Zoe passed under State Route 82, her eyes widening as she caught her first glimpse of ValueMart.
Or what used to be ValueMart.
The parking lot had transformed into something straight out of a fantasy gone wrong.
Chunks of asphalt hovered in the air, floating alongside rogue shopping carts, and distant islands bobbed like a broken chain of stepping stones.
She barely made out flickering remnants of ValueMart's iconic insignia, three Vs circling like some twisted version of a corporate beacon, now as warped as the rest of the scene.
Water orbs drifted between the islands, shimmering with magic that definitely didn't belong in her world.
"You've got to be kidding me," Zoe muttered.
Further up the road, she found herself stuck at a red light behind a line of cars.
She peered over, trying to confirm that her eyes weren't deceiving her.
Sure enough, there were some shopping carts drifting around like lost satellites.
Hey everyone!
I hope you enjoyed the chapter. This one was all about balance—literally and figuratively! Zoe's journey into the shard-infested ValueMart took us deeper into the bizarre and magical world where everyday places are transformed into dangerous landscapes. I wanted to show not just Zoe's growing comfort with her magic, but also her hesitancy and how she’s still navigating the uncomfortable realities of being a Threadweaver.
The rescue of Grandma Maddox was such a fun scene to write, especially with Zoe's awkward flying and the appearance of that serpent-like air orb monster. I really loved adding in those touches of danger and the unpredictable nature of magic. It’s not just about defeating a monster; it’s about how Zoe handles herself under pressure, how she balances her own fears while trying to protect others—all while staying true to her snarky, reluctant hero vibe.
Adding the family dynamic with Gavin and his dad felt important here. It brings that human element into the magic and chaos, showing that while Zoe might not see herself as a hero, she’s making a difference in very real, tangible ways—not just for the "grand adventure" but for individual people who mean the world to someone. I think that’s a thread that’s going to be increasingly important for Zoe as we move forward.
Plus, Snacks is as mischievous as ever, and having him sit out this time added a little humor but also showed Zoe's care for not overwhelming Grandma Maddox. I love how the dynamic between Zoe and Snacks keeps evolving—they're a real team, and Snacks is becoming more and more of a character in his own right, rather than just comic relief. He’s definitely got his moments!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one—did you enjoy the rescue mission vibe? What did you think of the dynamics between the characters here? Drop your comments, and let’s chat about it! There’s plenty more chaos on the way, and this is only the beginning of ValueMart’s secrets!
Until next time,
I figured out what was going on & I am creeping ahead. Thanks!