Chapter 35

They parked back up within the barn, a few minutes walk from the clearing. The three of them grabbed a few bags each and followed the narrow dirt path. They climbed over low branches, logs and roots covered in moss. Finally they could see the large stone house as they left the tree line.

The trio put their supplies away and Alissa grabbed a few bags of sweets from Michael's plastic bag before heading up the steps. She knocked before opening the big wooden door. She saw the lump under the covers stir as he sat up.

Alissa produced one of the bags of sweets on the bed as she sat opposite Luca, crossing her legs.

“Ah, I see you met Derek.” The edges of his lips turned upwards as he picked a stick of licorice.

“What's his story, why is he so bad?”

Luca chewed thoughtfully, “Nothing for you to worry about, we keep a close watch on him. How did you find being amongst so many humans?” he asked.

“It wasn't too bad.” She didn't want to admit the panic she felt at first. “It's louder there, a