Page 28 of Crown of Envy

As the creature loomed over us, its countless eyes gleaming with malevolent intent, I realized we were hopelessly outmatched. The Heartstone pulsed in my grasp, its glow intensifying as if responding to its master’s presence.

We had definitely made a mistake, and now we were about to pay the price. My heart pounded so hard I could feel it in my throat, each beat a reminder of our perilous situation.

Suddenly, the words of the mirror flashed through my mind, cutting through the fog of fear. We had to do this together. This wasn’t an individual quest but a team one. I didn’t know if this would work, but I summoned every ounce of courage I had left. Swallowing hard, I held my head high, meeting the creature’s numerous eyes. “We’re the Chosen,” I declared, my voice stronger than I felt. “You can’t defeat us.”

The creature’s laughter echoed through the cave, a sound like grinding stones that set my teeth on edge. It reached for Lisa with a grotesque, many-fingered hand.

“Join hands!” I shouted, desperation lending volume to my voice.

My team stood motionless, their eyes glazed as if falling into a trance. Panic surged through me. Moving quickly, I snatched Justice’s hand with my left and my brother’s with my right, sandwiching the amulet between my palm and Justice’s. The contact seemed to jolt them awake. Their eyes cleared as they blinked rapidly.

“Grab Lisa’s hand!” I yelled at Damon, my voice cracking with urgency.

Damon lunged and snatched Lisa’s wrist, yanking her away from the creature’s grasp with such force that I heard her shoulder pop. He clasped her hand tightly, and awareness flooded back into her eyes.

Justice caught on and grabbed Brody’s hand. Brody’s body jerked as he came awake and seized Zara’s hand in a white-knuckled grip.

The moment the circle was complete, power surged through us like an electric current. I gasped at the sensation, feeling like every nerve ending in my body was on fire. A bright white glow emanated from our joined hands, growing in intensity until it illuminated the cave.

The creature screeched, a sound so piercing it felt like needles in my eardrums. It retreated from the light, its body seeming to melt into the shadows. The whispering voices rose to a crescendo of screams before abruptly falling silent, leaving my ears ringing.

We stood there, panting and shaking, our hands locked together as if our lives depended on it. Which, I realized, they probably did. Slowly, carefully, we moved as one unit, shuffling awkwardly but determinedly toward the path.

With each step, I felt the oppressive atmosphere of the cave lessening. The air became easier to breathe, the darkness less menacing. Finally, after what felt like hours but was probably only minutes, we reached the safety of the path.

As we stepped onto it, the white glow faded, leaving us in the dim light of our flashlights once more. We released each other’s hands, flexing our stiff fingers. The realization of what we’d survived hit us, and I saw relief, disbelief, and lingering fear on everyone’s faces.

Predictably, Damon broke the silence. “Well,” he announced. “I guess we really are the Chosen. Either that or we crashed one hell of a shadow puppet party.”

Despite everything, I laughed, the sound tinged with hysteria and genuine relief. We had faced the impossible and survived. More importantly, we had done it together.

Justice and I maintained our grip, the Heartstone amulet pulsing warmly between our palms.

“Let’s get the hell out of this cave,” he mumbled, his voice raspy but noticeably stronger. The change in his tone sent a ripple of hope through me.

I wanted to see his face, to confirm if the Heartstone had worked. My heart raced with anticipation, and I held my breath, afraid to hope too much.

As if reading my mind, Damon swung his flashlight around, the beam cutting through the gloom. For a brief moment, the light flickered across Justice’s face. I blinked hard, not trusting my eyes. The grayness seemed to have diminished, his skin taking on a healthier hue.

I tightened my grip on his hand. Suddenly, a surge of energy coursed through me, making my skin tingle and my blood pump faster. It felt like liquid lightning in my veins, exhilarating and slightly terrifying.

Brody took point, his shoulders set with determination as he led us toward the cave’s exit. “Stay alert,” he warned. “We’re not out of danger yet.”

Damon brought up the rear, his usual quips absent as he scanned our surroundings. The beam of his flashlight danced nervously across the cave walls, creating shifting shadows that made me flinch.

The soft echo of our footsteps was the only sound. Then, my heart leaped into my throat as I caught the whisper of footsteps that weren’t ours following us from the darkness.

“Guys,” I murmured, my voice trembling slightly. “I think we’re being followed.”

The whispering voices started again.

Don’t leave.

Come back.

There’s more treasure.

This time, desperation tinged their tone.

---