Page 28 of Cedarwood Cabin

The vehicle swerves slightly, making my dizziness more intense. I swallow hard. I clench my fists, nails digging into my palms, desperately trying not to throw up.

SEVEN

FLORA

I open my eyes and notice the flow of a warm, crackling fire. My head feels dizzy as I manage to sit up, look around, and take in my surroundings. I am in a huge, cozy cabin.

“Whoa! Steady,” a calm voice says. I look to the left and see Dax walking over. My head starts throbbing as I reach to touch it.

“Some water…” Dax offers, holding out a glass.

I can feel my hands tremble as I reach out for the glass. I bring it to my lips and take a sip. Straight away, the water soothes my sore throat.

“Thanks,” I say, my voice weak.

“How are you feeling?” Dax asks, his voice gentle as he sits next to me.

“Dizzy, and my throat hurts.”

“I’m glad we found you in time. You gave us quite a scare.”

I don’t know what to say, so I look around the cabin. “Where are we?”

“Cedarwood Cabin. We thought it was a good idea to bring you here. Somewhere safe.”

I nod, keeping quiet. I’m guessing this is where they live. The card they left me said something about Cedarwood Cabin.

“Thank you,” I say with gratitude.

Dax gets up from the couch and walks into another room as I settle back against the cushions.

I take in my surroundings as I look around. The massive cabin has two stories and a balcony overlooking the living room area with a stone fireplace in the center. A deer antler chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Every soft furnishing is light cream with either bear, deer, or moose woven into the fabric. This cabin looks like something out of a film.

How can they afford this?

They must live here with their parents; it's going to be awkward meeting them. I take another sip of water as I hear footsteps from above me. I look up to the balcony and see Lyka walking across. My eyes follow him as he makes his way to the wooden stairs. I nod my head as he descends down the stairs.

“Hi,” I say quietly.

Lyka looks at me and rolls his eyes, his expression hard and unwelcoming. I watch him walk away, feeling confused.

Left alone again, I take another sip of water. The cabin, with its rustic charm and luxurious touches, feels almost surreal. Despite the beauty around me, the interaction with Lyka leaves me feeling more isolated than ever.

All of a sudden, I feel nauseous, like I’m going to throw up. The intense feeling makes me stand up in a panic.

“I’m going to be sick!” I exclaim. I frantically look around for the bathroom. Everything blurs around me as my stomach makes noises and churns. Dax bursts back into the living room and, without hesitation, grabs my arm as he leads me to a door on the far side of the room.

I run, stumbling to keep up with him. Dax pushes the door open, revealing a small bathroom. I feel relief once I see the toilet. I rush forward, fumbling with the lid and barely managing to lift it. I collapse and throw up. Vomit fills my mouth, mingling with the taste of vodka. My throat burns. I grip the sides tightly, my knuckles white as I try to steady myself. The sound of my retching echoes in the small bathroom.

Dax rubs my back with one hand, his other holding back my hair as he remains quiet. I start to tremble and feel weak as the sickness subsides. I stay there for a moment with my head in the toilet. Dax moves and hands me a damp washcloth. I take it, feeling grateful yet embarrassed.

“Just take your time. You’re safe,” Dax says with a calm tone.

I push myself back from the toilet and nod weakly. I feel grateful for his support.

“This is so embarrassing. I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. Let's get you back to the couch. You need rest,” Dax replies. He helps me to my feet, his arm steady around my limp body.

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