The Rebel Star Part 7

In the deep silence of the street, as we neared the crest of the hill, Fallen stumbled against a wall, a hand pressed to her chest. Her glow had faded, and with it her strength, as though the Earth was drawing it out of her.

“I don’t know how to get back home,” she whispered.

Sometimes, I would walk past my mum’s room, and she would be on the edge of the bed with her face in her hands. Sometimes, I thought she was crying.

I heard a low growl somewhere close. I drew nearer to Fallen, and she was scanning the wide, silent street.

And then he emerged, moonlight rippling off his fur as he stepped from the shadows of an alleyway, the giant bear, red eyes glowing like coals. His claws clicked on the pavement.

Fallen gripped the wall, forcing herself to stand. I couldn’t move.

“What do you want?” the shepherd demanded.

The bear spoke in a low rumble that shook my bones. “You are to return, and face trial.”

Fallen dragged herself between me and the terrible creature. His red eyes did not even glance my way. I was almost invisible to him. It gave me the courage to speak.

NEXT STOP: Farmer’s Market Square XXXlocationXXX