by J E Reed
He swallowed. “They’re not my favorite.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t let it collapse on us or anything and by morning we’ll be back on the surface and forget it ever happened.”
“Morning?”
“We have to ensure we’re far enough away. Don’t want to risk leading them home.”
Zak gritted his teeth, took a breath, and dropped in. She followed, tugging the bag behind her and they began their long crawl through the tunnel together.
~~~
Hours later Zak cursed and stilled. “This is the worst idea you’ve ever had.”
Vixin paused behind him, digging a rock from her palm. “Really? I thought it was one of my better plans. No deaths, no warning cries, just a quick in and out.”
“I guess.”
Vixin took a moment to listen to his rapid breathing. If she had to guess, his heart was probably pounding along with it. She hadn’t even considered the possibility of claustrophobia and hearing the distress in his voice was almost worse than seeing it in his eyes.
“We’re almost there,” she promised.
“That’s what you said an hour ago.”
“Actually, it's only been about twenty minutes.” He didn’t respond, and his breathing came faster. If he didn’t slow it down, he was going to hyperventilate.
Vixin crawled forward, dirt falling around her head and placed a hand on his ankle. She slid her way up to his arms, feeling in the dark and finally grabbed his hand.
“You’ve trusted me this far. There’s only a bit more to go. I promise, I won’t let this tunnel collapse around you.”
He shifted. “And the collapsing behind us?”
“On purpose, so no one can follow.”
He took several deep breaths. “I got stuck in a well once, when I was a kid. Broke my leg and sat in the dark for half the night. I was in the trees behind our house, at an old settlement that I wasn’t supposed to be playing around.”
“Well you’re not stuck now, and your leg isn’t broken. It's not much further.”
Zak took another deep breath. Then another. He squeezed her hand, then scooted from her reach and started down the tunnel again.
In truth, they had at least two hours to go, but she feared telling him that might make him claw his way out then and there. So Vixin kept her mouth shut and followed, dragging the pack behind her and collapsing the tunnel in her wake.
~~~
Vixin had never seen someone so happy to breathe fresh air again. Upon declaring their freedom, her magic hadn't moved fast enough, and he’d half clawed his way out, ripping at roots before she could even break the surface.
Zak knelt on the ground for several minutes, staring at their former campsite while she curled greenery around their goods and pulled them from the hole.
Dawn had barely risen. Neither had slept in two days, but they still had a long way to go if they wanted to stay ahead of any pursuers.
“We should keep moving.”
Zak let out a heavy sign. “What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep?”
“Three days.”
“And food?”
“I only lasted two with that one.” Her stomach growled and Zak’s answered. “I’ll watch for berries along the way and we'll get fish from the river tonight if your magic is feeling up to it.”
“Oh, trust me, I'll make it feel up to it.”
Neither talked much as they trudged through the forest and finally into the clearing. Despite her haggard state, Vixin kept an eye on the trees, willing whoever might be following to stop there. She’d been sure to cover their tracks along the way.
“I’m surprised you aren’t exhausted after all that digging.”
She gave a strangled laugh. “Oh, I am.”
“Then we should rest.”
“It’s not safe.”
“What if we crossed the river? We could hide in the trees over there.”
“Is your magic strong enough for that?”
“I’m sure I can manage.”
Vixin glanced at the raging water and gave Zak a doubtful look. He ignored her and frost crawled from his feet toward the riverbank.
A thin layer of ice formed over the water only to be washed away with the current. Zak furrowed his brow and the ice layered itself again, thickening and spreading across the moving water. Vixin eyed him and then the bridge as a solid wall formed on either side to serve as a rail.
“We should hurry.”
The strain in his voice had Vixin propelling herself forward, sliding more than running across the slippery surface. She sprouted plants from the opposite bank to carry their pack then they both headed for a cluster of trees.
Vixin threw their bag to the ground, collapsed against a tree, and closed her eyes. A minute was all she needed. Just enough time to rest her burning eyes before they continued on.
The crackling of a fire startled her awake and Vixin’s hand shot to her dagger. She took in Zak, the fish, a fire, and settled back against the tree. “You shouldn’t have let me sleep.”
He looked at the blade in her hand. “I wasn’t very well going to wake you.” Zak handed her a roasted fish. “Eat.”
“How long was I out?”
“A few hours. Don’t worry, I’ve been keeping an eye on the trees. It doesn’t look like anyone is coming for us.”
Vixin downed her fish and threw the bones in the fire before snuffing it out. “We’ve wasted enough time. Let’s get home before dark.”
“Home?”
“It’s the closest thing we have to one right now.”
The two crossed the raging water with their combined magic and raced for their destination.
Darkness had settled before they arrived at the ring of trees. They’d grown bigger, thicker. Pretty soon they’d have the trunks so thick, they’d press in on one another and no one would ever find their little piece of paradise.
Four of their comrades sat on watch and Vixin elbowed Zak. “If I had the energy, I’d love to mess with them.”
“You’d likely give them all heart attacks and earn us a few broken bones.”
