[Story 6]
Melina Grey has always been trained for this. Don’t read. Don’t ask questions. She’s always worked for The Black Post, a secret mail delivery organization that delivers things that aren’t exactly legalized. Melina knows the system. Better than anyone, really. But a letter sent deep into the Sacred Woods? With bold letters that said DON’T READ? Melina was born curious and this was too much. Halfway to the Sacred Woods she opened the letter.
Dear Gracia,
The plan will commence in about five weeks. We can’t wait any longer. She’s getting out of hand and you know it. We both do. We need you. I need you. I can’t do this without you, Gracia. The Queen has to be eliminated. I’ve only gathered one of the participants, five to go. I need your help. I beg you to help us overthrow her. You are our only hope. I’m counting on you.
Signed,
S
Melina’s breath caught in her throat. Overthrow the Queen? Melina quickly stuffed the letter back into its envelope and continued on her way, her mind reeling. When she stepped up to the house, she knocked on the door, remembering her director’s instructions. Deliver it straight to the receiver. We cannot allow this to end up in the wrong hands. The door swung open to reveal a tall woman. “Are you Gracia Marrow?” Melina asked, her voice quivering. The woman gave a curt nod. Melina handed over the letter. The woman’s, Gracia, face turned white. Her eyes narrowed and before I could react she grasped my wrist and yanked me through the door
***
Melina woke up sitting upright. She blinked her eyes open, and attempted to stand up, only to realize she was tied to a chair. Melina groaned, her head throbbing. “Before you say anything,” A voice says.
“I’m just going to tell you I’m sorry. I wish it didn’t have to happen this way. I’ll be honest I thought my part in this messy plan was over,” The voice continued. Melina swiveled her head around and caught sight of Gracia sitting in the cover of the dim room. “What’s your name?” Gracia asked after a moment. She paused. “Melina,”.
Gracia leaned forward. “Well, Melina. I wish you hadn’t opened that letter,” She said it sincerely. Melina paused, wondering what to say. “About the letter…” Melina hesitated, then continued.
“I’m guessing you can’t tell me about it?” Melina guessed. Gracia shook her head.
“Unless you’re ok with me killing you afterward,” Gracia said calmly. Melina shuddered. Gracia sighed. “Look, kid,” Gracia stopped and frowned.
“Wait, how old are you?” She asked. Melina hesitated. How much was she going to tell this stranger? Melina shrugged, deciding that Gracia couldn’t use the information against her. Hopefully. “I’m sixteen,” Melina responded. Gracia sat back.
“Ok. Well-” A sharp knock on the door sounded. Gracia stood. Twenty minutes passed before Gracia reentered the room. “Well, kid. Apparently we need you,” Gracia undid the ropes from around Melina’s hands. “Come with me,”