I reluctantly opened my burning eyes, blinking against the brilliant light, eyes darting around to the haggard faces staring down at me. They were panicked, scared and suspicious. They were so full of violent hatred they didn’t observe small burns on their boots from where the water had splashed them.

Like gasoline to a raging fire, whispers filled my ears and quickly grew louder. Their parasitic voices like flies are buzzing, getting louder, solemnly declaring their frustration to the gods that they believed had deemed me both innocent and guilty, mouths open in a cry of justice. As they yelled frantically, some backing away as my frail body started severely shaking, there was a gap in the frenzied crowd. She stands between the gaps of people. She's slightly above everyone else on a platform. Queen Ellen is close enough to watch but not close enough to be terribly confused with the villagers. Her puzzled face was pale, mouth slack and eyes wide. She didn’t look as much of a wicked queen now, more of a forgotten child, confused that something hadn’t gone her way. My sore eyes darkened and several nervous people gasped as I set my terrible hatred filled stare on the queen. The queen paled, even more, obnoxious clothing and queen studded with sparkling and colorful jewels at such a contrast with her ghostly skin. She undoubtedly knew I shouldn’t have survived, and over the violent chaos of the screaming crowd, she instantly started praying under her steadying breath. 

Frustrated she incorrectly uses her own magic and teleports me to a random forest where I meet a forest spirit. She will aid me but first I have to pass her trails. If I don't start to believe in myself then how can I save my friend. She wisely says time works differently here. As soon as I am done, she will send me back. A trial of considerable courage, capable brain, and kind heart. 

My flesh started burning, and blood was coming out of my ears. Was that a lucid dream?

I instantly hear the quiet crash of the gentle waves and despite the distinct chill of the ocean breeze. I feel comforted in its passionate hug and am sitting comfortably in the glittering sand. I am alone with my pleasant thoughts. And being alone with my thoughts here not harmful. I sincerely hope I won’t wake up from this pleasant dream.

Carefully rubbing my anxious eyes then feeling my charred body. I’m alive. This isn’t a dreadful nightmare. My body is killing me. I wish I hadn't examined it. 

How and why would the queen teleport me here when she could have undoubtedly slain me?

I am dreadfully tired of this body. It is not what I want, not what anyone wants. It's a cumbersome mess of burning flesh and painful bones. Take her apart. Erase her as mine. I don’t want her anymore. Lay her down on the dirt, give her no hope and let her rot slowly.

By Cristina Collazo