#reading!

Cleo very well knew that the forest was dangerous. They had been raised practically her whole life to be wary of the dense thicket of trees surrounding her village - the townsfolk warned of devious fairies, plotting elves, sly pixies, who would lure you into a false sense of security, before bam! They took what they wanted from you; you would be lucky to get away with your life.

Of course, Cleo knew this.

That's what made it fun.

She kicked a stone, watched it rattle along the floor and hit a tree stump. Their eyes travelled up the stump, and they couldn't help but gasp, taking a step backward out of shock - or was it awe?

Perched cross-legged on the stump was a beautiful, beautiful young woman. She almost didn't look real. Her cheeks were the perfect shade of rose, her lips the perfect cherry-red. Her hair, pinned up in two places, was the colour of thrift flowers, and it seemed as though it was actually sparkling. And all of this was contradicted by her eyes. For although her lashes were long, and her lids were fluttering open and shut in feigned innocence, her eyes, the same piercing blue as the ocean, were sharp, and beady, and they seemed to stare right into Cleo's soul.

“Why, whatever is a nice young girl like you doing out in the forest at this time of night? Don't you know it's dangerous?” The silk in her voice made Cleo shiver.

“You’re a fairy.”

“Ooh, she's quick. And it seems she's come looking for trouble, too.” In an instant, the fairy was circling Cleo like a cat does its prey. “I'm right, aren't I? Don't bother lying. I know I am “

“Wanted to see for myself if the tales are true. Elves and fairies - it's the stuff of kid's stories.”

“She's rebellious, too! You're lucky I got to you before one of the others. They'd love you.”

“Oh? Why am I lucky?”

“Because I'm prettier than them.” Bolts of electricity crackled down Cleo's spine as the fairy stepped closer. “And generally hotter.” Closer. “And a better kisser.”

Their heart was hammering in their chest when they spoke. “Why don't you prove it?”

The fairy's face twisted into a triumphant grin, and Cleo knew she'd been had, but it was too late for them to care.