Once Upon A War: Land of Dreams, #3

By Amy Sousa

The Land of Dreams is devastated by the death of one of their bravest knights. Annabella and Zach are heartbroken, but after learning the origin story of the evil warlock and seeking the help of Prince Jeremy, they know it'll take extreme measures to bring the bloodshed to an end. For the first time in centuries all of the lands will work together to eliminate their common enemy.

 

After a very unexpected surprise presents itself to Annabella, she and Zach can no longer bare the burden of hiding their true identities. When the real Princess Annabella and Prince Jacob make an appearance, it's up to fate to decide whether The Land of Dreams and its allies are accepting of the truth, or if Annabella and Zach will be left alone to face their new reality together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Patchwork Press
• Release date: Oct 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781988902593

Amy Sousa

Amy is a Canadian author, originally from Brazil, who has been creating stories since she was in kindergarten. Young-Adult Fantasy is her favourite genre to read and write, but she has dabbled in Teen-Fiction in the past. Amy started posting her stories online as a pre-teen and became more serious after discovering Wattpad (@amysousa), where she has accumulated millions of reads across her stories. Her other hobbies include Greek mythology, baking, sewing and petting dogs. For new releases and Amy Sousa's other works, visit: shorturl.at/auxDU

Book preview

Chapter One

It was as if the scene in front of Annabella’s eyes was unfurling in slow motion. Her feet felt like heavy weights the moment after the warlock—who had been inhabiting Claudia’s body—vanished into thin air with Katarina in tow. Goodbye, Princess, his voice rang along with the sickening crack echoing through Annabella’s head as the remaining monsters on the field vanished.

Daniel fell to his knees on the spot where the warlock had just been standing with his little sister. He slammed his fists into the dirt as he let out a frustrated yell.

Annabella finally felt herself returning to reality and was able to make the last few steps to Daniel’s side, where she fell next to him and pulled him into a hug. I am so sorry, she sobbed, feeling Zach and several others approaching.

He took my sister, Daniel cried uncontrollably.

Annabella had never seen Daniel cry and looked around, hoping someone would join them. He was always poking fun at everyone and joking around, but the heartbreak was evident. She knew deep inside of her heart that Katarina was gone forever.

Oh Daniel, Lillian pushed through the crowd and ran to his side as Annabella was pulled into Zach’s arms.

She.... She is gone, Annabella cried into Zach’s chest as he rubbed her back. She could feel him crying as well, but knew he was trying to keep himself together.

I know, he said. I felt like something broke inside of me when he broke her neck. Daniel and Katherine must have felt it as well.

When Annabella turned to look at the castle, she could see Katherine and Maria running across the field towards them. The moment they spotted Annabella and Zach a brief moment of relief flashed across their faces, but it was gone as soon as they understood their expressions and Daniel crying on the ground.

It cannot be, Maria looked towards her husband, David, who could barely hold his own. My baby, she cried as she began to sway.

Mom! Zach yelled in concern as he ran to her. He fell to his knees and tried to stabilize Maria, but she was completely disoriented.

She is really gone, was all Maria could manage before fainting into Zach’s arms.

Katherine frantically looked between her siblings and Annabella. Her father approached, but she pulled away from his touch. Where is Katarina? she demanded.

David’s eyes widened. She is not here anymore, Katherine, he carefully explained.

I can see that, but I want to know where she is, Katherine replied, frustrated.

She is gone, Zach said, stepping towards her.

Katherine took another step back. She is not gone, she shook her head. I felt something happen to her, but she is my twin sister so I would know if she was gone. She is probably in the forest fighting more monsters.

Annabella felt helpless in that moment. She knew Katherine was experiencing denial. Annabella had reacted similarly when the police officers told her of her parents death. She refused to believe anything they said until Caroline, when she was only known as the good witch, showed her the truth.

Katherine looked annoyed as she observed everyone’s expressions. Her eyes finally focused on Xavier, who had just made his way through the small crowd towards Daniel and Lillian’s side. Oh, you are here! It is so nice to see you again.

Xavier frowned as Katherine approached him. Katherine, I do not think you understand what is happening.

Katherine stopped in her tracks. "Why is everyone looking at me like that? Why are you looking at me like that? Do you know where my sister is?"

Xavier walked over to Katherine and gently took her hands into his own. Katherine, I know you are in denial right now and will not want to believe me, but you need to listen to me, he said calmly. I am very sorry, but Katarina is really gone. Katherine opened her mouth to speak, but Xavier shook his head. Your sister is dead, Katherine. The warlock killed her and there is nothing more that can be done.

Katherine pulled away from Xavier. I think I would know if my twin sister was dead. Her breathing was becoming erratic and her sweat was beading up on her face. She looked at her family. You cannot be serious right now.

