He smiled slowly, leaning in and pressing a tender kiss to my lips as I still clung to Mothman.
“I love you too, Ava. Always,” he said against my mouth before kissing the corners of my lips. I felt Mothman’s sharp-tipped fingers move languidly in my hair and the brush of his fur against my cheek as he cradled me against his body.
Out of nowhere, the pain in my hand sharpened and I winced. Caspian’s face went from satisfaction to concern. He pulled my hand up and his eyes widened on the blackened stretch of skin.
“I’m not doing this anymore, we’re leaving,” he said forcefully.
“We can’t,” I said, shaking my head. Caspian looked irritated.
“I’m getting the splinter out then,” he said, not letting my hand go.
“Are you kidding?” Brandon asked, stomping over to us. “Look at it. It’s in her bloodstream. Fucking around with it will only make it worse.” His words hit me in the gut.
“It’ll hurt… ” I said lamely as Caspian’s grip tightened on my wrist, his face leaning in closer to observe the splinter.
“I know. I’m sorry, Ava but we need to get it out. If it’s a curse—” he said, looking up at Mothman who nodded. “Then this could fix it. Don’t listen to Brandon, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
“The hell I don’t!Curse?” He asked, throwing his arms out. “It’s infected and I agree, she needs help.From a doctor,” he said slowly. “So let’s find the climber and go.”
“I’m going to try and get it out,” Caspian said.
“I don’t know if I want to do this,” I said, swallowing. Caspian looked up at Mothman who tentatively nodded in agreement with him.
“I really don’t think you should do this. Wait till we get back out of here,” Brandon said. My eyes went to Brandon. He was looking at me in concern. It made my breathing pick up. He thought this was a bad idea. Was it? Who was right? I didn’t know because my head was spinning.
“Shut up, you’re freaking her out more,” Caspian snapped at Brandon. He lifted my hand up and I watched as he brought a razor-sharp talon towards my finger. Brandon grit his teeth.
I was concerned about the pain but I knew they thought this would help. That it could all be over and I could stop feeling so bad, stop watching as it spread.
“It’s okay Ava,” he said calmly, waiting for my response. When I finally nodded he began to press into my skin. An excruciating, sharp pain immediately came from his touch. I yelled out and Mothman quickly pressed his furry face against my cheek. I panted, grinding my teeth. I felt Caspian’s talon wedge deeper and my vision went white as my body went taut.
“You’re torturing her!” Brandon snapped his voice filled both with concern and rage.
“I can push it out” Caspian hissed between his sharp teeth, his large black pupils seemed to dilate even more.
His talon slid in deeper and as it did, I could feel the splinter moving, like something alive, like a bug wiggling under my skin, burrowing itself in further as he chased it.
I could only gasp as I felt the splinter burrow deeper, squirming and digging inside me. Mothman grabbed the hand I had clenched to his jacket and moved it to the thick fur at his neck. I dug my fingers in and clutched it, probably hurting him but he didn’t complain.
“Just a little bit more,” Caspian said as he pressed in deeper. I whimpered and writhed.
“Stop,” Brandon begged harshly. “You’re just hurting her. You could be making it worse.” His words finally cracked me.
“Stop,” I said, my voice a weak whisper that Caspian didn’t even seem to hear. Mothman heard though. His hand shot up and shoved Caspian roughly backwards.
“Fuck! I pushed it in farther,” Caspian barked. I sagged, breathing heavily. Cold sweat was on my forehead, my head was spinning. I felt limp in Mothman’s arms and that seemed to freak him out. He gripped me, shaking my arms. I felt him breathing fast. One hand came up and stroked my face frantically.
“I’m okay,” I said, opening my eyes. Mothman looked unconvinced, his eyes scanning me all over as if he could see something on me that bothered him. Caspian looked upset too, his big eyes on me. He didn’t dare touch me though, as if afraid he’d just done something horrible.
“Really, I’m fine,” I said and then pulled away from Mothman and got up to my feet. My eyes closed as my head spun. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes, looking at everyone. “I’m tired but Thomas has to be close now. Let’s get this done and leave,” I begged, my eyes boring into Caspian.
He looked at me like he truly believed he’d done something horrible. Perhaps that’s why he looked away and nodded in agreement—guilt. When he got off the ground, I hugged him.
“Are you okay?” he asked, hugging me back tightly.
“I’m okay,” I said again but I wasn’t sure I believed it. Something felt further off now, a growing discomfort under my skin. “Let’s finish this,” I sighed. Caspian relaxed then began laying ground rules while still holding me. I leaned against him, feelings more exhausted than before. My legs felt weak.
“We split up. Two people to the left tunnel and two to the right,” Caspian started. “We walk for fifteen minutes then turn around and meet back here.”
