When the Lights Went Out #13

Chapter Thirteen

Rain still pattered outside the classroom windows, but the thunder had passed. The white fluorescent lights flickered to life above the room.

“Oh my,” Professor Singh said. “That sure was something, huh?” She looked at Coyote. “Why don’t you return to your seat, Mister Edmunds?”

Coyote nodded numbly and carried the book, which remained labeled “Fictionary,” though it now shined a glossy plum purple where it had been gray before, back to his desk. The collar and tag remained on his neck, and he was still missing the various articles of clothing he’d traded away. No one noticed as he slid into his seat next to Henry.

Henry jabbed Coyote in the ribs. “Hey, hey, where were you when the lights went out?”

Coyote’s breath caught in his throat. Could Henry know he’d been traipsing through a realm of monsters with an attractive vampire as his companion? The goofy grin on his pseudo-friend’s face confirmed he had no clue as to the truth. For a moment, Coyote considered telling him, if only to unburden himself of the hurt he felt at London’s absence. But it was too wild a tale; no one would believe it to be true. Coyote wouldn’t have believed it himself had he not just lived it.

And somewhere, in that realm of monsters, London was trapped with a vicious vampire whose debt he’d never be able to collect. Despite being unable to help London, a comforting warmth spread through Coyote’s chest. He planned to go straight home and forge a connection with his mother. He would no longer be the monster to her. They would embark on their own journey together. All he had to do was open the door.

Coyote sighed. “Well, I was in the dark, of course.”