Page 201 of Crimson Promises
"Where are we?" I mused aloud, my gaze sweeping across the horizon.
Ben's fingers brushed mine. "I'm not entirely sure, but it's unlike anything I've encountered before."
We continued forward. I couldn't shake the feeling that this place held secrets. Was this what Lucifer meant for us to find?
"Look there," Ben's voice broke through my thoughts, drawing my attention to the shimmering structure in the distance.
I squinted, trying to make out the details of a distant temple made of iridescent crystal. The soft glow it emitted cast a warm, inviting radiance against the shifting colors of the landscape.
"We should go check it out," I said, curiosity pulling me towards the structure like a magnet.
Ben nodded, his hand stretching as though it was going to grasp mine, but at the last second, he curled his fingers into a fist and shoved them into his pockets.
"What do you think this place is?" I wondered aloud. My gaze fixed on the temple we strode towards.
"I'm not sure, but it feels important. Like it's been waiting for us."
As we approached, the intricate details of the crystal temple became clearer. Patterns of light danced across its surface.
"Do you think it's safe?" I asked, a hint of uncertainty creeping into my voice.
“Everything we have experienced thus far should make me say no. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it feels more like a refuge than a trap. There’s a reason Lucifer couldn’t come here himself. Whereverhereis.”
I raised an eyebrow at him. “A simple yes would have sufficed,” I said, attempting to school my face into a serious expression, but I stuck my tongue out at him instead.He makes it so easy to poke at his broody exterior.
Ben turns towards me, his fingers wiggling.
“No,” I squealed. “No tickling!”
He grasped above my hips where my leather leggings cinched into my waist. I registered the scowl on his mouth, the heat behind his eyes. Then, the next thing I knew, I was staring at the sunset sky. Ben had flipped me onto my back and then sauntered off.
“Hey!” I yell. “What was that for?” The sand was as soft as a pillow, but I could already feel the grains embedding in my hair. I sat back up.
Ben sped up his strides, heading towards the crystal temple. He called over his shoulder. “You said no tickling.”
I pushed off my back legs and broke into a sprint, kicking up purple sand. With a sudden burst of energy, I closed the distance between us and jumped, throwing my arms around his shoulders.
"Oof!" Ben grunted as my weight collided with him.
I chuckled as I tightened my grip around his neck. "Sorry about that."
"No problem," he managed to say between breaths, his arms coming to rest under my thighs.
As Ben's arms locked around my legs, securing me, I felt a jolt of warmth rush through me. His closeness sent a flurry of butterflies dancing in my stomach.
Traitorous body.
"Hold on tight," he said.
I adjusted my grip around his neck. "I've got a pretty good hold."
Ben's laughter echoed as he resumed his run, his strides steady and sure. The world around us blurred as we moved, the colors swirling together in a kaleidoscope of beauty.
"You know," Ben's voice cut through the wind. "I kinda like you this close."
A blush tinged my cheeks, my heart somersaulting. “Who wouldn’t, though?”
He shot me a teasing grin over his shoulder, his gaze warm and genuine. “Fair point. I'm not letting you down until we reach that temple."
