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Val:

I glance back as the wall behind me suddenly creaks, rolling forward with a grinding screech.  “The room’s shrinking!” someone yells.  I stumble, yanking Calix forward as the crowd surges around us.  The walls in front roll back, parting as we flee the room.  It’s so much darker in this new room.  I shrink back as people bump into me, brushing past us in a frantic escape.  The wall suddenly screeches to a halt, leaving us trapped in pitch darkness.  The murmuring of the crowd echoes off of shadowed walls around us.  I frown.  “I think we’re in some sort of great hall,” I whisper to Calix.

“Well done!” the Castle booms from the ceiling. “For this next challenge, I’ll be requiring each of you to part with your most prized belonging – and no, money doesn’t count.  Refusal to comply will result in mandatory participation in my upcoming fashion show.”

Brilliant white lights flicker on, illuminating a long runway in the middle of the hall.  I squint, shading my eyes in the sudden brightness.  We’re standing in the middle, with rows and rows of seats lining the hall on either side of us, curving around the runway and disappearing into the shadows beyond.  I squeeze Calix’s hand as a wave of anxiety floods my veins.  I have to give up my most prized possession?  But what?  It’s not like I just carry heirlooms with me, and besides, I have sentimental attachment to all of my belongings.  They all feel irreplaceable to me…

But walking in a fashion show?  In front of everyone here?  That’s honestly my worst nightmare.  I hate being the center of attention, and I hate having to perform – especially in front of people I barely know!

I just don’t want them to see me fail…

If it’s any comfort, they’ve already seen my worst regrets.  Besides, it’s not like anyone else here is an experienced model either…

My feet are rooted to the ground, my head swimming with a thick fog of panic.  Distantly, I hear the castle call out a name…

“Christopher Goldenseal, come forth and make your decision.”

“I choose the catwalk!”  Kit’s voice rings loud and clear, fraught with anticipation.  I can see him excitedly bobbing up and down at the edge of the group, fidgeting with his coat in the silence. “Please?” He wistfully glances at the runway as something like a sigh rumbles in the hall.

“Very well.  Come up here and stand to the left of the aisle.”  Kit struts to the front, grinning back at our party.  He beams at me, hair bobbing as he lightly bounces on the balls of his feet.  I force a wan smile back at him.  I wish I could share his enthusiasm…

 

LET THE SHOW BEGIN!!!

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