#22 - Exploring With Keys

MJ tried to resist the urge to look over her shoulder, expecting the wolf to be breathing down her neck. She felt the hairs on the back of her neck stick up at such a thought but she ignored it.

She had made more progress. MJ stepped forward two more spaces and was glad of it. The end had to be in sight now!

Focusing her thoughts, MJ pointed her wand at the nearest lantern, "This is such an interesting room. I wonder if the Founders had a part to play in creating the Spiral Tower..."

After taking part in... Whatever it had been, the school adventure? MJ felt a stronger connection with her house than ever before. She smiled to herself, focusing on willing the lantern to light up. She wanted the next one or two to light so badly! To win this room, after her struggle in the start, would be an amazing feeling.

Another lantern lit up and a second followed. MJ grinned, moved two spaces and then noticed there was just one lantern left! She risked a look behind her, to see where the wolf was.

MJ was amazed to see the wolf all the way back there, lit by the lantern it was sat under. She wasn't entirely home free, however. MJ knew she had to finish this before she could celebrate.

Turning back towards the final lantern, MJ aimed her wand. "We've come a long way together, haven't we? I'm the witch I am thanks to you."

Talking out loud helped her feel better, especially since there was a wolf behind her that could catch up any moment. She took a breath, exhaled and then focused. She pushed out her will, urging the lantern to light up. Just one more, she could do this. Her wand was warm in her hand now but MJ figured that was because she had been holding it so tightly.

"Come on, light up." She mumbled under her breath, staring at the lantern intently, as she continued to will it to light.