Unlocking Adeline (Skeleton Key) by J.D. Hollyfield, Skeleton Key Page B

heading down the wide staircase, into a main entrance. Before we hit the main ballroom, I shout, “Wait!”
    Looking just as annoyed as before, he turns. “What is it now?”
    “Well… what if they don’t like me?” He takes in my nervous fidgeting and his eyes shockingly lose some of their fierceness.
    “Ye remind me of yer grandmother, Berta. Fierce. Too yappy. Not much for taking orders. And ye have her eyes. Ye will do just fine.”
    “I have a grandmother?” I ask, my throat locking. I never knew I had any living relatives. My mom’s parents died young so we never really had any family. It has always been just us.
    “Ye do. Now, let’s go.”

    Locke guides me into the large ballroom. For a second, I forget what I am walking into as I take in the stunning scenery. The ballroom, double the size of my old high school gym, is filled with more ancient art. Between the statues stand tall stained glass windows, allowing the moon’s light to shine through. It may be the most beautiful room I have ever been in. As I look around, I take note of the massive amount of people that are gathered. Some sort of folk music is coming from a group of musicians tucked away in the corner, and people are chatting, drinking, and seeming to enjoy themselves. It’s when someone gets a glimpse of Locke that the room quiets and the whispers begin. The area suddenly transforms as bodies turn and eyes focus on us. I try and hide behind Locke’s large frame, but he grabs at my bicep, holding me in place. “Why are they all staring like that?” I lean in and whisper. It’s like walking around school with toilet paper stuck to your shoe or leaving that seven foot size sticker on your jeans.
    “It’s because they are intrigued.”
    “At what exactly?”
    “Ye.” He turns and gives me a devilish smile. Oh God, the ogre can smile . How can he look so scary, but so good at the same time?
    With no care to take it slow, he begins to walk. Digging my heels into the ground, “Oh no. I am not going in there. They look like a bunch of hungry wolves ready to maul me.”
    And they do. Some look curious. Some are smiling, but more than most are looking at me with distrust. This doesn’t seem right. Who rips someone out of their world, drags them into another realm, and throws them into a dinner party without any preparation? I’m starting to panic, possibly get sick.
    “I think I’m going to be sick, Locke, please. Just take me back upstairs. I changed my mind. I’ll choose jail over this.” I tug at his tight hold on me. Before I am able to get free, Faith approaches us with a warm smile crossing her face.
    “My how lovely ye look in that dress, Adeline. I must say, ye are truly a full comely creature on this evening.” She brings her hands up and cups my face. I’m not sure how to respond because I don’t speak in code. I’m not sure that being a comely creature is a good thing.
    “Well, thank you bu—”
    “Adeline is looking forward to meeting all the people of Wren, aren’t ye, Adeline?” Locke speaks, looking at me while his grip squeezes my bicep.
    “Ouch! Geez, yes, I am out of this world excited.” I give him my meanest glare.
    “Wonderful Adeline, everyone is beyond thrilled that ye have returned home to us. I hope that everything is to yer liking. Before we overwhelm ye with introductions, please do let me introduce ye to my other son.” Fearing another Locke, I grunt as I turn and notice a handsome man approaching us. This cannot be his brother. He isn’t scowling or looking like he wants to rip people’s heads off.
    “Ahh ye are correct, Mother. She is as beautiful as the summer’s morning.” The man approaches, offering me his hand. I reach out to give him a handshake, but he takes my wrist, and places a soft kiss to the top of my hand. “It is a pleasure to finally meet ye, Princess Adeline. The stories are held true that ye will truly take a man’s breath away.”
    Well shoot; I could probably say