Oops.Luna’s feminine laughter echoed in Ava’s head.
Not ten minutes later, Raine popped his head out of the cave. “All clear.”
Casimir prepared to grow another ladder, but Imsel stepped forward. “Wait.”
They extended a hand and red rock burst from the ground, forming steps.
“Why didn’t you do that in the first place?” Raine called from above.
“You moved too quickly before I had the chance.”
I’m kind of disappointed I don’t get to ride in the vines likeSabriel,Luna said before bounding up the stairs, the rest of their party and the animals following.
Aro was so large, they still had to use vines to steady him as he lumbered along, growling the whole way in irritation.
They built a fire at the mouth of the cave. Maeryn used her magic to burn it down to a pile of hot coals—perfect for providing them with a place to cook and light to see, but preventing smoke from filling their hollow home for the night.
Ava roamed through the rocky space, eyes scanning the walls. It was larger than it appeared from the outside, with a second chamber big enough for the animals to settle down. Gisela and Imsel once again worked in tandem to create a water trough for them and it wasn’t long before Sabriel and Aro were fast asleep.
“Luna, how long can you go without food?”Ava asked, concerned about the fact that they hadn’t seen much wildlife that could provide prey for their companions.
Probably a week or more. I made sure to eat plenty before we entered the desert. Sabriel can go longer and Aro the longest.
“Since he has the largest fat stores?”Ava said, assuming it was similar to the bears back home.
Aro opened an eye and growled at Ava, then went back to sleep.
Yes. Because he’s the biggest. Don’t worry about us. We’ll hunt for insects and small rodents if we begin to get hungry. Or we could always eat Jareth.
Ava shook her head in amusement as her feline friend padded on silent paws, joining Aro and snuggling into his side.
She ran her hand along the sandstone wall, its smooth edges and texture fascinating, as she headed back to the group for dinner. Other than a few insects, the cave was clear and free from predators, and they should be safe from the larger beasts that might prowl the sands at night.
Taking a seat in between Casimir and Gisela, Ava acceptedthe roasted meat handed to her with thanks and chewed quietly, lost in her thoughts. With everything that had happened, she hadn’t spent much time truly processing what her task now entailed.
She couldn’t stop from ruminating on what her brother was doing right now, especially after the attack on their capital. Had the rest of the daemon army reached Mosshaven? Were they fighting for their lives while Ava and the rest of them searched the desert for the only thing that could aid her in her task?
Casimir’s hand moved to her back, brushing in slow circles as if he knew she was spiraling. Always knowing exactly what she needed, even when she didn’t realize it herself.
She finished her dinner as she let his touch steady her.
Ava jerkedawake at the noise of someone screaming on the other side of the cave.
“We need help! Someone help him!” a soldier shouted, his companion releasing pained screams.
Ava leaped to her feet, Casimir already rushing toward the scene. When she approached, he put his arm out, stepping in front of her. “Stay behind me,” he said, then asked the soldiers, “What’s going on?”
Beric was writhing on the ground, his screams echoing off the cave walls. His friend knelt beside him, panicked and trying to calm him. But it was as if Beric couldn’t see him. Didn’t acknowledge anyone, his eyes glassy, mouth open in horror.
“I don’t know!” his friend cried. “He just started screaming and I can’t figure out why.” He shook his companion’s shoulders. “Beric, can you hear me? Beric!”
Nothing but screams and whimpers as he clawed at his arms, blood dripping onto the sandy floor from deep gashes he left in his flesh.
Casimir knelt on his other side. “What hurts? What’s wrong?”
“It burns! My skin is burning! Make it stop! I can’t see!”
“He’s blind?” someone whispered.
