Page 86 of River of Flames

"Technically," I said, surveying the immense rock overhang above us, "it's an abri."

He gave me a dirty look. "Cave," he said. "We're about to set up house in a cave."

"Would you rather I burn down a city block in my sleep?" I stepped into the cave. "It's not that bad. At least it's dry."

Luca nudged a charred pile of wood with the toe of one expensive-looking shoe. "Interesting choice for a vacation home," he said dryly.

Julian cuffed him lightly on the shoulder. "Once, you would have enjoyed it too, old friend," he said.

I eyed the two of them as I dragged one of the air mattresses into the cave. Someday I would have to figure out the odd relationship the two men shared.

It didn't take long at all before Julian had a small fire pit dug out near the cave entrance and was coaxing a cheery blaze to life. Theo helped me set up the mattresses and outfit them with pillows and sleeping bags while Luca unloaded our food stores and remaining gear. In the end, it was surprisingly homey, the fire crackling and popping as it removed the lingering chill from the mountain air.

"River and Theo, you sleep," Julian instructed, brushing dirt from his knees as he stood. "Luca, keep watch. We can trade out when I return."

I sat up straight. "Return? Where are you going?"

"I have to collect the last of the items we'll need for the ritual."

I opened my mouth to ask what else he needed to collect, but shut it again with a click. I wasn't sure I wanted to know. What if he needed goat's blood or something like that? Not that I imagined goat's blood would be easy to come by in the wilderness, but you never knew. Julian seemed resourceful.

"I won't be gone long," he said, casting a reassuring glance over his shoulder at me. "Sleep."

At long last, I did. The air mattress was surprisingly comfortable, and with Theo's body curled protectively around me, blocking out the sunlight shining in through the cave entrance, I sunk into a deep dreamless sleep.

When I awoke, the sun had drifted below the horizon, leaving only an afterglow filtering through the trees. Theo had been replaced by Luca, who lay stretched out behind me with one arm draped over his face. Julian was sitting by the fire, the book open on his lap, his pensive gaze illuminated by the shifting flames. Theo was propped against one wall where he could keep an eye on all three of us, a pile of discarded candy wrappers by his feet. The relief in his eyes when they met mine was palpable.

"Okay there, unicorn?"

I nodded and stretched, jostling Luca in the process, who gave a groan from behind me.

Julian looked up. "Good, you're all awake. It's almost time."

I rubbed my eyes as I sat up, my heartbeat ratcheting up a notch. "I didn't realize there was a particular time we had to do this."

"There isn't," he said, snapping the book closed. "But certain parts of the day are more…powerful than others. Twilight, just after the sun has set. Midnight. Dawn."

I glanced at the cave entrance, taking in the long shadows of the trees, the rapidly disappearing daylight. I swallowed. "Should we wait for midnight?"

His gaze was level. "If you like."

I considered. Did I want to wait? Another five hours of this: worrying, overthinking, considering everything that could go wrong.

"No, let's do it now."

He gave a single nod.

For a moment, there was utter silence; even the call of the crickets subsided. It was like the very stones around us had taken a deep breath and held it, waiting and watching. My skin felt clammy and damp, and when I spoke, my voice was unnaturally high.

"What…what do we do?"

"Come," Julian said. "Join me."

Luca's hand came under my elbow, helping me rise as if he knew my legs would be shaky. I leaned into his grip, and he didn't let go until we were all seated by the fire. The stones beneath me were cold and hard, and I focused on them, trying to slow my heartbeat.

Julian turned, and to my surprise, he reached out and took my hands in his. His expression was uncertain. “River. You must understand, I have never done a spell like this before. I…believe it will work. I do. But it is complicated, and dangerous, and I can make no promises."

“Okay,” I whispered.

---