August's POV

"Who dares disturb my slumber?"

Dixie squeaked and hid down behind August's shoulder. Beside them, Jafar beamed with excitement, his attention trained on the giant tiger's head which had just popped up out of the sand like some horrible desert monster.

"Approach him," Jafar said, his eyes never leaving the cave entrance, "you are the only one who can."

August wasn't fond of being Aladdin. Too much was put at risk. The rules this time weren't clear. He wasn't convinced they'd be ok if something were to happen inside one of these stories.

Dixie stuffed her face inside his hair. The tension in her body told him she was ready to run at any given moment.

Standing straight and gathering every last bit of courage he had, August stepped forward.

"Only one may enter here."

"I sure hope it's me."

Behind him, Jafar ushered August forward. "Hurry! And remember our agreement!"

August rolled his eyes, knowing very well he wasn't about to hand the lamp off to Jafar. He didn't have time to deal him. His only concern at the moment was making sure Taryn was alright.

The tiger's mouth didn't snap shut on him as soon as he stepped across the threshold. He counted that a good sign. The stairs were steep, but he managed to make it down without falling, despite the mess. The cave was in ruins. Jewels and treasures of all sorts lie scattered and broken across the floor. Stacks of gold had fallen over, crushing anything that happened to be caught underneath. August tried not to think of Taryn being caught under one of the piles.

A quiet cough caught his attention and he spun toward the sound. Dixie squeaked, attempting to hide further in his hair, her hands gripping painfully on his ears.

"Hello?"

Silence followed his call. All he could hear was his own blood pounding through his veins. Where are you, Taryn?

"Taryn?" A hesitant voice answered back several moments later.

August's heart sank when he realized it wasn't Taryn in the cave with him. "Who's there?"

A small boy stepped out from behind one of the few mounds of gold still standing. His eyes were red and puffy from crying and his hands pulled at the ends of his curly hair. His voice shook as he looked up at August, "Do you know where Taryn is? She promised we could build a snowman."

Dixie poked her head over the top of August's and regarded the boy with curiosity. "Why in the world would she promise you that of all things? We're in the middle of a desert."

The boy cowered away from the monkey. "We were supposed to go together but I think I did something wrong because I am still here."

"Taryn isn't here?" August blew out a breath of defeat.

The boy shook his head, wiping a tear from his eye.

With a small sigh, August crouched down so as to be eye level with him. He gave the boy a soft, friendly smile. "My name is August. I'm a friend of Taryn's."

"Why do you have a monkey?" The boy asked, regarding Dixie with a mix of curiosity and fear.

"Don't worry," August reached up and scratched Dixie's fuzzy head despite her protests, "she doesn't bite. Usually."

"I'm Adin."

"Adin, do you know where Taryn is?"

He hesitated.

"It's ok. You can tell me."

"It's my fault."

"What's your fault?"

"I sent her away."

August closed his eyes for a second to keep his emotions in control. This boy was terrified already. He didn't need August flying off the handle. "Where did you send her, Adin?"

"She made a wish."

"You're the genie?" Dixie didn't sound convinced.

Adin nodded.

August cursed under his breath. She should have waited for him. Typical Taryn, running off to save the world on her own. "What did she wish?"

"She wanted to find a cup."

"Where is the cup?"

"Somewhere cold. We were going to build a snowman."

Dixie groaned and dropped off August's shoulder, crumpling dramatically to the ground. "Great, she's gone off to play magic with Elsa and has left us here to die in the heat."

"Your monkey is funny." Adin cheeks pushed up into a little grin.

August forced a fake smile, his mind racing faster than he could keep up with. Taryn had been sent to a world which ran on magic. Yes, she had her own magic but for how much longer? Could she even use it? And if she could, would using it cause her more damage than good? He had too many questions and not enough answers.

"Adin?" August asked softly, "do you think you could get me to Taryn?"

"You want to find the cup too?"

"Well yes, but that's not what I'm asking. I wish to be with Taryn."

"Can I come too?"

