Tangled

Chapter 243

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243 Lisa: Strange Introductions

LISA

Wherever I am, it's huge.

We've taken at least three or four turns, and I've already forgotten how to get back. Was it left

it?

first, or right? The last turn was to our right. Wait... Wten how to get back. Was it left

Shit.

Every time I lag behind, trying to map this place in my head-which is little better than at toddler's scribbling at this point, with my confusion over lefts and rights-the tiny woman turns and scolds me, telling me to pick up my

feet.

Before, I would have given her some sort of smartass comment and maybe even slowed down.

But now, my body feels cold sweat at the idea of making her angry. Even if I'm a prisoner, at least I'm a clean and comfortable prisoner here. I don't want to go back to the previous standard of kidnapping.

So I shut my mouth and hurry behind, wondering how she can be so freaking fast with such tiny legs. She's probably the size of a kindergartener, but faster than a full-grown adult.

What bizarre witchcraft is that?

I force myself to focus on the path ahead, ignoring the endless parade of closed doors lining these stark corridors. No pictures, no decorations, not even a potted plant breaks up the monotony. Just door after identical door, their handles gleaming dully in the harsh overhead lighting.

The silence is oppressive. Our footsteps echo off the bare walls, amplifying the sound until it feels like we're being followed by an army. I resist the urge to look over my shoulder. "Keep up, my tiny guide snaps for what feels like the hundredth time.

I lengthen my stride, closing the gap between us. Seriously though, how can someone so small move so fast?

We round another corner, and I blink in surprise, Windows. Actual windows line this hallway, letting in natural light.

Wow.

The sun.

seen it

get a good look outside, my guide veers sharply to the right. She pushes open a

me like a wall. I stumble, momentarily disoriented

kind of massive greenhouse. Lush greenery surrounds us on all

243

Lisa: Strango Introductions

The air is thick with the scent of damp earth

flowers.

immediately form on my skin. My simple cotton outfit, so comfortable in the air-conditioned halls, now

us. I trail after her, trying not to trip over

we walk deeper into this indoor jungle, a thought strikes me with the force of a physical blow. I

turn around right now and bolt. My guide is tiny.

But then what?

hope fades as quickly as it appeared. I have no idea where I am or how to

who knows what punishment would await me

the fleeting fantasy of freedom and

table. His beard cascades to his feet, and he peers through spectacles at a newspaper

for

that gets him to the level

I'm too worried about my

shoves me into a chair. I stumble, barely catching myself as I fall into the seat. The woman bows to

tea. The greenhouse's humid air clings to my skin, making me acutely aware of every bead of sweat forming on my body. I

rather not be in

ease. A sense of warmth, of

we've never met.

be on high alert. Instead, I find myself relaxing in his presence, my guard lowering despite my best efforts to remain

trust it. This comfort, this sense of safety-it has to be some kind of trick. Maybe they've drugged me. Maybe this whole setup is designed to lull me

security.

dig into the arms of the chair as I force myself to stay alert. I won't fall for whatever game they're

his Ble. 1

man turns a page in his newspaper, seemingly oblivious to my internal study him, searching for any hint of malice or deception. His

unhurried as he reads.

movements

the newspaper and sets it aside. His gaze meets mine, and I'm struck by the intensity in his eyes. They're old eyes, yes, but sharp and clear, almost terrifying

surprisingly strong

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