Chapter 5

Chapter FIVE I was woken to the sound of my name and a light tapping on my arm. 'Isadora,' Mum was whispering. 'Time to wake up!' I opened my eyes and looked around. For a moment I couldn't remember where I was. 'It's time to go home!' said Mum. 'It's

almost morning!' I sat up and yawned. 'Is this your friend?' asked Mum, gesturing at Araminta who was waking up next to me.

'Yes!' I said, 'Araminta! She's half vampire, half human!' You two must have a lot in common then!' said Mum, smiling. 'We do!' I said. 'We're going to be pen pals!' 'Definitely!' said Araminta. 'And maybe one day you could come and visit me where I live?' 'I think that's a very good idea,' said Mum, putting my cape back round my shoulders. She held out her hand and I took it. 'Bye Araminta!' I said, waving. 'Goodbye Isadora.' Mum and I walked towards the great

front doors of the castle where Dad was waiting. I could see that the sky outside was already lightening and the stars were beginning to disappear.

'What a fantastic night!' Dad said, taking my other hand. 'Really magical!' said Mum. We stepped into one of the sleek, black taxis waiting outside, and I sank back into the velvet seats. Pink Rabbit curled up next to me. The engine spluttered into life and I felt the car rise up into the air. Dad began to tell the taxi driver all about my performance.

'It was magnificent,' he said. 'We felt so proud! I'm even thinking of learning a little ballet myself now.' 'Did you enjoy yourself, Isadora?' asked Mum as we soared away from the vampire castle, over the craggy mountains and shimmering winding rivers. 'Are you glad you did your ballet show in the end?' 'Oh yes!' I said, remembering how amazing it had felt to dance in front of such a big audience with my new friend Araminta. 'It was the best night ever! I want to do it all again next year!'