I was still in this hunky, dapper creature's arms — just staring like a total fool at his fetching appearance.
He didn't seem to care much for my gawking. With a quiet frown, he gently set me back on my feet and pulled his cloak closed again, hiding that annoyingly perfect face.
"My question still stands," I said, brushing dust off my jeans. "Who are you?"
He just stood there, still as stone, his aura both bright and shadowy at the same time. I took a few steps closer, strangely unafraid. But the moment I moved, he took a step back — like I was the dangerous one.
"Are you lost?" I asked.
A small smirk curved his lips, like I'd just told a joke.
"I'm the lost one?" he finally said, his voice calm, rich, and somehow strict. It sounded so beautiful I almost thought he was singing.
"Oh, sorry," I blurted out. "I just thought you were lost. Besides, if you're not, what are you doing in a creepy cave with a glowing pet-thing?" I pointed to the shimmering light perched on his shoulder.
He chuckled softly and opened his cloak slightly. "Pardon, but Violet is not a creature. She's a friend."
Who takes a glowing creature as a friend? I thought to myself, frowning.
He took two steps closer, hands clasped behind his back. "If you knew where you are," he said, "you would know better than to speak out to the unknown."
I blinked at him. "What?"
He wasn't helping. Every word he said only made me more confused. "Okay, never mind," I muttered. "I need to get out of here. My sisters are probably losing their minds right now."
I turned around, only to realize my only exit was that pit again. My heart jumped to my throat as my foot slipped dangerously close to the edge.
"It seems this fair maiden wishes to die quickly," he said, smiling like it was the funniest thing in the world.
"Do you want help?" he added smoothly, his tone polite yet teasing.
I froze, unsure whether to trust him or scream for help.
"Come now," he smirked. "I don't bite."
I hesitated, then stepped closer, until our noses were almost touching. It was either follow this mysterious, beautiful stranger — or die alone in this creepy cave. Easy choice.
He grabbed my hand with surprising gentleness, then raised his other hand and began gesturing in the air — symbols glowing faintly like silver fire.
My breath caught.
Suddenly, we were moving through the stone walls themselves — like ghosts. My heart raced as I watched his face, calm and focused, eyes closed as if in prayer. His white hair shimmered faintly, his skin almost glowing. Even his lips had this infuriating shine, like he used lip gloss made of stars.
And I was jealous.
Finally, he opened his eyes. "We're here."
Before I could say anything, he let go. He was gone, just like that? My sisters' voices echoed nearby.
"FIONA!"
I turned, relief flooding through me, and ran into Daisy's arms.
"Where were you?" Daisy cried.
"You scared us, Fifi!" Bluebell added, almost in tears.
The tour guide, Lizzy, rushed over with a few guards. "Thank goodness you're safe," she said, breathing hard. "Are you hurt?"
I glanced down at myself — and froze. My clothes were spotless. My camera was fixed. Even my ankle didn't hurt anymore. I wiggled it just to be sure.
Lizzy smiled. "Good. But please, don't run off again, alright?"
I nodded and followed the group back out of the cave.
But before we left completely, I turned for one last look.
The little glowing light hovered at the cave's entrance, flickered once, and vanished into the dark.
I blinked. Maybe I imagined it.
Either way… I had a feeling this wasn't the end.