Quick write.

Shadow

The shadows wavered, flickering away from the glow of the torches that lined the halls. I slipped through the dark shapes dancing on the marble walls of the hall, willing myself to blend in. The image of my prize was burned into my eyelids; the smooth gem, twisting the beams of candle light that surrounded its pedestal, giving off its own mysterious glow that made it the prize of so many.

There were footsteps behind me, but I didn't turn back, trying to convince myself that they couldn't have seen me. Their pace quickened, as did mine, masking my steps with the sound of theirs. I began to recognise my pursuers as the guards on their four thirty patrol, marching in sync as always.

There it was, glorious as ever on its golden throne. It was my reward. I had not evaded all of the castle's guards and enchantments for nothing. I loosened the drawstring on the pouch I had created especially to mask its rays when a hand clasped my shoulder…

• Hetty Finney Waters