As I break the surface, I inhale sharply. My lungs greedily suck in air. At first, each breath sends little needles prickling into my throat, but the burn eventually subsides. It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the darkness, but as soon as they do, I realize just how fortunate I am to be alive.
High overhead, the barest blip of blue sky is still visible through a gaping hole. The earthquake that shook me loose must’ve also opened a small tear in the ground, revealing an entrance to this cave hidden deep below. The existence of the lake was just dumb luck. Even still, from the height I was climbing, falling into the water should’ve felt like slamming into concrete, not jumping into my town swimming pool from the high dive. The rocks must’ve hit first, softening my landing. We’d just studied something like it in physics class—a case where a man was flung off a bridge but didn’t die, because his car hit the surface first, shifting the velocity of the water in a downward direction. At least, I think that’s what my teacher said. Something like that, anyway—I don’t usually pay super close attention in physics. Anything with too much math is a hard pass. Gym? Yes. History? Yes. Biology and chem? Heck, yeah.
But maybe I should’ve paid more attention, because right now, I can’t help but feel as if I should be dead. Might be dead? Am totally dreaming?
I mean, I should at least be injured.
But I’m not. Am I?
I run a quick mental check while I continue to tread water. My legs are fine. My arms are too. My fingers sting, so I can tell they’re a bit raw and scratched up, but it’s nothing major. My brainpower feels a little slower than usual, but I think it’s from sheer disbelief. I’m not concussed. I would know—the first time I tried a front tuck on the balance beam, I hit my head so hard I had to skip practice for a week. My mom took me to the hospital while on the brink of a nervous breakdown. But this? I just fell from what had to be at least a hundred feet, and the worst I’ve got is a few scratches?
I can’t believe it.
A laugh slips through my lips as I shake my head. Relief rushes through me like a warm, bubbling river of champagne. I’m allowed a parental-approved glass every New Year’s Eve, and I feel as though I’ve just chugged an entire bottle. I’m high on adrenaline, drunk on life, and naturally intoxicated from surviving my brush with death.
I mean, I’m stuck in a secret underground cave with no way out. But things could be worse—way worse. I could be dead, or broken into pieces, or paralyzed. Yet, here I am—alive and kicking, literally.
Leaning back, I spread my arms wide and float for a moment as I take in the rest of my surroundings. The longer I spend in the dark, the more my vision adjusts to the shadows. A cavern looms overhead, arching like a dome, with my miraculous little hole at its apex. The water around me glistens, catching the small bit of light slipping inside the cave and twinkling like an unpolluted wilderness sky. The walls shimmer as though slick and wet. Pointed shadows stretch like claws, hinting at invisible stalactites overhead.
How in the world am I going to get out of this one?
I could try climbing, but the ceiling angle looks too steep for me to manage, especially if the walls are wet with humidity. I could try screaming, though the whole damsel-in-distress thing has never sat too well with me. Nah, I think the best plan is to sit and wait for help. Someone’s bound to come find me. Right? I was climbing with an instructor when I fell—he must’ve made it to the top before the earthquake, because I wasn’t too far behind—and the two other kids in my spring-break group went before me. It’s Yosemite National Park—they must have emergency responders. I’m sure someone will come rappelling through that hole in no time. With a little patience, I’ll be fine. Though, truth be told, patience has never been my strong suit.
My stomach, of course, chooses this moment to groan in protest.
I roll my eyes.
The half-eaten protein bar in my pocket is probably a soggy mess right now, along with my brand-new cell phone.
Ugh.
My parents are going to murder me.
No, first they’ll be thrilled that I’m alive. Then my mom will do that relieved sort of yell where she’s furious with me because she never wanted me to come to this freaking (only, she didn’t say freaking) camp in the first place, but then she’ll start crying and hugging me. Then my dad will get in on it. Maybe my older brother, Mason, too. Annoying as he and his football bros can be, I know he’s a softie at heart. And then they’ll say, Why didn’t you call for help? I’ll shrug and try to put an innocent smile on my face as I say, My phone broke while I was falling to my death. But my dad will only hear that first part. You broke your phone? Again? I can’t keep paying a thousand dollars for your irresponsibility. I’ll be all, Remember that part where you’re just so happy I’m alive? And you love me? Then he’ll huff and arch his brow.
Sigh.
What were my mom’s last words as the bus drove away? Be careful, Alanna. Please. This whole climbing thing, I know you love it and you’ve been saving up for this camp, but it’s dangerous. Please just promise me you’ll be safe.
Damn. I hate it when she’s right.
Maybe this cave isn’t so bad after all.
I return my gaze to the dark dome overhead as my stomach grumbles again. I’ve probably already used up my miracle allowance for the day—heck, maybe for life—but if there’s any sliver of luck left in my repertoire my power bar will still be edible. Now I just need to find a place to sit, dry off, and eat. With a mental shrug, I roll over in the water, prepared to explore. Scanning the darkness, I search for any type of shore to swim toward.
And that’s when I see him.
A hazy outline in the dark, no more than a shadow if not for the two bright eyes catching the light—the two eyes that are clearly turned in my direction, watching me.
***
I hope you enjoyed this preview! Granting Wishes is available now on Amazon and free in Kindle Unlimited!
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About the Author
Bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis writes young adult fantasy novels under the name Kaitlyn Davis and contemporary romance novels under the name Kay Marie.
Always blessed with an overactive imagination, Kaitlyn has been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to share her work with the world. When she’s not daydreaming, typing stories, or getting lost in fictional worlds, Kaitlyn can be found indulging in some puppy videos, watching a little too much television, or spending time with her family.
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Table of Contents
All Works by Kaitlyn Davis
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
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Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Granting Wishes Preview
About the Author
Parting Worlds - A Little Mermaid Retelling (Once Upon a Curse Book 4) Page 21