August didn't want to lie to the boy. He wasn't sure Adin would be able to jump tales with them. He hadn't been able to with Taryn. "I don't know."

Dixie groaned. "Adin? Would you like me to stay here with you?"

His eyes lit up. "The monkey will be my friend?"

"Yeah," Dixie nodded, "the monkey will be your friend."

Adin grinned as he looked back up to August. "Keep Taryn safe? I like her."

August ruffled the boy's hair with a smile of his own. "Me too, bud. Me too."


Taryn's POV

I blew out a frustrated breath as I pushed myself up out of the dirt. Isis could have been a little nicer about the landing. At least I hadn't passed out this time. My lungs hurt as I attempted to catch my breath. It felt as though I'd just run a 3k without any training.

Stretching my hand out in front of me, I attempted to summon the blue sparks I'd associated with my magic. A few sparks danced across my fingers but that was it. My magic was draining just as fast in this stupid curse as it had been in the real world. Coming here had been a big waste of time and stress. The only thing left that could justify coming back was finding and destroying the source once and for all.

Looking around, I frowned in confusion. I'd expected to find myself lost in the forest somewhere, having to depend on unreliable fantasy creatures to help me find my way out. Instead, I found myself in a damp alleyway, a foul-smelling dumpster causing my nose to scrunch in protest. I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the little voice in my head that kept saying this all looked familiar. I refused to believe what my eyes were telling me.

Scrunching my face in a grimace and keeping my eyes shut tight, I slowly turned around. Fighting against every instinct that told me not to look, I peeled my eyes open. A wave of horror crashed over me as my eyes landed on two story building. My old bedroom window stared down at me, mocking.

This wasn't wonderland. This was a nightmare.

A black jeep pulled into the alley then, its headlights blinding me against the dimming light of the setting sun. Raising my arm up to shield my eyes from the light, I tried to make out who was in the car. My gut told me I shouldn't stick around to find out. Seeing as how this was wonderland and everything was out to kill you, I decided to trust my gut.

Turning to run, my foot slipped in a puddle of oil and I pitched face first onto the pavement. Pushing myself up with a groan, I spat blood from my mouth. So much for grace.

"It seems you're still nothing more than the clumsy little girl who used to live within these walls." Colton's voice rang out through the still of the evening air.

My blood turned to ice and I immediately turned toward him. He'd changed since the last time I'd seen him. He was taller and he'd lost a bit of weight, showing off his newly acquired muscles. Wonderful, so now he was more of a threat. Just what I needed.

"Long time no see." I cocked my hip as my arms crossed over my chest. Colton never liked when a woman would show any sign of confidence. I was hoping, unlike his appearance, that hadn't changed.

"I hear you're attempting to foil my sister's plans. She sent me here to make sure you don't do that."

I rolled my eyes. "Honestly, could she have sent anyone else? You've never stopped me before. Who's to say you'll do it now?"

Colton's jaw tightened and he slammed the car door shut. "Watch your tongue, young lady. I have a half a mind to kill you where you stand."

"Haven't you already done that once? Oh wait," I smirked, "you did, and yet here I stand. Tell me, Colton. Why do you think that is?"

"Taryn Bauer," Colton stepped out in front of the car and it took every last ounce of courage I had to keep from backing away, "mark my words. You will die today. One way or another, you will not live to see tomorrow."

"Don't make promises you can't keep. It makes you look bad."

I dove to the side as Colton lunged for me. Leaping to my feet, I raced around the car to the front of the house, only to find myself trapped inside the living room. Confused and disoriented, I spun around again. Colton crouched at the entrance of the room, daring me to come toward him. He blocked the only exit and though his stance was utterly ridiculous, his threat was clear. I wouldn't be leaving this room without his permission. Glancing around the room, I spotted the broken vase and the blood-stained carpet.

I should really have that cleaned. I thought offhandedly before realizing how absurd that was. I didn't even live there anymore. I had hardly been in the real world at all since the first curse happened. I was really starting to get sick of this place.

