"Dad...w-where are we going?"

"Quiet"

"...."

two hedgehogs rode on horse back through the darkest part of the mystic forest, a small child afraid as his eyes darted from side to side, his father had woken him up at sunrise, only a few months before they started their journey, he didn't even get a chance to say good bye to his friends in the palace

His father never said anything to him but to be quiet or to order him to gather things for the night, but he never lit a fire even in the coldest nights, making the young hedgehog shiver, and the child didn't understand why

but as they rode through the forest with his father he began to become aware that he had played right into his fathers hands, and this feeling only became stronger as they stopped and he was told to get off his horse, he listened of course, knowing the consequences of disobeying

he lowered his ears as his father then led him by foot further into the darkness

"Ahh I see you brought him this time"  a chilling voice stated in satisfaction making the small hedgehogs whimper quietly "There is no need to be afraid of me child, I only wish to bring your dreams to life"

he didn't trust this woman, his mind screaming at him to run and never return to this place, he was terrified as he started backing away

"Where are you going?" distorted voices said as he turned around to find two creatures standing in the way he had entered, 

"D-dad?" he got no answer even as his eyes widened and tears fell as vines began wrapping their way around his ankles and and climbing up his legs to his torso, he was terrified 

"I've honoured my part of the deal, where's yours" he heard his father's voice and the way he spoke...he was only here to trade with whoever was here...and he was apart of it

"Indeed you have and you have my gratitude; as for your bargain here it is" the voice stated as suddenly an exact copy of the child walked forward

his eyes held only darkness as the childs father smirked

"He's all yours" thatt was the last thing he heard his father say as he began walking away with his copy folllowing

'worry not child, we're not going to hurt you..." the woman said, her voice turning soft, but it only terrified him more as he watched a flower began to bloom from the vines that were holding captive, once it had fully emerged black pollen was cast into his face causing him to breath it in; he coughed and gagged as his vision began to blur and the last thing he heard before being cast into sleep was "Yet"

To be continued

thanks for reading

Dream7896