After she was gone, Freya turned slowly toward Cora.
"Now," she said calmly, "tell me what really distracted you."
"...Homework," Cora muttered.
A shadow loomed behind her.
"I suggest you try again."
"I— I was admiring how pretty she was and accidentally cut her thread trying to get closer!" Cora blurted.
The shadow vanished. Freya smiled warmly.
"She is quite beautiful," she agreed.
Cora nodded, blushing.
Then Freya's smile sharpened.
"And don't think you're escaping punishment. I have the perfect one in mind."
A chill ran down Cora's spine.
Holy shit... my head is killing me.
Where the hell am I? And why am I so hungry—like, eat-an-entire-cow hungry?
"Are you alright, young lady?" a voice asked gently. "You look like you hit your head pretty badly."
I looked up to see a woman standing over me. She had pale skin, pointed ears, and striking red eyes. Worry was etched clearly across her face.
I should probably say something instead of staring at her like a fish washed up on shore.
"I... I'm not really sure what happened," I said slowly. "I was taking a walk through the woods, and the next thing I know, I woke up here. My head hurts, and I'm starving—like I haven't eaten in days."
That was the safest explanation I could come up with. I didn't want to tell the truth and risk being labeled insane.
She tilted her head slightly. "Do you remember where you live?"
I hesitated. "No. I just know I woke up here."
I hated lying to her. She seemed genuinely kind.
"Well," she sighed, "that's quite the problem, isn't it? I can't very well leave you out here alone. Come with me—I'll take you to my home so you can warm up."
"I don't want to intrude," I said quickly. "You don't even know me, and you're inviting me into your house."
The wind cut through my clothes, and my stomach growled in protest. It really was cold... and I really was hungry. Still, guilt gnawed at me. I just arrived in this world, and I'm already being selfish.
"You wouldn't be invading anything," she said softly. "Honestly, it's been quite lonely since I was banished here."
There was a sadness in her voice that made my chest tighten.
"...Okay," I finally said. "I'll come with you. But if I cross any boundaries, you're free to kick me out."
She laughed lightly. "Don't be ridiculous. You've lost your memories and somehow ended up here—you're more than welcome. Come on, we have a long journey ahead of us."
"How long?" I asked.
"Two days. Plenty of time to get to know one another."
"Well," I said awkwardly, "there isn't much to know about me. I lost my memories. I do know my name, though—Anita."
She smiled. "Fair enough. And no offense, but you're right—there's not much to learn about you just yet. That means you can listen while I talk about myself."
She glanced at me sideways. "You can ask questions too. I trust you... especially since, when you had your memories, you probably heard terrible things about me. This is my chance to show you who I really am—beneath all those nasty rumors."