I smell?”
"Well, yes, it is, you must be hungry, dear.” Ava nods.
“You stay there and rest; I’ll bring some for you.” Adeline leaves and a strange silent settes in.
“The wolf—was it like the bedtime stories you tell, dad?”
“Yes, wolves can be vile creatures like in the tales and legends!”
“Why did the big bad wolf let me live then?”
“I do not know, child!"
“The wolf, did you kill it?”
“I had no other choice, you wouldn’t be here if i didn’t.”
“I see…”
Adeline comes back with a bowl of rabbit stew, which Ava quickly devours.
"Thanks, mom, it was delicious!” Adeline smiles and exits the room.
“Sleep well, we’ll talk tomorrow!” Caden says.
To be continued...