I got up out of bed. I had to see Isabel. I ran out at 1:00 a.m.. I ran across town. It was a dark, moonless night. I brought a bag of food, water, a sleeping bag, and a book of spells. I wore a black shirt and jeans. I also wore my gray sneakers and white socks. I stayed on the side streets to avoid being seen. "Where you going?" someone asked. I turned around. Oliver stood behind me. "I saved you life," he said, "You owe me a favor." "You didn't save my life," I responded. "I saved you from living in that forest forever. Now you have to return the favor," Oliver responded. "And what would that be?" I asked. "You have to get me the Dark Gem of Magic," he said.

I couldn't believe it. He wanted me to get him a priceless gem. "If you don't do it," he said, "You are my slave for eternity." I knew I had to. He let me go that night. I ran to the woods. "Isabel," I called, "I'm not his worker!" No response. I walked deeper. It started to drizzle. I stilled stayed out there. "Isabelle!" I called again. It started to rain even harder. Eventually it was pouring. I stood under a tree. It was the driest spot. I needed an umbrella. Suddenly, I heard wolves howl. And then eyes in the forest.

Wolves were trying to get me. "If you kill me," I said, "just tell Isabel I wasn't Oliver's worker and I care about her." The wolves growled. "Leave him alone!" a voice yelled and the wolves ran away. It was Isabel. "You came back," she said. "Of course," I said, "I'm not Oliver's worker." Isabel smiled at me. "I'm sorry I ran away," she said. "It's fine," I said, "Oliver made you think I was working for him." Isabel ran up to me and pretended to hug me. I pretended to hug her back. "Thanks so much," she whispered. "What are you doing?" cried Oliver. He stomped his foot. A black wing pushed me over. I fell unconscious. "Lucas!" I heard Isabel scream.

I woke up in a hospital. "What are we going to do?" asked a nurse to another nurse. "What happened?" I asked. They both turned to me. "Oliver for his hands on the Dark Gem of Magic," the taller nurse said, "It makes him really powerful. He's trying to kill you now. The mayor asked that we keep you safe. A hunter found you and brought you here. I think Oliver brought you to the woods." Will ran in. "I'm glad you're okay," he said, "I can't believe that Oliver brought you to the woods. Why does he want to kill you so bad. He saved you." I knew why. I was sure I could break Isabel's curse. That's why Oliver wanted me dead.

Will led me down to the hospital cafeteria. I couldn't eat. I was in normal clothes and had my bag back. I had the spell book open in front of me. "What are you doing?" Will asked. "I saw Isabel," I said. He gave me a look. "I want to break her curse," I whispered. "I'll help," Will said, "You're my best friend."