"What about him?” Had he done something to Ryan, too?
"You didn't seem to mind his evil nature.” He grabbed me around the waist and pulled me roughly against him, knocking the breath from my lungs. “You didn't even mind his evil lips as they covered yours.” He sneered down into my face. “What else did his evil self do to you?"
I brought my hands up between our bodies and pushed hard against his chest. “You aren't making any sense. Let go of me."
"Oh, I'm not making any sense? Why don't you ask your boyfriend. I'm sure he'll love to fill you in."
The last bat still clinging to the ceiling—the one I had completely forgotten about—dropped and morphed into ... Ryan.
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18
A Betraying Sacrifice
The breath whooshed from my lungs like a sucker punch to the gut—deflated, an empty shell of leftover betrayal.
He's a Liliac.
My stomach roiled and threatened to spew its contents. How could I be so stupid?
"Let her go,” Ryan demanded.
Constantine responded by squeezing me tighter. “Oh, good, you're here. Now, you can explain to her exactly what you are."
"You're a Liliac,” I spat out in disgust.
"Something tells me she's not happy with the news. Tsk. Tsk.” Constantine chuckled low in his throat. “You accepted him with no problem, so you should have no problem accepting me."
"I said, let her go.” Ryan stepped forward, his stance wide and threatening.
Constantine released me and turned toward Ryan. “I suggest you lose the tone with me. You're not exactly on good terms with the clice. All it would take is one word from me and you're ... dead.” He smiled, showing his elongated fangs. “So is your family. And we could start with your little sister. The blood of an innocent is ever so tasty. Wouldn't you agree?"
Ryan balled his fingers into tight fists and started to lunge for Constantine, then stopped. His chest heaved and his eyes glowed an eerie golden yellow. Fangs appeared, pushing into the soft flesh of his full lips.
Oh, my God! He really was a vampire and from the Liliac clice. No denying it now, but my mind couldn't handle the revelation.
Ryan was one of them.
In my peripheral vision, I noticed Mandy had freed herself from the tape and had begun to crawl away from the flowstone. I had to keep the attention off of her, so I slowly started backing away from the soon to be full out confrontation between Ryan and Constantine.
An arm snaked out and grabbed me by the wrist. I yelped in surprise.
"You're not going anywhere. You belong to me,” Constantine snarled under his breath.
Ryan grabbed my other wrist and yanked me from his grasp. “Leave her out of it."
"You seem to forget who I am. I give the orders. I could have you killed for much less."
"Then bring on your zombie goons and get on with it, because you can't do it yourself,” Ryan taunted. “Instead of fighting your own battles you send in a substitute to do your dirty work. In my book, that's a coward."
Constantine's eyes turned a golden yellow like Ryan's. His chest expanded and contracted with the labor of his breaths. He opened his mouth and hissed, his fangs glistening in the candlelight. The scent of almonds overpowered the earthy damp smell of the cave.
Several bats flew into the area. I stood frozen, unsure of what would happen next.
"Get out. I didn't call you,” Constantine screamed out to the bats.
"Oh, so you do have some balls after all. I thought maybe you were actually afraid of me,” Ryan provoked.
What was Ryan doing? Getting Constantine angry didn't seem to be in his best interest, not to mention plain stupid. Or was he trying to divert the attention away from me? As if in answer, he briefly broke his gaze with Constantine to send me a silent message.
I backed away just as Ryan made the first attack. Not one to miss an opportunity, I ran to the last place I saw Mandy—behind the huge flowstone. We huddled together, not sure what to do next. The scuffle of the ensuing battle along with the moans and growls became too much to take. No longer able to keep hidden, I peered over the side of the formation.
Constantine had Ryan pinned underneath him, shards of flesh ripped open to the bone. I gasped and covered my mouth to keep from screaming. Puddles of blood colored black in the low light covered the floor of the cave. Ryan turned his head and stared into my eyes. His irises momentarily changed back into the crystal blue that always made my heart beat faster, reminding me of the person I believed him to be—not the crazed monster who belonged to the Liliac clice. He silently mouthed, “Go."
