Knowing You (Cursed 2)

The rustling of leaves reaches me first, then within the cool breath of air on my cheeks, I hear it, drawn out until the one syllable sounds like an entire song.

"Run."

I spin around. The wind grows stronger, loose strands of hair whip against my face. It feels like an approaching storm, but when I look up, there isn't a cloud in the sky. The branches creak and the leaves clap frantically until my ears are filled with the violent rage of the wind ripping at the tree.

So ... I run.

The path steers me through a curtain of dangling branches of a willow tree. I sweep them aside and find brief shelter beneath their canopy. I continue to sprint through to the other side, thrusting an arm out to toss the branches aside. When I emerge, I'm instantly struck by the silence. Everything is perfectly still.

My foot catches on a raised stone, and I sprawl on a set of wide steps, my knees and elbows absorbing the shock of the fall. These cobblestones are covered in moss--as much as the impact bruises, it doesn't cut my skin.

I remain on my hands and knees a moment, catching my breath. Raising my head, I take in my new surroundings. The path curves and twists through a Japanese garden. Pushing myself off the ground, I survey the serene setting, or as much as I can in the dark. The small bonsai trees are easily identifiable, and I hear water trickling from somewhere. I find a stone bench under a miniature pagoda and sit to calm myself.

Hours must have passed since I left the library. What if I never find my way out? I know I'm being irrational. The Court isn't infinite, although right now if feels like it is. I'll reach one of the buildings ... eventually. Maybe I should stay here. Let them find me. Don't they say to stay in one place when you're lost to make it easier to be found? But I guess it depends on who's looking for me. I still don't understand why I haven't heard a single guard.

I stay in the garden long enough to grow frustrated. I'm getting out of this fricken place, even if it takes me all night. Within my renewed conviction, my rational thoughts have convinced me that it was my hysteria that turned the wind into voices and footsteps. I imagined it. Because why would anyone follow me? What's the point? Besides, how would they know their way around in the dark any better than me? These thoughts don't really explain anything, but they make me feel brave enough to stand back up and keep going.

I walk for what feels like days, okay ... hours. The distinct sounds of the seagrass rattling in the breeze reach my ears, and I rush toward it. Finally, a garden I recognize. I select the path that I'm certain will bring me to the dorm.

I gasp with relief when I smell the roses. And when I reach the trellis, I release a broken sob, heavy with exhaustion.

A ribbon is tied to it with a piece of paper flapping in the gentle breeze. I untie it.

I crumple the note in my fist. "Fuck you," I seethe.

Whoever's sending me these notes, whether threats or warnings, has to go to school at Blackwood. And since there aren't many students enrolled for the summer, how hard can it be to figure out who? Whoever it is, knows me--or at least, they think they do.

But do I know them? And that's when my grandmother's voice echoes loudly in my head.

Trust no one.

Thaylina closed her eyes to the blackness in his heart. She struggled against the green cloak, but she was not strong enough. His hot breath stroked her neck. Thaylina cried out when his fangs pressed against her tender skin.

"Lana?"

I sit up.

&

nbsp; And tip over, landing on stomach with a grunt. The hammock rocks above me.

"Are you okay?" Mr. Garner's voice carries from somewhere, also above me.

I shake off the weariness that clings to me like a scratchy blanket and push myself off the ground. "Maybe."

"What happened to you? I've been up half the night wondering where you've been."

"I got locked out," I explain, stretching my eyes open, fighting exhaustion. I didn't sleep much, even after I found the dorm. And despite what everyone says about Ms. Seyer being everywhere, she must have awful hearing because I pounded and screamed at the door until I felt like my wrist was about to break. I opted to sleep on a hammock but startled at every sound, my rational voice silenced by paranoia. It was the best night ever, and I say that with sincere sarcasm.

"My phone died."

Mr. Garner sighs heavily. "Well I'm glad you're okay. Looks like you had a rough night."

I can only imagine what I look like, and I have no desire to find out.

"What time is it?" I ask, recognizing that I can now see what was once shadows and silhouettes.

"Five-thirty. I came out to look for you as soon as the sun rose. Security did a sweep around the perimeter, but they don't check the Court when the dorm monitors are in residence, at least that's what I was told. They're most concerned with keeping people out and you in. When your phone didn't come online, they checked your last location and knew you were on campus, and that's all they cared about. I argued with them for an hour, but they said you were in violation. And it was up to the school to hand out sanctions once you came back online. Guess it happens all the time. Regardless, they should have searched for you in the Court."