David took a deep breath and stood at Xavier’s side. Xavier is right, Katherine. Katarina is dead, he choked out. We all felt her die. I saw the warlock with my own eyes. I watched him take her life. We all heard it and felt it.

She cannot be dead, Katherine whispered, looking between her father and Xavier. She is my sister, her voice began to tremble. She is a knight. She would not let that happen. She was in the safe room with me not that long ago.

Annabella moved forward and slowly took Katherine’s hands in her own before leaning in closely so others looking on would not hear her. It was unnerving having so many watch the situation unfold. Believe me when I tell you that I understand how you are feeling, she whispered. I was also in denial. I thought that if I did not acknowledge it that it would not be true, but unfortunately that is not how it works. I am very sorry, but Katarina is gone. You have to understand that and allow yourself time to grieve.

Katherine’s jaw began to tremble. She shook her head and tried to speak, but her tears started falling and she choked out a sob instead.

Xavier pulled Katherine into a tight hug and slowly lowered himself to the ground with her in his arms when he felt her legs give out. She was sitting on his lap as she cried into his chest. He rubbed her back as he rocked her slowly back and forth, attempting to soothe her.

Annabella turned to find David crouched on the ground along with Zach, Daniel and a passed out Maria. Annabella held her arm out for Lillian to bring her into a hug. Knights were standing all around, protecting the group as they grieved, keeping watch in case any new monsters made an appearance.

King Joseph rode up to the group on his horse after surveying the forest with the help of the fairies. He hopped down and made his way over to Annabella, trying not to disturb anyone. Lillian squeezed Annabella one last time before letting her walk away to speak with the King.

I really hate this curse, Annabella whispered when the King brought her into a hug.

As do I, the King replied. He pulled away and gave her shoulder a squeeze. There is no movement in the forest outside of the trees. It appears that this battle is over for the time being. Have you had a chance to check the book yet?

Annabella shook her head. "I will do that now. Can you ask the knights to help everyone get into the castle? They should all have a bath and some warm food so they can be comfortable while grieving.

The King looked at Annabella with sad eyes. You must grieve as well, Annabella. She was your friend, no matter how long you knew her.

Annabella swallowed and shook her head. I need to look at the storybook and see if there is anything new and figure out what is going on. I need to stop him before anyone else gets hurt.

The King frowned. This is not your fault. You are a victim in this curse as well. It is up to us all to stop this from happening and protect our land. Now go to Caroline and try to figure out what our next steps will be. I expect you to also take some time to rest and grieve. Jacob will need you.

Annabella looked back at Zach, who was still crying along with Jacob’s family before she turned back to the King and nodded. I shall do that right away.

Annabella ran to the castle and immediately made her way to the battle room. She used a spell to unlock her bag and pulled the storybook out, frantically flipping through its pages. When the new words began to appear, Annabella couldn’t hold back the sob that escaped her lips. The book confirmed Katarina’s death, but skimmed over the details of the aftermath, simply stating that her family was devastated.

Devastated does not even begin to describe it, Annabella muttered before new words appeared on the page making her eyes widen. Jeremy was back and his mind was not quite the same as the other villagers who had been taken by the warlock. I’ll pay him a visit once things start to settle down.

THE FIELD BETWEEN THE castle and The Forest of Light was cleaned up quickly. Those with water powers along with the fairies helped wash away any remnants of the battle, including the bodies that had been taken away to be preserved.

Zach found his way to Annabella and together they made their way up to their tower. They helped each other scrub off all of the dirt and blood in silence, hoping to wash away what happened that day, but only their skin was left cleaner. They were dressed for dinner, but were laying down on the bed waiting to be called down.

Annabella had never seen Zach so sad. She was once again reminded of how it felt to lose her parents, only now it almost felt harder watching Zach going through something similar. Annabella at least had a year to grieve their loss before returning to the real world, but Zach was grieving now and there was no way for him to escape their messy situation.

How are you feeling? Zach asked Annabella, snapping her out of her daze.

Annabella smiled sadly at him. I should be asking you the same. Don’t worry about me, she said, stroking his cheek. I am sad, but I will be fine. You need to focus on yourself right now.

Zach let out a long breath. This really sucks. She did not deserve to die. Tears were once again welling up in his eyes.

No she did not, Annabella agreed, pulling him towards her, letting him cry as much as he needed to until a knock sounded at the door.

Queen Miriam appeared after Annabella unlocked the door. She looked very sad, but put on a smile. How are you doing? she asked, looking between the couple.

Zach wiped his eyes and tried to smile. I have been better.

Annabella squeezed his shoulder. About as well as we can be under the circumstances. How is everyone in the safe room?

The Queen frowned. It is a little bit chaotic. Everyone is now aware of who they have lost so many families are grieving. They are now eating dinner together. I do not think they are looking forward to living down there for the next while.

