Lucid by L. E. Fred Page B

research,” Leona finally spoke. “O r, should I say, your friend, Tiffany Brightly, did.”
    My short-lived bravery faltered as fear froze my insides. She knew about Tiff, the only one who couldn’t lucid dream. Leona smiled as if she sensed my sudden change in mood .
    â€œLet me show you something . ” S he stood up and grabbed my shoulder with a vice - like grip. Her nails dug into my shirt like claws as she steered me back to the bedroom. She led me to the entertainment system and stood me right in front of the biggest computer monitor.
    Leona released me and began typing on a golden keyboard. I thought about running, but my hands were still cuffed together. I also didn’t want to run into Gruff any time soon .
    â€œLook familiar?” Leona stepped aside. The computer screen was now pink with a small lion in the corner. I stifled a gasp and tried to look confused. “This is your little friend’s screen as we speak. She’s not the only one who can hack into pr ograms. She also cannot do this. ” Leona picked up a remote and turned on the TV screen. Instead of a show, I was watching Tiff play video games in her room. This time I really did gasp.
    â€œHow did you?” I should have asked how could you, but both were valid questions at the time .
    â€œHmph . ” Leona smiled slyly . “ Y ou won’t be around to figure it out, and neither will your friend. Yes . ” Leona studied the screen again . “I think I’ll make her a cocktail waitress by the pool so she’ll get a good tan — ”
    BOOM .
    I leapt behind the bed as the glass window shattered. I heard Leona scream and hoped some shards found her face .
    â€œDEVON!” Someone shouted above the noise. I struggled to my feet, using my sword as a sort of cane and saw a very unlikely duo. Mitch had jumped into the room through the busted window, and Kyle — my idiot, loser brother Kyle — was piloting a flying scooter.
    â€œI’ll explain later!” Mitch saw the bewildered look on my face. “We gotta get you out of here first . ” He saw the screen that showed Tiff’s bedroom. “Is that Tiff?” He hadn’t seen her in person before, but he could put two and two together. “No… she can’t—”
    â€œWe’re no good to her if we’re stuck in here!” I reminded Mitch, running to the window. “Come on!”
    Gruff suddenly busted open the door leading into the room. He saw Mitch and his eyes instantly narrowed.
    â€œGet them!” Leona was on her feet. Her face was badly cut by the glass, but she seemed more angry than hurt. She bared her teeth as she jumped at me.
    â€œCatch!” I threw my sword to Mitch and rolled to the side, avoiding Leona’s attack. Gruff came after Mitch, charging at him head first like a ram. Mitch jumped on top of a plush ottoman, leapt off with such grace I’d never think possible, and swung at Gruff’s head. The large man ducked, but Mitch got him on the arm .
    â€œHere, this might help!” Mitch swung at my handcuffs, which fell apart like ropes.
    â€œThanks!” I ducked again as Leona attacked. Mitch tried swinging the sword at Leona, but she was too fast. She pushed Mitch and he fell on top of me. As we struggled to our feet we realized she had pushed us onto the balcony .
    We were cornered. I saw Kyle pilot his scooter closer to us, but he was too far away to make a safe jump. Leona was mere feet away from us .
    â€œDid you really think you two would be a match for us?” Leona slowly advanced, Gruff following suit. He gave Mitch a look of pure hatred. Why did he hate Mitch so much?
    â€œYou may have gifts, but you didn’t create this,” Leona spread her hands wide, indicating the now ruined bedroom.
    â€œUm, I think we kind of did create the mess . ” Mitch didn’t seem at all scared. He held my sword aloft as if it were his own. I