Chapter 34: Cassandra

I didn't move. I only stared at the look of horror on Ruby's face. Her hand shook as she tried holding the door open. When she spoke, her voice cracked, and her eyes filled with tears.

"Where have you been?" She reached out and gently tugged on my arms, urging me inside. I took a step, and a twig fell from my hair. "Everyone's been looking all over for you!"

I cocked my head back. "It's not a big deal. I've only been gone for an hour. I stopped along the way to rest. Calm down."

Ruby shook her head. "No, you haven't. Oliver was here two weeks ago looking for you. They thought maybe you came this direction. They also ran into a friend of yours a few weeks ago. He told them you were following the tree markings."

"That's not possible, Ruby. I ran off. I didn't run away."

Ruby lead me to a mirror over the small fireplace.