by Brenda Trim
As she focused on the ceiling, a drop of water made it’s way down a formation towards her. Expecting it to fall into her hair, she was surprised to see it hit an invisible barrier and roll away from her to the edge of the cavern.
There was definitely a force field surrounding her. Question was, who caste it? Whoever did it wasn’t out to harm her or she’d be in much worse shape.
She wouldn’t go so far as to say this person meant her no harm. She was, after all, in a strange cave with no recollection of how she got there or who she was. The only explanation that made sense was someone had her under a spell. But why?
Bracing her weight against the platform, she slowly maneuvered toward the adjacent table. Critters couldn’t get through the barrier, either, she acknowledged, as she watched a beetle attempting to cross to her side.
She shuddered and silently thanked whoever had set the enchantment. It would have been all kinds of creepy to wake up soaked, filthy and covered in bugs. Who knew what kind of damage those little critters could have caused her body while she was unaware.
She had to maneuver around stalagmites growing from the floor, although there were fewer growing in her bubble compared to outside it. No doubt the shield had prohibited growth, but how long had she been there?
It should’ve been impossible for her to survive long enough for the development of stalagmites. Water and nourishment were required for any living being to survive. She hadn’t eaten or drank anything, so surely she hadn’t been there long. Unfortunately, the evidence around her suggested otherwise.
Before letting go of the bed, she grabbed the sheet off the platform and wrapped it around her shoulders. The short-sleeved dress didn’t provide enough coverage and the cold air was seeping into her bones.
Taking slow steps, it took several minutes for her to cross the few feet to the table. When she got closer, she realized it was a wood and not a natural part of the cave. Glancing back over her shoulder she examined the platform she’d been sleeping on. It wasn’t a natural part of the cavern, either. It was a dark wood platform with four sturdy legs the size of tree trunks.
Returning her gaze, she noticed various object on the table. A couple bowls held liquid in them. Leaning over, she sniffed and recoiled at the bitter smell. Even though she was thirsty as hell, she wasn’t about to drink whatever that was.
Shoving aside a stack of paper with foreign writing, she gasped at the glow coming from a small disc she uncovered. The round metal was engraved with runes. Squinting her eyes, she picked it up and held it to the light. The amulet said something about sleep and protection, if she deciphered it right.
An object nearby caught her attention. It was a seashell and she was drawn to it. Reaching over, her hand hovered over the object as faint tendrils of magic buffered against her palm.
Before she could understand its significance, the air thickened with a cold blast that made her skin prickle. Wrapping the sheet closer, she rushed back as fast as her weak legs would allow and crouched behind the plateau that had been her bed.
When bright light filled the cavern, it forced her to shut her eyes and avert her head to avoid being blinded. Footsteps had her heart pounding and sweat beading her cold skin. She cracked opened her eyes while remaining crouched and alert for danger.
A couple blinks later and large, muscular thighs encased in a dark blue fabric entered the room. Her eyes trailed up and over a wide chest covered in soft tan fabric to intense black eyes. Scrambling away from the male in front of her, her dress snagged on the bed. Terrified for her safety, she pulled and tore the fabric then hurried to the opposite side of the platform.
“Keira,” the voice intoned and held out his hand.
Blinking, she looked to him. “Is that my name?” she finally asked when he made no move toward her. The name resonated, making her believe that it was, in fact, her name.
He cocked his head and his long blond hair fell across his face. “You don’t remember?”
“No, I remember very little,” she admitted. She hated revealing any vulnerability, but she had no choice. She was flying completely blind here. “And, who are you?”
“Shit, an unfortunate side affect. My name is Cyril and I mean you no harm. I’m not like the monster, Angus, who put you here,” he spat.
The tone when he said Angus’s name had her protectively wrapping her arms around her middle. It also made her hide the soft smile playing at her lips when she heard the name.
“So, you know how I got here? Tell me, please,” she begged, hoping details would jar her memory.
“It’s no longer safe here. If I sensed the spell breaking, Angus will to. Come with me and I will tell you everything,” he promised.
Her gut was in knots and she had no way to judge this male’s character. He could be dangerous, but she was left with no other option, unless she wanted to take her chances with this Angus. His name may have made her want to smile, but she had gotten there somehow and Angus could pose an even bigger threat.
From the frying pan into the fire, she saw no way out of her predicament and placed her small palm in his outstretched hand.
Authors’ Note
With new digital download trends, authors rely on readers to spread the word more than ever. Here are some ways to help us.
Leave a review! Every author asks their readers to take five minutes and let others know how much you enjoyed their work. Here’s the reason why. Reviews help your favorite authors to become visible. It’s simple and easy to do. If you are a Kindle user turn to the last page and leave a review before you close your book. For other retailers, just visit their online site and leave a brief review.
Don’t forget to visit our website: www.trimandjulka.com and sign up for our newsletter, which is jam-packed with exciting news and monthly giveaways. Also, be sure to visit and like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TrimAndJulka to see our daily themes, including hot guys, drink recipes and book teasers.
Trust your journey and remember that the future is yours and it’s filled with endless possibilities!
DREAM BIG!
XOXO,
Brenda & Tami
OTHER WORKS BY TRIM AND JULKA
The Dark Warrior Alliance
Dream Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book One)
Mystik Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book Two)
Deviant Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book Three)
Mistletoe & Mayhem (Dark Warrior Alliance, Novella)
Scarred Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book Four)
Heat in the Bayou (Dark Warrior Alliance, Novella, Book 4.5)
Hellbound Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 5)
Isobel (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 6)
Rogue Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance, Book 7)
The Rowan Sisters’ Trilogy
Pema’s Storm (Rowan Sister’s Trilogy, Book One)
Isis’ Betrayal (Rowan Sister’s Trilogy, Book Two)
Suvi’s Revenge (Rowan Sister’s Trilogy, Book Three)
The Rowan Sisters’ Trilogy Boxset (Books 1-3)
Don’t miss out!
Click the button below and you can sign up to receive emails from Trim and Julka about new releases, fantastic giveaways, and their latest hand made jewelry. There’s no charge and no obligation.