Page 34 of The Bones of the Cursed

Although the group is silent as they absorb Kailu’s words, I turn back to the cave and appreciate its beauty. The rock is a pale white and seems to sparkle when the sun hits it just right. The willow trees on either side softly sway as if dancing, waiting for guests to keep them company. When the twinkling lights drift closer, I gasp when I see the trees littered with Pixies. It’s then I realize that the Pixies are what truly make the trees sway back and forth. They have a constant movement to them, as if they are trapped in a waltz they can’t escape.

“Careful, sunshine,” Kailu says, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Pixies love to play tricks on unassuming travelers.”

I walk through the curtain of the willow trees into the enormous cave, down a gentle downward slope leading us about five feet underground. I’m staring in awe at the crystal-clear blue lake that lays before me. A waterfall flows into it from the ledge above, crashing water echoing all around us. The lake splits off into two separate streams, one leading to the left and one to the right. We are quite literally at a fork in the road—or lake, as it were. Stalagmites sprout from the ground, some reaching toward the ceiling of the cave from which stalactites protrude at dangerous points.

The group steps in, save for Siveral and a few of the humans who will keep watch just outside.

“So now what?” Hendrix asks, sounding completely unimpressed.

I poke him in the ribs. “Hendrix, don’t tell me you’re not enjoying this vacation. It’s been so much fun.”

“Oh yes, I have been enjoying it. No vacation is complete without a little terror and a few near-death experiences.”

I laugh. “That’s the spirit.”

He shivers as he looks around. “I hate this place. It’s like the magic knows when you want something desperately. It surrounds you and whispers in your ear that it can give you everything you seek.”

A trickle of fear seeps into me. “The magic is calling to you?” I whisper, as if it might hear me. “Why don’t I hear it? I desperately want Elion back.”

He shrugs. “I’m not sure, but be thankful you don’t.”

I hug him tight, taking him so off-guard he hesitates for a moment before wrapping me in a bear hug.

“So, seriously. Now what?” His gruff voice breaks our moment. But I smile at the budding friendship I have with him. I’m not used to people enjoying my company.

“I’m not really sure,” I say. My voice echoes throughout the cavern.

“Great, just following a human who has no idea what she’s even looking for,” the Fae named Orion mumbles. “We’re on a wild goose chase.”

Kailu stiffens beside me and I put my hand up to stop him from fighting my battles. I march up to Orion and shove my finger in his chest, refusing to balk at his sheer size and deadly teeth.

“Listen here, you jackass,” I snap, my voice rising several octaves with each sentence. The fact it echoes in the cave just adds to the appeal. “I know you don’t like me, and if I’m being honest, I don’t give a shit. This is bigger than me or you. If you don’t want to be here, then leave! But if you’re going to stay, you’re going to shut the hell up and help us instead of acting like a child and bitching the whole time!”

He stares down at me, his expression shrewd for a moment, but then he schools his expression and merely nods. I nod in return before stalking back towards Kailu.

He smirks at me. “Can I just say how absolutely hot thatentire thing was? I am now uncomfortably turned on.”

I attempt to shove him through my fit of giggles, not that I can move the damn brute.

He leans down. “Want to see something cool?”

I meet his stare and nod, loving the way his eyes dance with joy. He places his palms out and before I can fully grasp what’s happening, small drops of water lift from the lake, creating a wall that stretches from floor to ceiling. He twists his hands and the water twists with him, braiding a line across the cave. When he finally drops his hands, the water cascades back into the lake, splashing up to lap at my toes.

I’m still standing with my jaw on the floor when Hannah speaks.

“You’re a water wielder! I’ve read so much about them.”

I lean up and whisper in his ear. “Now I’m the one uncomfortably turned on.”

He bites his lower lip as I step towards the left hand side of the cave.

“Why don’t we split into two groups? We need to look for any signs that someone has been using this cave for portal creations. Or any type of spells or dark magic, really. Anything that seems out of place.” Kailu orders.

Everyone nods, splitting into two groups. Kailu takes the lead and walks under the waterfall. I brace for the impact of the water, but nothing comes while Kailu holds it still for everyone to pass through. Leaning up, I kiss his cheek in thanks and I swear he blushes.

The further into the cave we get, the colder it becomes, like ice has vaporized but its chill remains.

“Are we going downwards?” Hannah asks.

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