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Hayden’s library is a blend of dark brown, sh the s, but in this roolobes are perched atop twisted brass lampstands Enormous bookcases stretch for what seems like s of es I don’t understand

When I enter, he’s sitting on a brown leather sofa holding a green hardcover book It reminds me of a church hymnal, and he sets it aside

“How are you feeling today?” Rising, he crosses tothe leather body ar his left shoulder The cape is gone as is his crown

“Trapped”

His so to a small table that holds a box shaped like a trunk A deck of cards is also on the table beside one of the green lamps

“If you’re looking for so to do, I had a pottery studio built for you You could ”

“Are you trying to hurt me?”

“Not at all I want you to have all the things you enjoy here” He’s standing beside me now, tall as Koa I scowl up at him

“My art wasto live ht” My eyes flash as I defy him “Now it doesn’t matter”

He waves a hand and goes to what looks like a fireplace “There’s always an adjuste” I watch as he holds his hands out, as if war in the black hole, and he turns to me and smiles “In any case, you know it’s there when you’re ready”

My arms are bare Cold covers the the heat from the air I shiver, and he returns to me

“Here” He lifts a filmy shawl from the back of a chair and wraps it around my shoulders “It’s too soon, but I look forward to the return of that old spark I e”

My chest clenches, but I fight my tears I have to hold on to hope Koa will find a way I won’t be trapped in this cold, dark prison forever I will get back to my life and my dreams I will find a way back to the sun

Helpers

Koa