Zak stepped forward, took a deep breath and shouted Sam’s name as loud as he could. The four on watch scrambled to their feet and Vixin shook her head.
“Subtle.”
He shrugged. “I don’t want them trying to kill us.”
The two walked through the trees and a fire user lit up the area. Upon seeing their faces, everyone relaxed. A rope dropped from the first level and Sam poked his head over the railing. More lights sprang to life from above.
“Zak?”
Zak grinned like a schoolboy and grabbed the rope. He turned to her. “Should I carry you?”
Vixin rolled her eyes and ushered him up. “I’d sooner die.”
He made a face before jumping onto the rope. It swung, but Zak wrapped his legs around it and shimmied up. She followed right after, eliciting a cry of outrage as she swung them back and forth.
At the top, Zak offered his hand and she took it, easing herself onto the familiar platform.
Sam clasped Zak on the shoulder then pulled him into a friendly embrace.
Vixin did her best to brush the dirt from her clothes. “See? Safe and sound, just like I promised.”
Sam tilted his head. “Did it go well?”
Vixin leaned over the railing and hauled their prize from the ground. She plopped it on the platform at their feet. “More than well.”
“Then we should celebrate!”
“It’s the middle of the night,” Vixin said.
“What are you, my mother? Come on, it’ll be fun.”
She laughed. “Fine, but where are we holding this celebration.”
“You two go get cleaned up. Leave the rest to me.”
~~~
Vixin washed her face, changed her clothes, and ran her fingers through her hair before joining Zak on the second level deck.
“They built a dance room while we were gone.”
&nbs
p; “Because that’s more important than the perimeter.”
He chuckled. “People need entertainment.”
Vixin yawned. “I'd like to entertain my bed.”
Zak gave her a sleepy smile. “You and me both.” She gawked at him and Zak stared in confusion before turning red. “No, that came out wrong. I meant my bed. Not that, um…”
Vixin laughed. “I think we’re both more than a little sleep deprived.”
Music sounded from somewhere below and Zak groaned.
“Sounds like Sam has the music going.”
“Give it ten minutes and you’ll be wishing you’d never heard his voice.”
“He sings?”
“If you want to call it that.”
Chapter Twelve
Vixin twirled to the music, spinning from person to person as they cheered, laughed, and let themselves get drunk on the melody of freedom. Those seated stomped their boots and the beat echoed through her bones.
Someone took her by the hand, spinning her once, twice, before handing her off to another. She vibrated from head to toe wondering what had ever kept her away from the company of friends.
She’d never had anyone until now. Never trusted anyone besides her father.
Those dancing in the open space were her people, her tribe, her family.
Sam took her hand next, and spun her, just as lost in the moment as everyone else. She switched partners again, then exited the dance floor, still clapping as she made her way to a seat.
Vixin poured herself a drink from the pitcher on the table. Lemon water. Her foot still bounced as she watched the others dance and Sam tackle a very embarrassing dance move. She cheered for him, then leaned back in the chair.
“Someone’s having fun.” Zak sat beside her.
“Why aren’t you out there?”
“I’ll leave the dance moves to Sam.”
“Coward.”
Zak shifted to face her and reached a hand out to graze her cheek. Their eyes met and her stomach tightened.
“A coward wouldn’t keep running back to you.” Her entire body coiled in on itself and heat raced up her neck to color her cheeks. Zak’s fingers trailed to the back of her neck and he leaned in. “You can say no.”
Their breath mingled, her stomach fluttered, and then Zak’s lips met hers and Vixin thought her entire world would implode on the spot.
He pulled back slightly, far too soon, but his eyes were searching, waiting.
Yes. Or no.
A million thoughts raced through her mind at once, but only one mattered. She wanted Zak. She wanted him to be hers and only hers. She wanted happiness.
Vixin crashed her lips into his, almost toppling their stools. Her fingers reached up to entwine in his hair while his hands circled her back, squeezing her against his chest so hard she wasn’t sure she’d ever breath again.
Their lips moved together, and his tongue traced the inside of her mouth in a way that shattered any shred of control she might have had.
“Get a room!”
Vixin broke from the embrace breathless and heated.
Zak waved a hand to shoo them away. “Get back to your party, shows over.”
“Figures you’d get the pretty girl,” Sam teased.
Zak gave Sam a wide grin then shifted his attention back to Vixin. He scooted his chair closer, wrapping one around over her shoulder.
Vixin couldn’t look at him. Her heart raced as if she’d just run an entire marathon. She wasn’t even sure she’d have the voice to speak.
“Want to get some air?”
She nodded and Zak took her hand and led her toward the door. Their friends whooped and hollered, but Zak’s only response was a vulgar gesture before they slipped from the room.
“Don’t let them bother you.”
She finally laughed. “Did you forget who you’re talking to? A month ago, they were all terrified of me.”
Zak pulled her close. “I never was.” He leaned down to kiss her again and the knot in her stomach tightened. She couldn’t get enough of him. Couldn’t get close enough, but when his fingertips lifted the edge of her shirt she pulled back.
“Don’t worry, I won’t take advantage of you.”
She smirked against his lips. “As if you could.”
