Page 21 of Warrior Unraveled

“Three.”

She concentrated again, taking a deep breath this time, trying to clear her mind.

“Two.”

Suddenly, it was dark around them. She heaved a sigh of relief. The portal had closed.

The next sound was muffled, but even through the closed portal, she could still hear it: “One.”

She felt Wesley grip her more tightly, one arm around her waist, one holding on to her bicep. Ignoring his presence for a moment, she willed her mind to concentrate on their destination. Away from the demons, away from the compound that had been compromised.

The explosion hit with such power that the walls of the portal shook. She was flung in the air. Wesley’s arm around her waist slipped. Panicked she reached for him, slung both arms around him to hold on to him. She felt him do the same, wrapping his arms around her like a vise.

Another explosion rocked the portal. Cracks split the stone walls.

“Shit!” she cursed.

Then the entire portal seemed to be lifted into the air, tossed around like a pebble in a rockslide. All she could do was hold on to Wesley and hope they survived.

Fucking demons! If she could, she’d charge right into the demon’s lair and slaughter every single one of them.

“If we’re gonna die, just wanted you to know that I’ve never had a better kiss,” Wesley suddenly said.

Tears welled in her eyes and despite their perilous situation, she managed to bury her face in the crook of his neck. “Oh Wes, I—”

The feeling of sudden freefall cut off her words and made a scream burst from her lips.

“Aaaaaahhhh!” Wes yelled.

The impact knocked the wind out of her and ripped her out of Wesley’s arms. She’d landed on hard rock, groaning in pain. At least it meant she was alive.

“Wesley?” She lifted her head, searching for him.

He lay only a few feet away from her. He, too, had landed on rocky ground. It was dark, though a glimmer of light shone through a crack in their stone surroundings. Were they still in the rubble of the council compound? Or had they made it out? She tried to get her bearings, but the explosion had clearly destroyed the entire compound and left only a pile of rock.

Wesley suddenly lifted his head. “Did we make it?” He patted his chest and thighs. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head. “I’m good. Did you break anything?”

He sat up and groaned. “Don’t think so. Where are we?” He looked around, then stared in the direction of the light source.

“Not sure yet.” She looked closer at the rock formations around them, then let her hand glide over a dark, smooth surface. “Lava rock.” To her knowledge the council compound was constructed of limestone. Nobody had ever mentioned anything about lava rock. “That’s strange.”

“What?” Wesley sounded instantly alarmed.

“Touch the stone.”

He shrugged. “What am I supposed to feel?”

“It’s lava that’s hardened to rock.” She was certain of it now. “We’re not in the council compound anymore.”

“Well, I guess that’s good news. We made it out.” He leaned closer. “Thanks to you.”

“Don’t thank me yet.” She staggered to her feet, and felt some aches and pains. Nothing that wouldn’t heal quickly.

She took a few steps toward the large boulder, when she heard Wes get up and join her. He took her arm. “Wait.”

Virginia looked over her shoulder.