The Rebel Star Part 3 (Oxfam)

I started back, but the woman’s hands were on my shoulders.

A low huff and grumble came down the hall from the front door.

She pulled me out into the garden, and we crouched behind a bush. I could feel the frantic beat of my heart. She didn’t seem to have a heart.

Dark as a shadow creeping from the hall, I watched a creature step into the stark light of the kitchen.

He was far too huge to be a real bear. Paws bigger than my head carried his powerful bulk. His eyes gleamed red and evil and his great head roved from side to side.

“Ursa Major’s soldier,” the glowing woman whispered in my ear. “I think they’re hunting… me.”

Her eyes were bright and keen, scanning the kitchen table with its scattered papers, as the bear’s snout pressed to the floor. They flashed to me for a heartbeat.

“Fancy some target practice?” she grinned. “Sticks – I need sticks.” I stared at her, immobile. “Well, go on!”

NEXT STOP: Bank Gardens XXXlocationXXX