Free Darlings by Ashley Swisher Page B

staircase that met in the middle at the top. They
continued past the stairs into to the kitchen. 
    “By the way I wouldn’t eat the rolls if I
were you,” she added raising her eyebrows and tossing one Gwen’s
way. She struggled to catch it but managed to snag the bun just
before it hit the ground. Gee, thanks.
    The kitchen was magnificent. Tall vaulted
ceilings towered above their heads. The impeccable dark hardwoods
appeared glossy beneath Gwen’s bare feet. She had always thought
her home
    was nice, but this was a whole new ball game.
The kitchen was made from all natural stone and some sort of
cement. Earthy tones consumed the space making it calm and
spa-like. Gwen saw Mike sitting on a granite island in the center
of the kitchen shoving spoonful after spoonful of some succulent
casserole dish into his mouth. Tina dished another plate. 
    “Jonah, do you want something to eat?” she
asked. Jonah was leaning against the cool glass patio doors that
overlooked the brilliant emerald and chocolate woods. An eerie fog
was beginning to set in. His breath made fluffy clouds on the glass
of the door. With a simple shake of his head, he answered Tina’s
forced hospitality. 
    Suddenly he turned. “This is stupid!” Jonah
exclaimed. Arthur and Koli, who were shoveling food down at the
large dining room table, slid their chairs back, jaws clenched,
instinctively in protector mode.  Pete brushed his chest and
the two relaxed. “We should go get those punks that threatened my
sister. Meet them head on. Instead we are hiding out like some kind
of scared fools!”  
    Tina rolled her eyes. “Calm down, wonder boy.
We’re working on something. As of right now, you would be smashed
like a little tiny bug,” she said, rubbing her thumb and forefinger
together. 
    “Tina’s right, though a little blunter then I
would have put it.” Pete concurred. Tina shrugged and Pete
continued. “The pirates have pretty much taken over all of
Everland, there are a few royal campsites left, and some of us have
taken shelter with their guardians in Lycan country, well the parts
left.” Andrew flinched. “They are anticipating my return to drink
and spill into the lagoon, they will be ready and
waiting. 
    “So it’s impossible to go back then?” Gwen
interrupted. 
    “No, not impossible, just…difficult and
risky. If I… we can get our blood into the lagoon, Tina’s powers
will increase immensely. She’ll be able to do a lot to help us in
the fight against them. I’ll send word to the Manticans and the
rest of the regals tonight that Gwen has been sworn and is ready
for the return in one week. They’ll be prepared to fight in hopes
of holding them off long enough for us to replenish the mother
stone, and refuel all of our powers.” 
    “Wait – our powers?” Gwen was
confused. 
    “Wow, she really doesn’t know anything does
she?” Tina snottily stated. Gwen shot an innocent look her way
ready to defend herself when Pete chimed in.
    “Yes. When sworn, you possess
certain…..abilities.” Pete said. 
    “Like what kind of powers are we talking
here? Like super hero comic book style?” Jonah crossed his
arms.
    “Gwenny’s a superhero! Wow!” Mike said eyes
wide. 
    “Sort of, but we’ll get into all of that
later. For now, we need to eat.” Pete handed a glossy white plate
to Gwen, who reluctantly held up a hand. 
    “I’m really not hungry.” Her stomach still in
knots over the incident in the gym, she decided it was best to wait
to fill it up again. 
    “Well I am!” Mike exclaimed, mouth full.
Everyone smiled. So innocent, Gwen thought. Mike shouldn’t have to
endure all of this. 
    “Honestly, I need air,” she said, peeking out
the window. 
    “Come on.” Pete answered, nodding toward the
back of the house. Tina huffed as Gwen followed him through an
amazing living area adorned with stark white couches and expensive
looking luxury chairs. The giant fireplace flickered and crackled
as they