With the village being destroyed by the monsters, everyone would be forced to remain at the castle. A few knights had reported back on the situation and most buildings had survived, but King Joseph did not want to risk anyone’s safety. No one would be going home until they were no longer at risk.

Are the fires all out? Annabella inquired.

The Queen nodded. Thankfully yes. Dinner is now ready so we should all head down. Many have already asked about you both and are concerned. I think it will make them feel better to see you.

Annabella nodded and got up from the bed. Zach followed behind her. The Queen enveloped them both into a hug. I am so proud of you both.

When they arrived at the dining hall, Annabella was surprised to see that Jacob’s family was there. They were sitting together near the King and Caroline, but they were very quiet. Katherine’s eyes were bloodshot as she stared blankly at the cutlery in front of her. Xavier sat at her side, holding her hand.

Jacob’s family left the field along with Zach once the cleanup started. They immediately brought Maria to the infirmary since she hadn’t woken up after fainting. David received a few stitches, but they did not need any additional medical attention.

Zach and Annabella sat down with Jacob’s family. They remained quiet until the food was served and only made small talk during the meal. Katherine didn’t speak once and left after a few bites, motioning for Xavier to stay behind. It was clear she wanted to be alone. No one dared to speak Katarina’s name that night. No one mentioned the battle at all. They all enjoyed each other’s quiet company with their warm meal before ending one of the worst days The Land of Dreams had experienced in centuries.

Chapter Two

When Annabella woke up the next morning, she prayed that everything had been a nightmare. Thinking about the new storybook brought her back to reality and pushed her to get out of bed. She was determined to find answers.

Are you sure you want to go there right now? Zach mumbled from his side of the bed. He had already gotten ready, but climbed back under the covers, not caring that his clothes would become wrinkled.

Annabella smiled at him. You can stay here. I told you that you do not have to come. You should try and sleep in a bit more.

Zach shook his head. No way. I want answers too. If your book mentioned Jeremy then we need to try talking to him.

The couple made their way to the infirmary soon after. King Ronald, Jeremy’s father, stood up the moment they walked inside with a look of relief on his face.

Is everything all right? Annabella questioned the King.

King Ronald’s face dropped. Not really. He has been up all night mumbling the same words over and over again. I will bring you to him, he said as he walked to the other end of the infirmary. He opened a thick curtain that was protected by a privacy spell, before leading Annabella and Zach inside.

Jeremy shook lightly on the mattress. He was strapped down with what looked like a binding spell.

Hello, Jeremy, Annabella spoke lightly.

Jeremy’s expression didn’t change as he observed Annabella. She took it as a good sign. Last time she spoke to him he seemed scared.

Can you give us any information about what happened to you and the villagers? Annabella asked.

Jeremy frowned. Inside. Control me, he began to mumble repeatedly.

King Ronald shrugged in response when Annabella turned to him. That is all he has managed to say so far.

Annabella looked at Jeremy carefully, studying his expression and body movements. He still looked terrible, but not nearly as bad as he did the night before. He was receiving fluids and being fed frequently in hopes that he would slowly gain back some weight.

Control me. Inside. Inside of me. Control me, Jeremy continued to mumble as he looked between Annabella and Zach.

Are you saying that the warlock was inside of you? Annabella asked.

Jeremy nodded as he continued his mumbling.

At least that much is confirmed, Zach sighed, turning to face Annabella. Now to wait and see if he gets any better. Shall we visit the others in the cells?

Annabella gulped and nodded. She turned back to Jeremy and gave him a small smile. Thank you for your help, she said before getting up and facing King Ronald. Thank you for allowing us to visit. Please let us know if anything changes and if you decide to go home at any point.

King Ronald nodded. Of course. We will be staying here for a while longer. Have a good day, Annabella and Jacob.

Annabella and Zach smiled and left for the cells. All of the missing villagers that had survived were placed in spell protected cells because they were still being controlled while the battle continued. Since the warlock and monsters left, it appeared that the connection had broken and the villagers were slowly becoming themselves again while adjusting back to reality.

How are they doing? Annabella asked Caroline when she entered the room. She bent down to give the good witch a hug before looking around the large room. The villagers were still chained to their individual cells, but they were no longer strapped down to the ground. They now all had proper beds and clean clothes. It appeared that they had been bathed and fed as well.

It is only a precaution, Caroline explained. "It seems that they are slowly returning to normal, but their families agreed to keeping them locked up in case they go back to being controlled and become dangerous again.

Annabella nodded, understanding it was necessary. When the villagers were under the control of the warlock, they would fight to the death against their own families without knowing it.

Has anyone said anything? Zach inquired.

Caroline shrugged. Only that the warlock took control of them one at a time. Our theory seems to have been correct about that. Their minds are much healthier than Jeremy’s at this time, but he seems to know the most.

Annabella frowned. "Jeremy is royalty. It seems like