Rose Coffin by M. P. Kozlowsky

Author:M. P. Kozlowsky
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Rose stood in utter darkness. It was so complete, it was as if it had a presence, a predatory force that backed her up against the door she had entered through, pinning her there. Her heart pounded against her chest, the hands of darkness around her. She could feel its breath, its dominance. It was so easy to give in.

What were you thinking coming in here, Rose? You think you’re some kind of fighter now? Some kind of hero? You’re a sacrifice. Get it straight.

Rose felt the darkness penetrate her. It crept down her mouth and seeped through her pores. It was filling the space around her bones, from her feet all the way to her skull. It wanted to silence her. Erase her.

And that she couldn’t allow. “I have my voice,” she said.

Oh, and what good is that going to do right now? You can’t see a thing.

Rose pushed herself off the wall, refusing to succumb. If she was going to die, then she’d die fighting. She stepped into the darkness, and it was as if something gave. Each step forward became easier and easier, the enemy in rapid retreat. Her hand traced the wall, fingertips brushing the stone, and it was like claws against her attacker’s skin. When she came upon a gap, she stopped and felt for the turn. It was an effective method for now. But she couldn’t do this the entire time. What if she came across the armor? She wouldn’t even know it. And what if something was sneaking up behind her? What if something was there right now?

She turned around, her entire body shaking as she waited to be struck down. Hands waving, she reached out into the darkness, her body circling.

Nothing.

Long exhale.

Okay, keep moving.

But suddenly, she had lost her sense of direction. Shoot. You got all turned around. Which way were you headed, Rose? There were plenty of noises all around her. They echoed throughout the labyrinth like the dark’s chattering teeth. Rose had no idea what was making them or how close they actually were. At times, it even sounded like some of the walls were moving.

But as she stood there glaring down the darkness, she thought she saw something. The faintest of lights. She rubbed her eyes, hoping to adjust them back to her dark reality. But it turned out there really was a glow in the center of the darkness. A tiny ball of light. It was bright orange and jumped around in the pitch, gaining in intensity.

“A Panatoo,” Rose whispered, a tinge of awe in her voice.

She walked toward the iridescent rodent, a hand bracing the wall. Quietly, she called out to it as if it were a cat. She said she had food, a warm bed. But nothing worked. Every time she got close, the Panatoo scurried farther into the distance.

She wanted to get her hands on it—she needed to—but there was no way she was going to be able to catch it. Not like this.

Then she was struck with an idea.

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