Chapter 30: Chapter 30

“WHY ARE you doing this? What do you want from me?” Gretel demanded despite the fear that was eating her.

When Dario and Jones took her, they passed through what seemed like a portal and brought her into that dark, stinky place. She could not see the ground, and it was getting dark. She must be inside a rundown tower.

Then the woman who shopped from Dory's a few days ago came in. She was wearing a black ball gown. Dario and Jones stood beside the small window, guarding her. Though she could see them move occasionally, they do not talk a lot. It was as if they were alive, but not really. They looked like they were under a spell.

Dario and Jones should be in prison now, but they were here inside this rundown place in what seemed like against their will.

“Dear, I told you to run away the first time we met, but you did not listen. I was already warning you back then.”

Gretel stared, bemused. She was sitting on a wooden bed. She was untied, but she was still scared to make a single move.

“I don’t know you, and I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

Alexander must be worried that she did not show up at their meeting place. Javier had probably discovered that she left her room.

“How much do you know the man you’re living with, dear?” she asked.

Gretel did not answer.

“You think falling in love is all rainbows and sunshine, but wait until he has shown you his true colors. Believe me, you’ll thank me after this.”

“What did you do to Javier?” she demanded.

“You’ll find out once he arrives to rescue you. This is going to be exciting.” The lady giggled. “Oh, I’ve waited for this moment to happen.”

Gretel had no idea what’s happening. There were so many questions that she wanted to ask, but she did not trust this woman. She was evil, and she could feed her with lies if she pleased.

How she was related to Javier, Gretel did not know. But one thing’s for sure, this woman meant him harm.

THE CURSE gave Javier extraordinary strength and a strong sense of smell. He did not have a hard time finding the tower where Minerva kept Gretel. He was just hoping that he was not too late.

Luckily, Black appeared when he needed him. He stooped to the ground and stroked his fur.

“I’m going to need your help, Black. I could not do it alone. I’ll go save Gretel, and you go get Mr. Martinez for back-up.” He smiled. “I might not make it out alive, but Gretel will.”

Black barked in agreement.

“Go, go,” he said.

Black turned and ran toward the mansion.

GRETEL wrapped an arm around her as the night breeze brushed her skin. She was left alone in that room with a small torch and an old mirror. It felt like the time had slowed down. The presence of Dario and Jones inside the room to guard her made the situation worse. They were standing straight, but she could not hear them breathe. She was feeling hopeless as fear ate her inside.

She already felt like a burden to Javier. He was supposed to leave, yet he had to rescue her.

Was she going to die? If she could only get the chance to tell him how much she loved him before it’s too late.

Gretel took a deep breath and quickly brushed the tear that fell from her eye. She had herself to blame if something bad would happen to Javier. She already missed him.

And there was a loud thud from the window. Gretel jumped as a cloaked figure crashed into the room. Her eyes widened.

Before she could even call Alexander's name, Dario and Jones launched in his direction for an attack.

“Alexander!”

Gretel screamed as he sent them flying across the room. They fell on the dirty floor. She swore she heard their bones cracked.

“Gretel! Are you all right? Are your hurt?” he asked as he rushed to her. Alexander cupped her cheeks and studied her face. Her heart melted when she saw his worried face through the torchlight.

She wanted to cry. She was expecting Javier to come, but she was still glad it was Alexander.

She nodded through tears.

“I-I’m all right. How did you know I was here? Do you know how dangerous this place is?”

“It doesn’t matter. I need to get you out of here,” he said hurriedly.

Gretel’s jaw dropped as Minerva suddenly appeared behind Alexander and plunged a sharp object on his back. Everything happened that fast.

Minerva laughed maniacally as she pulled the weapon. Alexander collapsed to the bed with a sharp groan.

“Alexander!” Gretel uttered in horror. She caught him and tried to pull him up. “No! No!” She quickly pulled his cloak off and rolled it. She needed to stop him from bleeding. “H-hold on, Alexander, please…” She could not stop trembling as she pressed the cloth on his wound.

Alexander groaned. He was hurt badly.

“Alexander?” Minerva snapped. She stood by the window; blood was dripping from the weapon in her hand. It was her mirror with a sharp blade below the handle.

Gretel shot her with a glare.

“I love that name. It reminds me of my deceased husband,” she said coyly. “Nice choice for an alter ego, Javier.”

Gretel stared at Alexander in shock. Did she hear it right? The witch of a woman called Alexander ‘Javier.’

Alexander glanced at her. He looked like he was caught stealing his parents’ money.

“Ah, finally. The secret had been finally revealed. You heard that right, dear. This ugly monster you call ‘Alexander’ is Javier after sunset.”

Gretel felt numb at the moment. She was mad, confused, and worried all at the same time.

“Go tell her the truth, Javier. You might not get another chance,” Minerva taunted.

“I-I’m sorry. I did not mean to keep this to you for a long time,” he began in a cracked voice. “I-I’m sorry, Gretel…”

Alexander, the person who saved her life and became her best friend, and Javier, the man she married, were the same person all along? And was she supposed to believe that?