His warm hands traced over her bare back, eliciting further sensations that made her lose all sense of time.
True to his word, Zak made no further advances and it was he who finally broke their kiss. Breathless, he pressed his forehead against hers. “Weeks ago, you would have twisted my arm for that.”
“No. Weeks ago, I would have broken your arm for that. Maybe both.”
He placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “No matter how shitty this world gets, I’ll never regret coming here. Not after meeting you.”
“Dad says all things happen for a reason.”
He smirked and pressed another long kiss to her lips. “Come on, let’s get back inside before their imaginations run wild.”
They celebrated for hours, teasing the new couple before returning to their merriment. She didn’t mind. It felt nice to belong, to be teased and picked on without them fearing her.
Zak kept one arm around her shoulder, and she wondered what her father would think of him.
“Where are you from?” she asked.
“Montana. And you?”
“Tennessee at the moment.”
“At the moment?”
“Dad likes to travel.”
“Well, when we get back it looks like I’m moving to Tennessee.”
“You'd do that? Leave your family?”
He shrugged. “I have three older brothers. And both of my parents are alive. I have to leave the nest sometime.”
She smiled. “We haven't been to Montana in a while. Dad likes it there. Why leave your family when I can simply bring mine along?”
Zak stiffened. “So I'll have to meet your dad.”
“You sound scared.”
“After dealing with you shouldn't I be? Any tips?”
She smirked. “Don't back down.”
The music stopped and many simply plopped down on the floor rather than return to their rooms. She lazed against Zak about to turn in for the night herself when the door crashed open.
Fire erupted from all sides and Vixin reached for a blade that wasn’t there. Zak tackled them both to the ground and shielded her from the shards of ice racing through the air. They struck the wood behind their heads, sinking deep.
Vixin raised her head in time to see Anton’s body fall limp. Blood pooled around him and then another fell. More blood. And then another.
Vixin’s cry of rage shattered the night and her magic erupted with it. Unfamiliar faces poured inside the room and Vixin let the greenery run wild, snaking around anyone who dared enter the room.
Zak lunged to her front, blocking an attack that had blood pouring from his forearm. She shattered the wooden floor, impaling his attackers before shoving them from the balcony. Vixin dove for a weapon they’d dropped and kicked another to Zak.
Vixin jumped through the broken doorway to assess their situation and her stomach dropped.
Everything was on fire. Everything they’d worked so hard to build, all their dreams falling. Fading.
A body slammed into hers and Vixin tumbled over the railing. Her magic flew out from the surrounding trees to slow her descent, but she still cried out upon hitting the ground. Pain radiated up her knees, but Vixin didn’t stop slashing.
Every last one. She’d kill every last one of them.
Vixin took a breath and launched herself into the fray. She didn’t care how many there were. Didn’t care what kind of magic they used. All she knew was duck, swing, pivot. A dance she’d been teaching herself since she was a child.
Vixin ducked behind a tree to escape a barrage of flames and took off into the woods. Let them follow her into her domain, where every living thing was a weapon at her disposal.
She pierced the heart of
the first to catch up and then tore through the knee of the second. Vixin continued circling, searching. She’d left Zak on the platform. She needed to get back to—
Wind ripped at her clothes and Vixin spun, already tugging at her vines. They didn’t respond. She tugged again, but some invisible force kept them at bay. Real fear clawed its way through her body, choking her with its hold.
This was it. This was all she had.
Someone grabbed her wrist and ice shot through those surrounding her. Zak didn’t give them a passing glance as he raced through the woods, weaving in and out of trees.
He skidded to a sudden halt, threw open a door, and shoved her inside before jumping in after.
“Cover the door!”
“What are you doing?”
Zak grabbed her face with both hands, but she couldn’t see him in the dark. “Cover the door. Right now.”
Vixin fought past her tears and obeyed, lacing as much greenery over the door as she could. Over a hiding place she’d known nothing about.
“Why—”
Zak clamped a hand over her mouth and heavy footsteps sounded above. She didn’t dare to breath as they trotted back and forth, shouting orders.
A single voice screamed for help but was silenced before she could even think about assisting. She was out of energy anyway. If they found the door, that was it.
Vixin struggled to keep her breathing steady. Why? Why send so many after one little band of thieves and for what? A few weapons?
Zak took a shuddering breath and shifted so his body wasn’t on top of hers. “Are you hurt?” he asked.
“No. You?” He didn’t respond so Vixin assumed he’d shaken his head. “Where are the others hiding? I might be able to tunnel to them.”
Silence.
“Zak?” She touched his arm only to find him shaking. “What’s wrong?” Vixin felt his face and the tears streaming down it. “Zak?”
“They’re gone.”
“Whose gone?”
He gritted his teeth and a sob tore through his body. “Everyone. They’re all gone.”
What? No, that wasn’t possible.
“Zak, where’s Sam?”
Zak let out a strangled cry at his friend’s name and something in her gut wrenched. It crushed her, pressing a weight so hard over her chest she wasn’t sure she’d ever breath again. But she did, and the shards of grief dug deeper.