This week, Penelope Grace is about to make an altogether wondrous discovery. Read the start of the adventure below, then return here this Friday for the unveiling of the winter carousel…
*
With a deep breath, Penelope Grace ducked beneath the lowest-hanging branches and stepped into the forest.
It was not long before she realized that they were, indeed, still following a path. Though it was worn and covered in thick patches of ice and snow, it was there, and it offered Penelope a measure of comfort.
The wolf followed faithfully behind, watchful for any danger.
But they were alone in this winter forest, and Penelope and the wolf continued on quietly, both understanding that the silence of this place was sacred and worth leaving undisturbed.
They walked in this way for some time, until, all of a sudden, the wolf trotted ahead of her.
Penelope could feel the creature’s expectation fill her as well, and her heart began to beat faster as they approached a clearing in the forest.
Without warning, the wolf ran forward, gracefully maneuvering the small gap in the trees that marked the entrance to the clearing, and Penelope followed suit.
Gently pushing aside the branches of an evergreen, Penelope Grace stepped into the clearing and found that she could not take another step. She was stunned and enchanted.
On the opposite side of the clearing stood an ice-blue carousel, covered in snow.
She could see from this distance that ice had coated the carousel’s gleaming silver poles, while patches of snow disguised the carousel’s animals. Only the moonlight illuminated it, setting countless glittering snowflakes ablaze, and Penelope Grace admired its reflected light.
The carousel looked as if it had been forgotten for a hundred endless winters until the ice and snow had come to cover it and claim the carousel for its own. Almost, it seemed wrong to do anything but leave it untouched.
The wolf thought otherwise.
It came to stand behind Penelope and nudged her forward.
*
But what happens next, you ask?
Only two more days to wait 😉
You can join the fight for wonder below!
You’ll receive four weekly installments of the story, exclusive illustrations, and have the chance to win an exciting giveaway, which will be announced tomorrow on our social media (@2125Books).
You’ll also have unlimited access to all past and future book releases, so you can read past installments at any pace you like, as long as you remain a subscriber!
Sound fun?!
In the meantime, why do you think the wolf led Penelope to the carousel? I’d love to hear your guesses!
Until Friday,
Alexandria
21:25 Books 