AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Killian
Evelyn hadn’t been lying when she said the trek to the cave would be dangerous and full of obstacles. This plan was rubbish. I kept Ainsley close as we stumbled through the rainforest, cutting back overly large leaves and limbs, creating a path to this supposed hidden cave somewhere in the distance.
In my gut, something felt off, as though this were a trap—as though they were leading us into the unknown, only to kill us off one by one. I still did not fully trust the water caster’s intentions. There was something about her that I couldn’t quite pin down.
“Watch your step, love,” I said rather loudly to Ainsley as a huge lizard-looking creature sprung from beneath the undergrowth.
“What in the sky’s name was that?” She nearly squealed and hopped to the left, straight into my arms to avoid the damn thing as it scurried up the nearby tree.
Admittedly, I shuddered a bit.
“No idea, love. First I’ve seen of the sort.” I grimaced, setting her on her feet. Once she was settled, I swung my sword, hacking away at yet another overgrown tree limb.
“This place is dreadful,” Ainsley whispered with a shudder.
“Duck,” Rek called out, however, I swiveled in his direction instead.
Instantly, I was smacked in the face by one of the largest and thickest spider webs I’d ever seen in my life. “Bloody hell! Is this some sort of—” I was cut off when an arachnid the size of my hand pounced on my face, and I lost all sense, waving away the webs and attempting to remove the blasted eight-legged mutant from my head.
“Killian!” Ainsley cried and struggled to grab one of its legs, as I pulled the damn thing off at the same time. “That is the most disgusting beast I have ever…” She gagged, bending at the waist. “Jo, burn it. Just set it aflame.”
“No one will burn anything in this forest,” Evelyn said in a matter-of-fact tone, leaving no room for argument. “Many of the insects and creatures here are of the magical variety. They serve a purpose.” She stopped and pivoted to meet our gaze. “It is to keep unwanted ‘visitors’ from exploring these parts. Understood?”
“Perfectly.” Ainsley visibly swallowed and nodded slowly.
Realistically, I could understand the need for such precautions, but with Evelyn leading us, why on earth did these magical creations of hers have to attack? It made no sense. Could they not sense their creator? Magic. I’d never comprehend it.
Jo and Rek chuckled. I wondered what the hell they found so comical. I had been doing all the work for them. They only had to follow. Yes, I was grumpy as hell. This venture was bullshit, and if not for Ainsley, I’d not be here.
I sighed, recalling why I’d agreed to do this in the first place.
“What is it?” she asked, glancing at me from the corner of her eye.
“It’s nothing,” I said. “Are we nearly there?”
“You sound like a child, Captain,” Jo said, and I could hear Jackson’s chuckle.
“Jo does have a point, old friend,” Rek agreed, not bothering to hide his mirth. “You all right up there? Need a hand?”
“I’ve got it,” I growled, scowling at him over my shoulder. “Thanks.”
Ainsley screamed, but I could no longer see her. She had been at my side. I could no longer see Evelyn or Bruno, either.
“Ainsley! Where are you?” I shouted, panicked within an inch of my life. “Are you all right?” I took off in a dead run. To hell with the rainforest and its madness.
“Killian?” Her voice sounded distant, but I followed its cadence.
Rek, Jackson, and Jo followed closely behind as I cut away leaves, limbs, after blasted limb in search of her. “Ainsley, love, try to keep talking so I can locate you.”
“I—” Her voice was cut off by yet another scream, and my heart clenched.
“We’re on our way! Stay where you are,” I called out, and just as the last word fell from my lips, I lost my footing, sliding down what felt like a mountain of mud.
Tumbling ass over teakettle, I landed with a thud, hard, and on my back, only to find Ainsley lying next to me.
Forgetting my own fall, I pulled her close and wrapped her in a tight embrace. “Are you hurt?” I questioned, anxiety rising in my gut. “Does anything feel broken?” I squeezed her tighter to me. “You scared the life out of me, Ainsley.”
“Can’t…breathe…Killian.”
