The dusky skies were blooming with pinks and dulled purples as I walked back to the Oak Tree Inn with a basket of apples.

Tonight I was going to make apple pie for those staying at the Inn.

“Delia! Delia! Oh thank goodness you’re ok!” Madam Bell shouted, running towards me with short steps.

“What is it?” I questioned.

Madam Bell whipped the sweat from her brow with her handkerchief. “There is news of a creature snatching beloved fairies from the woods! Rose told me her sisters Bluebell and Sage are missing.”

My heart dropped.

“And I’ve heard multiple fairies raging about missing fairy dust from their homes.” Madam Bell gripped my arms in fear. “Something terrible is happening to our town, Delia.”

“We’ll bolt the Inn tonight and ensure all residents are inside before nightfall,” I said, trying to keep the situation from increasing fear.

But I couldn’t shake off the feeling that something _was_ terribly wrong.

That night, as the wind howled and distant dragons flapped their wings, I couldn’t dare sleep.

All the doors were bolted shut. We hired a few trolls to keep guard at the Inn, but what if that was not enough?

I turned in bed and stared out the darkness of my window. My eyes caught onto a red light sparkling in the nearby woodlands.

I drew myself to the window, assessing the strange light, when I caught sight of the missing fairies. Bluebell and Sage were held back by a chain made of molten red metal.

I didn’t spare another moment.

I flew down the stairs, as if I were a ghost.

As I ran closer to the dreadful scene, a tall figure cloaked in black laughed with pure malice.

“It seems my trap has a high success rate,” the figure laughed deeply.

I smirked. “It seems you’re dumber than I thought.”

The figure threw off his cloak of mystery and revealed himself.

A tall, thin creature, with long blooded claws and a wicked smile stood before me. Pale skin draped over his ancient bones. He was terrifying.

“Release the fairies!” I demanded.

The creature grabbed a handful of fairy dust, wishing to make me disappear, and threw it at me. But I didn’t move. Nothing happened.

“Why are you still here!” The creature yelled.

With rage, he grabbed his skeletal sword and slashed right through my heart, yet it only went through me as if I were a pure shadow…because I was.

“What are you!” He shouted.

“A mere projection.”

With quick movements, I stole his cruel sword and slashed into his flesh. Black blood pooled from his insides.

Bluebell and Sage were released from their chains, burns covering their delicate skin. They showered me with thanks.

The creature scowled and howled in pain.

I watched his bloody body break down into dust.

Once I knew the threat was gone, I made my way back into my bed, finding my body sleeping and untouched.

Astral projection always comes in handy.