by Kelly Blount
“Don’t worry, we’re almost there.”
Ryder had just pulled himself over the edge and had turned around to reach for her when a cramp formed in her leg.
“Ryder, I’m getting a cramp,” she cried, clutching her leg. “Oh my god! I’m going to fall!”
“Hang on!” he shouted as he lowered himself back down. “Here,” he said. “Climb onto my back.”
“I can’t move, it hurts too much,” she winced.
“Brooklyn, we’re almost out. I’m not going to let you fall.”
Putting all of her faith in him, she wrapped her arms around his neck and clasped her legs around his waist.
Using all of his remaining energy, he pulled them both to the surface, where they promptly collapsed on to the soft green grass.
When he regained enough strength, Ryder looked around for several large stones and managed to wedge them in the opening of the cave.
“Do you think Grishma will be able to follow us here?” asked Brooklyn.
“I hope not,” he said.
Brooklyn looked around the surface. The bright sunlight stung her eyes, but it felt warm and inviting. Her gaze traced the massive peaks and plunging valleys surrounding them and she felt more at peace than she had in many days.
“The Zonam Mountains have some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Necoh,” murmured Ryder.
Brooklyn closed her eyes and tried to fight off the oncoming tears.
“Ryder, I don’t want to go home. I want to stay here with you. I can help you kill Grishma, I promise,” she pleaded.
He picked up her hand and traced her fingers with his own. “I wish it were that simple,” he said. “But I couldn’t live with myself if anything happened to you.”
“It won’t. I’ll be careful.”
“Grishma has made it clear she won’t rest until she has destroyed everything and everyone important to me, including you. I just won’t risk it. You have to go home. I promise, as soon as things are safe, I’ll come find you.”
Sorrow filled her soul and poured out like a waterfall spilling over the side of a cliff.
Leaning down, he kissed her lips. “I promise, I’ll come back for you.”
He helped her up and led her down the grassy mountainside.
By the time they reached the small lake that had formed in the bottom of the valley, the sun started to set and threatening clouds rolled across the sky.
Ryder looked up as tiny drops of rain fell from the sky. “We don’t have much time left.”
Brooklyn buried her head in his chest and he rubbed her back, passing the time until the shimmering moonbow appeared faintly across the lake.
He lifted her chin and kissed her. “Are you ready?”
“No, I don’t want to go,” she insisted.
“Please, Brooklyn. If I mean anything at all to you, you’ll go back home now. I need to know you’re somewhere safe.”
“Promise you’ll come find me?” she asked.
He looked at her solemnly. “I promise on my mother and sister’s lives, I will come find you.”
He wiped away her tears, leading her out into the middle of the shallow lake. Standing under the shimmering moonbow, Ryder pulled the vial of indigo liquid out of his pocket and loosened the cap.
He kissed her tenderly one last time before he lifted the potion up to her lips.
After drinking the liquid, she doubled over and felt lightheaded. Her last memory of Necoh was of Ryder shouting, “Brooklyn, I love you!” Then, everything went black.
The End
About the Author
Kelly Anne Blount was born in Madison, WI. After attending university, she moved to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands to teach elementary school. While living there, she met the love of her life and was married in a beautiful ceremony on the Caribbean Sea.
After returning stateside, Kelly started to pursue another passion, writing. She recently wrote her first young fantasy adult novel in between teaching preschoolers with special needs and taking care of her husband and their five furry rescues.
Kelly also enjoys reading in her free time. Her favorite genres are YA fantasy, MG, paranormal romance, and the occasional thriller.
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/KellyAnneBlount
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/KellyAnneBlount
Website and Blog:
http://www.KellyAnneBlount.com/
Acknowledgments
Less than a year ago, writing a book was nothing more than a dream. Through the guidance and support of the most fantastic critique group in the world, Sue, Brenna, and Jillian, Grishma came to life!
Although countless late nights were spent typing away, my sweet husband offered nothing but love and encouragement. After a long day teaching my incredible preschoolers with and without special needs, he would make me dinner just so I could get a few more words in before bed. Thank you, Lee! You are my best friend and you help make everything possible!
As I wrote, I met countless authors, illustrators, bloggers, and people who just plain loved reading! I would like to thank Jessi G. for always listening, offering me answers to my millions of questions, and expert guidance through the literary world. I would also like to thank Cassie C., who spent hours creating fantastic giveaway swag and making sure people got to know Kelly Anne Blount, the author! I would also like to thank my mother, Joyce, and Georgette for their fantastic beta reading skills!
While wrapping up Grishma, the inevitable question popped into my mind, “What next?” Thank you to Skye for pointing me in the right direction a.k.a. Limitless Publishing, for whom I am beyond grateful! A huge thank you goes out to Jennifer and Jessica at Limitless Publishing! You have made my dreams come true!
I’d also like to thank and recognize two more important people! A huge thank you to Eden Crane, from Eden Crane Designs for designing the most fabulous cover possible! I’m so in love with it I could scream! Lastly, I’d like to thank my amazing editor, Toni Rakestraw! I can’t wait to work with you both again!
Lastly, I’d like to thank my mother and father, who constantly read to me while I was growing up. Through them, my love of reading developed! They have also constantly loved and supported me, even when I made slightly crazy life decisions (i.e., moving to the Cayman Islands to teach elementary school without knowing a soul, etc.)!
For all mentioned, thank you from the bottom of my heart! Each and every one of you played an essential role in this amazing journey and I am forever grateful!
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Salvation
The Game
The Beast Within
Awakenings
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