I’d heard about the Whispering Caves, but because of my wings, I’d never actually traveled through them myself. I’d always had the privilege of flying above.
“What’s so scary about these caves?” Xavier asked. “Did something happen to you the last time you passed through?”
Matthias, who was now guiding the group, glanced over his shoulder with an eerie look on his face. “All the rumors you’ve heard about them? They should be believed.”
Xavier laughed quietly. “I don’t know, man. I’ve heard some pretty twisted shit. Like it’s full of spirits who can read minds and others that can see into one’s soul.”
Matthias returned his gaze to the front. “Just prepare yourself,” he answered. “Many people lose their minds after walking through these caves. Whatever happens, I can’t afford to lose any of you.”
Rummy remained unusually quiet. Her eyes were locked on Matthias’s back, but she didn’t give the slightest indication that she had even been listening to the conversation.
“Whatever it is, it won’t be a problem,” I said to the group. “We’ll get through the caves quickly, and from there, the journey should be smooth.”
Nobody responded.
The sky grew dark over the next couple of hours. Clouds moved in, blocking out most of the sky, and the forest thinned out as we approached the edge.
Eeriewasn’t a strong enough word. The sun should have been blazing above us, but it was nowhere in sight. Shadow cast over the horizon, and just off in the distance…
“The caves,” Xavier sighed from behind me. “We’re here.”
“Stay quiet,” Matthias said. “Keep your heads down. With any luck, we’ll pass through without issues.”
Right. Because it was always that easy. Matthias’s experience on the way here clearly spooked him, but if it were truly terrible, he wouldn’t be risking the journey once more, right?
“You ready for this?” Xavier asked Rummy.
I kept my attention fixed ahead, even as I listened for her response.
The horses’ hoofbeats went from muted to sharp as we moved from the soft forest floor to the solid rocks that graced the surface of the caverns.
“Please,” Rummy replied, her tone full of forced bravado. “You don’t actually believe in spooky, cursed caves, do you?” Her laughter filled the air, but the sound was hollow.
She was scared.
We approached the massive, cavernous structures with ease, the horses plodding along without concern.
Hell, maybe Rummy was right. Maybe the rumors that cursed the cavern walls were all a load of shit.
A chill ripped down my spine, changing my opinion instantly, and wind howled through our newly exposed surroundings.
The hair on my arms stood on end. “A forest full of hungry ones would make me feel better than this,” I said.
Matthias glanced back, his expression half smile, half grimace. “Careful what you wish for, mate. You don’t want the caves to hear you saying things like that.”
Right.
The shadows of the caves engulfed us as we approached the narrow valley that passed directly through.
It was just wide enough for us to fit between the stone mountains on either side, with nothing but gray rock for a mile, at least.
And the last vestiges of sunlight were completely cut off by the towering structure.
Matthias brought his horse to a stop.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
He craned his neck as he looked up at the looming rock, his horse backing up a step.