I shook my head. He needed my help. I couldn't leave now.
As if for my benefit to prove he could handle the situation, Ryan flipped Constantine over and gained the upper hand. I could see the wounds stark upon Constantine's body as well. They seemed to be evenly matched.
Without turning around, Ryan yelled, “Go, now, Cheyenne! Now."
I jumped up and grabbed Mandy's hand, then ran along the path of the cave. We couldn't go straight out the main entrance due to the horde of Liliacs awaiting us. I paused, jerking Mandy to a stop. I let go of her arm.
Confused, I had no idea which way to go. Back during the school fieldtrip, I had sensed the Lake of the Moon room was some kind of a sanctuary—safe from the evil that had surrounded us. But, we'd be stuck in the back of the cave with no place to go. We didn't need to be caged—trapped like the saber tooth cats and the other animals that had inadvertently fallen into the cave.
Then I remembered Stan talking about how one of the areas had a crawl space that led back to the Soda Straw Balcony near the entrance.
"We need to go to the area with the meringue-looking ceiling. I think we can make it back to the entrance through one of the crawl spaces in that room.” Mandy seemed shocked and out of it, so I grabbed her by the arm once more and dragged her along with me.
We raced through the cave, not paying any attention to the humidity-slickened floor. Mandy slipped and I fell backward on top of her—a mass of flailing arms and legs.
"Cheyenne! You can't leave me. I won't allow it,” Constantine's voice boomed through the hollow chamber.
Mandy startled and let out a squeal.
"You heard that?” I asked her.
She gulped and moved her head in affirmation.
Constantine didn't bother to hide his voice, which spoke of his desperation, since he had always kept our conversations private unless we were alone.
I scurried to my feet and helped Mandy up. We had to get out of there and fast.
We entered the room with the fluffy-looking ceiling. I scanned the area, searching for the opening I hoped would lead us to safety.
A chain draped over an area with a do-not-enter sign. I stepped over the chain and looked around. “Mandy! Over here.” I motioned for her to follow me through a tight opening between two huge rocks.
She stood in the middle of the room with a blank stare on her face. Oh crap! Was she going into shock? I hadn't even thought about what happened to her before I arrived. No telling what Constantine had exposed her to. Taking her by the hand, I pulled her toward the opening. We squeezed through the crack. I prayed it led back to the entrance.
I inhaled a deep breath, preparing myself for the snug area we were about to enter. I took out my flashlight and switched it on. It didn't provide much light, but it would have to do.
"Come on, Mandy. This way."
Dropping to our knees, we crawled through the tight, low-ceilinged area. The rough rock bit into my palms and knees, but I barely noticed the pain. After a short time, we reached a place bathed in blue light.
Animalistic cries and the metallic scent of blood rent the air. I froze.
Could we be back at the Crap Room?
Cautiously, I crawled forward and peered at the grizzly scene across from us. I covered my mouth to keep from crying out—so much blood. Ryan and Constantine still fought. B
oth appeared to have sustained life-threatening injuries, yet they continued. It looked to be a fight to the death—neither willing to give in. Ryan's only hope would be for Constantine to keep the fight between the two of them. So far, no others appeared to occupy the room.
I paused, not wanting to leave Ryan to an unknown fate.
Oh, God, he needed me and I didn't know what to do. Where were the powers I supposedly had? Why couldn't I do something to stop it? My stomach clenched and tears filled my eyes. What if he didn't make it? He sacrificed himself for me. I'd never be able to live with myself if he ... died.
Mandy gasped as she viewed the fight, reminding me I had to get her to safety. I turned and pressed a finger to my lips, signaling her to remain quiet. Before we left that section of the cave, I glanced one more time toward Ryan and sent a silent prayer for his safety. I had to believe he'd be okay.
The alternative was unacceptable.
Hold on, Ryan. I'll be back.
The adrenaline pumping through my veins urged me forward and I picked up speed, hoping Mandy could keep up. I didn't have a moment to lose.
