Hidden Monster

by Amanda Strong

Tonbo had proven himself to be an excellent host the entire day, and when the evening came, he invited guests to his estate, including Kate, for some live entertainment. I had no idea what to expect as we were ushered into Tonbo’s private theater. Being one of the few faces I knew, I was glad Kate sat next to me. Her presence helped buffer me from the prying eyes.

  Apparently, rumors had already spread across the island that Tonbo himself had run tests on me all day to see what I was made of. I knew they were just curious, but their gawking gave me the creeps. At least I found excuse to wear my black dress and heels. Too bad Blake’s not here to see me in it. I felt a wicked satisfaction that it was his own dang fault, and then I immediately felt guilty. Blake’s off killing a bug. I bit my lip. I didn’t know what I’d do if either Blake or Mack got seriously injured. Just how hurt can dragons get before they don’t heal? I tried to force those thoughts away.

  The stage lit up with performers, elaborately made up in costumes and makeup. The music shook the floor as damsels soared across the stage, flying in an intricate dance. The lighting turned pink, bathing everyone, including the audience, in its luminescence. Then dragons entered the stage and the music shifted to darker tones, a dark blue light chasing the pink away. That was when a fog formed on the stage, curling and inching its way towards the performers. They moved in it, gliding out their parts. When it dipped off the edge of the stage and began creeping its way up to us, I glanced at Kate, who smiled. She seemed delighted by it.

  I, on the other hand, wasn’t. It filled me with a sense of suffocation, which I knew logically made no sense because I could still breathe. And even if I couldn’t, I can hold my breath longer than anyone else here can. Just relax; it’s just effects, supposed to make me fear the dragons on stage doing that weird dance. I settled into my seat and took a deep breath. See, not poisonous fumes.

  Still, when it temporarily blocked my vision as it wrapped me up in its tendrils, I shuddered and rubbed my arms. Hope this ends soon. The temptation to hold my breath kept nagging at me. I should do it just to see how long I can. Plus, this fog reeks.

  I should’ve known the stench wasn’t a good sign, but my senses felt off kilter. I glanced around; no one else seemed dopey. Maybe I’m just tired.

  I cleared my throat and stopped breathing. Just in case. I didn’t like the way the fog was making me feel, sort of dazed and sluggish. I glanced at Kate; she was apparently enthralled with whatever was happening on the stage, because her eyes were wide and her hands set ready to clap in her lap. Her mouth cooed and then gasped, one hand flying to her pink lips.

  She turned to me. “Did you see that, Sammy?”

  Guess I missed something good. I must’ve managed to nod because her eyes riveted back to the stage. The fog had cleared now, and yet I didn’t feel right. I lifted my hand to Tonbo’s arm.

  He glanced over at me. “Enjoying the show, Samantha?”

  I never heard my own answer. Next thing I knew, I was facing the cabin, grass tickling my bare feet. Am I dreaming?

  The cabin loomed on the horizon, a dilapidated, wooden box sticking out of a meadow like a sore thumb. That’s not right. I fixed it in my dream. Tall grass changed to broken branches, leaves, and pine needles. Trees shot up and crowded my old prison.

  I don’t want to be here, I cried over and over, but my body kept flying towards it. Wait, I’m flying. I can get away, I reassured myself.

  Suddenly, the cabin was gone, but so was the light of day. Blackness enveloped me. I felt something pull at me, fighting me, trying to take control. No! Go away!

  The blackness won, and I passed out.