"So, hold on. Let me get this straight," I put my chin in my hand as I began to pace, trying desperately not to crack up at the site of Colton still crouched in the doorway like some kind of animal, "you're telling me I'm not allowed to leave here alive? Is that it? You're just going to keep me trapped in this nightmare of a house with my own bloodstain still on the carpet until I get up the guts to charge you in a desperate attempt to leave and then you'll kill me. Is that about it or did I miss anything?"

"You're still just as insufferable as you've always been. I'll be doing this world a great favor."

"By killing me? How is that doing a favor for th-" I stopped, shrugging lightly, "no actually, I think I see where you're coming from. I tend to wreak a lot of havoc."

"You talk too much."

"Excuse me?"

"That is the only defense you have," Colton spat, his voice growing deeper with every word until it sounded as if he were growling, "you use sarcasm as if it were a sword. There are some battles you simply cannot talk your way out of."

I shrugged. "Worth a try."

"I will show you what a true hero looks like." Without another word, Colton lunged, leaping forward on all fours like a beast.

I'm not proud of the scream that tore its way up my throat. Mid leap, Colton transformed from a man into the wolf from red-riding hood. I stumbled away but my back met the rough bark of a tree. Looking up, I realized I was no longer in the house. I was in a forest. One which looked far too familiar. It was the same one I saw in my dreams nearly every night.

The wolf growled as he approached, the hair along his back raised threateningly.

My voice shook against my best efforts to keep it steady, "Chord?"

There was no response. No recognition in his eyes. This was nothing more an animal. There was no human inside. My heart beat erratically in my chest as I slowly shuffled around the tree, keeping my back against the rough bark. The wolf followed, his growl deepening as he did.

I shook my head, my eyes never leaving the wolf. "No, this is not how I die. Not like this."

The wolf barked in response, leaping forward and nipping at my heels. I yelped and kicked out, my foot connecting with its head. The wolf attacked again. I barely avoided his jaws as I fell to the side, scrambling out of reach. Leaping to my feet, I raced through the trees, putting as much distance between myself and the wolf as I could.

"Isis!" I screamed, tripping over the roots and foliage beneath my feet. "This isn't funny. I don't know what game you're playing but I can't get anything done like this."

"Please, for once do try to use your common sense."

I grumbled a few curses at the sound of Iris' voice. I'd managed to summon the wrong sister. Perfect.

"Did you honestly believe I would not become wise to your plans?"

"Why am I not surprised?"

"My sister will pay for what she's done. No one crosses me and lives to tell about it."

My foot caught on a root, sending me crashing to the ground. Spitting dirt from my mouth, I scrambled back to my feet. With a frantic glance over my shoulder, I hurried on again. The air was suspiciously still. Any sign of the wolf had disappeared. I should have been happier about it, but a cold dread settled over me instead. Slowing my pace, I turned in a slow circle, scanning the trees. The wolf wouldn't have just given up the chase like that. So where was he? I hadn't managed to lose him, had I?

With laughter in her voice, Iris said, "If you're searching for your attacker, I do believe you may want to look behind you."

Closing my eyes, I let out a defeated sigh. A twig snapped and I knew he was behind me. I had to remind myself this wasn't Chord. There would be no reasoning with him. If this wolf got ahold of me, there would be no escape.

"What is it you're trying to accomplish here, Iris?" I called out, turning to face the wolf again. Beads of sweat coated my forehead as I fought to keep my feet in place.

"You have been a menace to me since day one. My stupid sister and her idiotic brother have been useless to me. While I would love to see you die, there are things I need from you first."

"Yeah? Like what?"

"Important things."

"I feel so special."

"Do not test my patience. This can be done without you."

As if on cue, the wolf leapt forward, his jaw locking around my ankle. My screamed cut through the silence as I thrashed about, trying to dislodge the animal. Iris' laugh echoed through the trees, watching as the wolf jerked his head back and forth, tearing through my skin.

"Tread carefully, Taryn. Or you will face the consequences."