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“I’m not sure that’s good news.”
Eric gave me a half smile.
We stayed on the outskirts and followed the vines down the hill overgrown with grass and weeds. I was sure my legs were being eaten alive by bugs, yet I barely noticed because I was more afraid of what lay in front of us or in the shadows. Every sound not made by us was suspect. Eric was now keeping his hand on the lid of the thermos.
When we reached the bottom of the hill, there was a giant green patch of weeds that seemed out of place. Almost like the hill was missing a piece and the weeds had filled it in.
Eric put an arm out and held me back. “This doesn’t seem right.”
I was glad I wasn’t the only one who thought so.
Eric looked around and said, “Take my hand.”
I gripped his hand tightly while he maneuvered us around the weeds and down to the bottom of the hill. His book lit up, and I felt a strange sensation from the top of my head to the tips of my toes.
“I think we’re close,” I whispered.
Eric reached into the weeds and parted them. “There’s a door.”
“A door? Like a hobbit door?”
“Something like that.” Eric stepped into the overgrowth, pulling me after him. Sure enough, there was an old, wooden, grayed-by-time door with a sun carved into it.
I stared in amazement, my heart pounding double time. “I had no idea this was here.”
“It’s probably a wine cellar, or a good hiding place for a book.”
“I don’t see a door handle,” I stuttered.
“Here, let me see if I can open it.” Eric handed me his book but kept his thermos. He ran his hand over the wood several times before saying, “Ah.” He pushed the middle of the door, and it parted. What I could see with the limited light was a cave that seemed to be carved out of stone. Something in the cave called to me, yet I was too afraid to go in. I shook where I stood.
Eric put his hand on the small of my back. “It’s time, daughter of the sun.”Chapter Thirty-TwoTogether we stepped into the dark cave. A chill swept over me, making me wish I had worn warmer clothes instead of a tank top and shorts. I faintly made out a candelabra chandelier above us but couldn’t see a light switch. The odds of it working after this long were slim to none anyway. However, we didn’t need the light. Eric’s book provided it.
Eric stiffened. “I don’t like this; my book casts too many shadows.”
“I’m happy to leave.”
“Nice try. Just stay close.”
I grabbed Eric’s shirt, clinging to it like a child. “Eric, I want you to know that no matter what happens, I’m glad you walked into my bakery that day.”
He brushed my hair back. “I hate that I’ve put you in danger, but selfishly, I’m glad too.”
“You’re the love my father said I would have. We belong together.”
“The curse says otherwise, my love.” He trudged on.
I reluctantly followed as we walked past old barrels of wine. I was surprised how dry it felt and that a fruity aroma lingered in the air. Past the barrels was another room with no door. Inside sat a table, and on that table an old chest.
“It’s in there.” I pointed at the chest. “I can feel it,” I said so breathily it sounded as if I’d just run a marathon. I grabbed Eric’s hand for comfort and so he wouldn’t have any stupid ideas like drinking the poison he held.
He must have known what I was doing. “I’ll stand guard.”
“No. We’re doing this together.” Even in the semidarkness I could see how exasperated he was with me.
“My family could be here any minute.”
“I want every minute I can have with you.” I reached up on my tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Please.”
“Argh,” he groaned. “I can’t seem to tell you no.”
I led him to the chest made of old driftwood and sealed with a lock that looked like a sundial. I stood in front of it, hesitant to touch it though it beckoned me to. My fingers began to twitch and almost ache. I lightly brushed my hand over the chest, and my fingers calmed. “I’m not sure how to open it.”
“Use your gifts,” Eric suggested while his eyes darted between me and the entrance.
I closed my eyes and took deep breaths in and out. I focused on my heart. That led me straight to my feelings for Eric. With those feelings, a warmth spread through me. A light formed, first in my chest, where it traveled up to my shoulder and then down my arm until it burst out of my palm, hitting the sundial and making it turn until we heard a click.