Between the darkness and the confined space, my lungs labored to supply my body with the needed oxygen. Sucking in rapid, tiny breaths, I thought I'd hyperventilate. I stopped for a moment, Mandy bumping into the back of me.
Dizziness washed over me and I swayed side to side on my knees.
"Cheyenne? Are you okay? What's wrong?” Mandy asked, her voice rising an octave.
"I'm fine. I just needed a second to rest."
I pushed away the rising panic, having no time to act like a wuss.
No! This was no time for a stupid attack. I wouldn't give in.
On our hands and knees, we crawled for what seemed like forever. Mandy remained directly behind me, judging by the crunch of rocks and the sound of her breathing. Just when I thought I couldn't take it any more we reached a place where we could actually half-way stand. We stood and proceeded in a hunched over position, stretching out our stiff limbs. The passageway narrowed sideways into a small canyon like crevice, slowing down our progress, but at least we could fully stand. Finally, the area opened up some, giving us a place to rest.
"Let's stop a minute.” I wiped the sweat from my brow.
"Do you know where you're going?” Mandy wheezed out, her chest rising and falling in rapid succession.
"I sure hope so,” I mumbled.
"Cheyenne! You cannot leave! I will not allow it. I have your precious Ryan. Don't be a fool,” Constantine's warning rang out through the cave.
Mandy sucked in a quick breath. “He'll kill him. He's horrible, Cheyenne. I saw what he's capable of doing. He had this girl.” She leaned over and braced her hand on her knees, then raised her head, tears gleaming in her eyes. “She was so afraid. And he seemed to enjoy it even more—like he fed off her fear. They took turns.” She shook her head back and forth like she was trying to shake loose the memories invading her thoughts.
Since Mandy came from a family of shifters and had probably seen her own share of horrors, I could only imagine what she had witnessed that had her in such shock. Something I'm sure I didn't want to know about.
"Run, Cheyenne! Don't listen to him. Get out of here,” Ryan yelled.
My heart rate sped up. Ryan lived! But, we had to hurry. I needed Mandy safe so I could return and help him.
"Let's go!” I said.
We had to immediately drop back to our knees, the passage narrowing with each step until we were forced to lie on our bellies and slither through like a snake. The tight confines of the tunnel squeezed my body, adding more pressure to my chest. My vision blurred and my breathing became erratic. My heart pounded against my ribs, leaving me lightheaded. The muscles and tendons in my back burned. I knew it was a matter of time before the shifting would begin. Already the beast within screamed to be released. I recognized the signs and used every bit of strength I possessed to push away the panic clawing at me.
I didn't have the luxury to give in to my weakness, to lose control. Two people depended on me. I had to get a grip and find the power within myself—the power that had grown stronger with each passing day. If only I knew how to access it.
I concentrated on my pendant. Please, Grandmother, give me the strength I need. Help me. It warmed, sending comfort throughout my shaking body. My vision became clearer and the woozie feeling subsided.
It worked! I had controlled my own body. I did it. Giddy with renewed confidence, I put all my energy into making it out of the narrow passage as fast as I could.
"Mandy, we're almost out."
She didn't answer back, so I twisted enough to glance back. Even in the low light, I could tell something wasn't right.
"Hang in there. Just a little more.” I hoped Mandy wasn't going into shock ... or having a claustrophobic attack. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
One last pull and we were free of the chest-crushing tunnel.
Back to crawling, my knees ached and my hands felt raw, but I paid little notice to the discomfort. Determination now ruled, not the untamed part of me. I felt liberated.
We had to go through several more belly-crawling areas, but it didn't faze me. I had won a major battle within my own mind, my own body. Nothing more than a small challenge. And challenges I could handle. I dealt with them every day in the gym. I was more worried about Mandy not making it.
I glanced back, shining the flashlight in her direction. “Are you doing okay?"
"Uh huh.” Sweat glistened on her forehead and she seemed pale. “I feel weird. My back hurts. It burns. Cheyenne, something isn't right."
