Page 16 of Enchanted Kisses
I don’t know why I screamed Caiden’s name—as if he could hear me or save me—but I did.
“Caiden!” I shouted at the top of my lungs. “Caiden, help!”
Loud bangs of thunder clattered in the woods. I flinched with each boom and used my sneaker to kick at the thorny vines holding me hostage.
Must escape.
I panted and continued kicking, even as cuts burned my ankles and the wall of leaves showed no sign of penetration.
The thunderous roars grew louder, near deafening, as if the sounds would obliterate the forest.
I covered my ears and prepared for the worst. Tears fell from my eyes and dampened my cheeks, but I couldn’t hear myself cry.
Boom. Boom.
The earth shook violently. I fell and stayed on the ground, my hands pressed against my ears.
Was this how I would die?
I didn’t know how long I stayed like that. Minutes? Hours? But suddenly, the ruckus stopped.
Afraid to move, I held still and waited, listening. Would the thunder start again? Would the awful Dagan reappear? Would he toy with me? Was he real? What was happening to me, and how would I stop it?
Silence filled the air. I didn’t trust it. I didn’t trust myself, but I couldn’t stay here. I had to gather my nerves and try to get home.
Slowly, I stood. My muscles ached and burned with my movements. Something scraped my back, snagging my shirt. I whirled around, surprised that I didn’t lose my balance. The leafy walls were retreating into the earth.
“Don’t freak out,” I murmured to myself, praying I had enough strength to run home, because the moment these walls were gone, I was out of here.
I wiped the tears from my eyes so I could see and waited until the walls were low enough to leap over. I jumped and landed on solid feet, but I couldn’t find the opening to the trail.
Why couldn’t I find the entrance? Had I been moved?
Panicked, I spun and searched for any area that looked passable. A slight part between two tall shrubs caught my gaze. I charged it, using my hands to break through. Sticky leaves brushed my fingers, arms, and hair. I made it through to a dirt trail and followed it, my gaze darting everywhere. Would Dagan jump out and grab me? Could I fight him off? Did I have the energy? I was running on empty as it was.
I felt my legs would give out at any second and my lungs would explode.
The ground softened, squishing beneath my sneakers. I stopped. I’d been running the wrong way—toward the Intracoastal. The marshy ground and the salty bite of the air—which was much stronger now—was all the proof I needed.
Throat dry, I forced air down to my lungs and pushed my tired legs to move in the other direction. Relief hit me when I spotted a rooftop in the near distance.
Home!
Somehow, I ran faster.
Out of nowhere, a person grabbed me. Hands curled around my waist and yanked me backward against a hard chest.
I tried to scream, but my sandpaper throat made it impossible. I wriggled and kicked, but my attempts were too weak to free me.
“Shh,” the person said, his voice soft, familiar, and not Dagan’s. A warm, gentle hand brushed hair from my face.
Caiden?
“Relax. You’re safe,” he whispered.
My breathing slowed, and I softened beneath his touch. I let my head fall back against his chest and closed my eyes. I needed a minute, and despite my anger toward Caiden, I knew he was safe.
“I’ll let you go if you promise not to run.”
