"Let's try to get out of this cave," I said, gripping Alphonso's shoulder.
This was getting ridiculous. I'd much rather be walking on my own, but no, this stupid vampire girl had to go and break my ankle. I hadn't realized she was that strong.
"How are you holding up, Alphonso?" I asked.
He didn't answer, only nodded.
"Zac," Ethan said, helping Sabrina along, "you know these caves better than any of us. Which way?"
I turned my head slightly so I could see ahead.
"Left."
"Thanks," Ethan replied.
If Sabrina and I weren't injured, we'd already be out by now.
"How are you feeling?" Payton asked softly.
Sabrina exhaled through clenched teeth. "It hurts to walk. It hurts to breathe. Sleeping is going to be worse."
"I'm really sorry," Payton said.
"It's fine," Sabrina replied. "At least I got justice for Jonah. I loved him… and I miss him."
A tear slipped down her cheek. She wiped it away quickly, Sabrina never liked showing emotion.
I glanced at everyone. Payton was shy but sharp in her own way. Alphonso was usually joking, teasing especially when tension filled the air. Right now, I wished he'd crack even the dumbest joke. Ethan was always serious; it was impossible to tell what he was thinking. And me? I am the prince. I have to lead, no matter how much everything hurts.
Sabrina winced again.
"Do we need to stop?" I asked.
She nodded.
We stopped.
"The good news," Alphonso muttered, "is there are no shadows down here."
"Yeah," I said quietly. "For once."
"Alphonso," I added, "you still okay carrying me?"
"You already asked. You're light as a feather."
Seeing everyone with their siblings made my chest ache. I hoped mine were safe, wherever they were. Mom. Dad. I shook the thought away, forcing my ears upright.
"Here," I said. "Sabrina, lean against the wall."
She did, breathing shallowly.
"How's your ankle?" Payton asked.
"Completely useless," I replied. "Purple, swollen. Can't even wear a shoe."
"Too bad there aren't any doctors," Ethan muttered.
"At least broken bones heal," Sabrina said. "Unlike broken ribs."
"Yeah," I said. "Lucky me."
"Two more turns," I added. "Then we're out."
Minutes passed. We moved again, slowly, following the turns.
"Almost there," Ethan said.
"Finally," Alphonso muttered.
Then-
"What was that?" Payton whispered, hiding behind Alphonso and me.
"T-this cave…" She stammered.
"That was a voice," I said sharply. "Be alert. Could be a shadow."
Ethan stepped ahead. The sound grew closer. Then a figure appeared.
"Oh come on!" I yelled.
The figure turned.
Lyra.
Sabrina growled. "How did you get here before us?!"
"I-I just took random paths and got lucky," Lyra said, swaying.
Sabrina clenched her fists. "How are you still alive? I thought I finished you."
"You'll have to do better than knocking me out," Lyra muttered, stumbling closer.
She was slurring. Barely standing.
"I'm pleased with the damage I did," Lyra said coldly. "My father would be proud."
"I'm pleased I gave you a bloody nose and what looks like a concussion," Sabrina shot back.
"Why couldn't you avoid Lunaris?" I demanded. "Why come here at all?"
"I'm not a prince," She snapped. "I'm a princess!"
I facepalmed. Useless.
"Answer the question," I said.
She sighed. "Fine. I'm going to Eldoria. I'm looking for someone."
She collapsed then forced herself back up wobbling.
"Witches?" Sabrina asked.
Lyra gasped dramatically. "Wow. You figured it out. I thought you'd be too stupid."
Sabrina snapped. "Careful."
"This girl is unbearable," Alphonso muttered. "Even with a head injury."
"Her existence annoys me," I added.
Then-
"What if we make a temporary truce?"
Silence. Everyone turned to Payton, peeking out from behind me.
"You have the nerve to suggest that," Sabrina snapped, "after she injured Zac and me?"
"I know we hate her," Payton said quietly, "but don't we all just want out of here?"
I considered it. Lyra was already at the exit. Leaving her behind would be pointless.
"Fine," I said. "Temporary truce."
"What?!" Sabrina shouted.
"We leave together," I said. "Then we go our separate ways."
I had no intention of going to Eldoria.
"What do you say, Lyra?"
"F-fine," She replied.
Light slipped in ahead. Lyra pulled her cloak tighter, blocking the sun.
"Alphonso, put me down," I said.
He did, letting me use him as a crutch. I placed my hand against the seal.
Nothing happened.
"Magic's gone," I muttered.
"There's another way," I said. "Smaller. Sealed for emergencies. Only royal blood could open it, but I don't remember where."
Sabrina stared at me. "You're kidding."
"When the first plan works, you forget the backup," I shrugged.
"This is ridiculous."
"Whatever, Sabrina."
Lyra suddenly raised her dagger. "I should've used this on both of you."
"I'll snap your neck," Ethan growled, "if you come near us."
Then-
Lyra vomited all over Sabrina's shoes.
Sabrina froze "What. The. Hell."
Lyra smiled weakly. "Relax. I wouldn't stab someone I hate more than you."
"Watch her," I muttered to Ethan.
I searched the walls then-
"Is this it?" I asked.
Lyra stood by a rock-covered opening.
"How did you-"
"I felt the wall, idiot," she said. "Funny how I found it faster, and I don't even live here."
She cleared the rocks and stepped back.
"You going first?" I asked.
"I don't trust you," she added. "Not walking into a trap."
"Fine."
I crawled in first. She followed. Sabrina struggled the most.
"I'm sorry," I said.
"Stop apologizing," Sabrina snapped.
Finally-
"We're out," Alphonso said.
Fresh air.
"Ah!"
I jumped up startled.
"What!?" I screamed.
"The light it's so bright!"
Yep definitely a concussion.
Lyra waved weakly. "Nice truce. I'm too tired to fight. Bye, beasts."
She collapsed again.
"I'm coming for you, Britney," she murmured.
Sabrina's head snapped up.
"Britney?"