Back hurts and burns? That sounded like what happens to me when I shift ... no, only the males in her family can do that. “Hang on. We're almost there,” I encouraged. But I didn't even know if we headed in the right direction. I followed my instincts. Call it a gut-feeling. So far, we hadn't run into any dead ends.
We came to an area where it opened up and appeared to have a balcony-like shelf with a one-foot round opening. I shined the light up. Clusters of soda straws gleamed in the light from the moisture clinging to them. I stood and stuck my head through the opening.
"Mandy, I think we're at the Soda Straw Balcony,” I whispered, unsure of who or what lie in wait.
I placed the flashlight on the edge of the opening, then put both arms through, bracing my hand on either side of the hole. Using all my upper-body strength, I pulled myself through the tight opening, my arms shaking from the effort. I'd have to remember to thank Larry for all the tortuous conditioning he had put us through.
Once through, I signaled for Mandy to do the same. “Come on."
When she pulled herself partially through, I grabbed her arms and helped her the rest of the way out.
"You can't escape me, Cheyenne. You belong to me,” Constantine shouted. “I'll be coming for you."
We both froze. What did that mean? Had he killed Ryan? No! Ryan had to be okay.
"Why isn't he saying anything?” I mumbled to myself.
Maybe because he couldn't speak. I had to get back to him. He needed me.
"Sssh!” I thought I heard a noise, so I motioned for Mandy to stay still.
Moments passed without a sound. I reached out with my senses, but detected nothing, so I crept closer to the opening. Several soda straws snapped off as my clothes caught on them. I cringed. I could just image Stan's face once he noticed all the broken straws. It couldn't be helped. And that was the least of my worries.
I stuck my head out and glanced around. Feeling relatively sure we were safe from prying eyes, I crawled out, then waved Mandy forward.
She dropped from the ledge, landing beside me.
"Let's get the heck out of here,” I said.
We ran to the opening of the cave like the devil followed on our heels, not stopping until we got outside.
"Mandy, I need you to listen to me. Do you understand?” I held her upper arms and tilted my head to catch her attention. Her eyes were wide, he
r pupils dilated, but she mechanically moved her head up and down. “Good. I need you to run as fast as you can to your car and get the hell out of here. Don't look back. Go straight to my house and tell my parents what happened. They'll know what to do."
"Aren't you coming? You can't stay here. They'll kill you.” Panic etched a tremor in her voice.
I moved my hands to her shoulders for comfort. “No, I can't come with you. I have to go back and help Ryan. And they won't hurt me. They need me too much. I promise. I'll be fine. Now go before it's too late."
Mandy grabbed me and hugged me tight. “Take care of you."
"I will. Now go.” I released her and pushed her forward.
Mandy ran up the steep hill. I watched to make sure she cleared the gate before I turned to go. Thank goodness for my enhanced night vision. When I knew she'd be safe, I took a deep breath and headed back into the cave.
I just hoped it wasn't too late for Ryan.
He had saved me and Mandy both. I owed him that much. But owing him didn't play into the equation. After seeing Ryan in a pool of his own blood, I realized I couldn't lose him.
I had no choice but to admit to myself I loved him. Liliac and all, I loved him. I'd deal with the implications later. Now, I had to help him.
I ran past Temptation Formation, down the long, tight tunnel I had almost lost it in during the field trip. So determined to reach Ryan, it didn't even bother me this time. I just kept going until I hit Headache Alley, then I stopped in my tracts as a swarm of bats surrounded me. Some morphed into humans and seized me by the arms, others stayed in bat form and swirled around me. Knowing they would lead me straight to Constantine, I didn't waste my energy putting up a fight.
As we entered the Crap Room, I noticed Ryan lay in a heap next to the flowstone. Constantine stood over him in attack mode, ready to deal yet another blow. He lifted his arm.
"No! Stop!” I broke free of the goons holding me and rushed to Ryan's side, covering his body with mine. I turned my head and glared at Constantine. “If you hurt him one more time, I swear I'll kill you."
He laughed, evil pouring out of his black soul. “How do you plan to do that, exactly?"
Cave of Terror Page 24
