Chapter 22- Wicked Forest

Soon day fell into night. Even the shadows that the trees cast were swallowed by the encroaching darkness. The trees and rocks from the daytime took on an ominous form. It was as if, by stripping them of their colours and warmth the night also stole their friendly sprits, leaving behind malicious demons. Even the bright stars and the light from the moon couldn’t make them look less threatening.
Crystal’s stomach roared loudly which made the two boys pause and look at her.
For the past hour they had been walking a head of her, talking in hushed tones. Crystal didn’t care what they were talking about.
She wanted to go home and curl up in her double bed. Under the soft duvet where it was warm, she shivered from the cold, still wearing her witch’s costume, although the hat had long since gone. Where she had lost it, she didn’t know. The outfit did little to offer her warmth let alone comfort. Her stomach roared again, louder this time.
“You hungry?” Drake asked. Crystal nodded, as her stomach grumbled again.
“Let’s make camp for tonight,” Drake said to Levi who didn’t look pleased with the idea. He gave Drake a scrawl which didn’t go unnoticed by Crystal.
“There is a cave about three miles from here. It should give us enough cover until first light,” Levi said walking ahead in a fast pace. Crystal had to run to keep up with them.
“How do you know?” she asked.
“You don’t need to know that” he replied which only angered Crystal more. Levi Carmichael she had become to realize was arrogant, sarcastic and a complete jerk. She was glad that Drake was there with her too. She would hate to be alone with him. He didn’t seem the beast everyone made him out to be, however he was a monster in another way. He made Crystal feel like a small child. One who needed a helping hand and couldn’t do much of anything for herself. He made her feel stupid, while he held all the knowledge.
When they arrived at the cave, she let out a loud groan.
“You want me to climb up there?” she asked, looking up into the mountain side in which the cave was located. She could only just see the opening, in the vast darkness.
“Or you could just stay down here and take your luck with the dragons, Athos, Arachne, Echidna let’s not forget the Unicorn’s,” Levi smirked.
Crystal had no idea what most of them were. However, she didn’t want to find out. She had no choice but to follow the boys up the mountain and pray she didn’t fall to her death instead.
As she climbed the rocky mountain, she felt the rocks crumble and fall away. Her feet slipped many times. Drake each time gripped her hand and pulled her further up the rocky terrain. She knew that if she turned her head, even slightly she could easily lose her balance and tumble to the ground below. It was a certain death. The adrenaline cursed through her veins, urging her to do what otherwise she wouldn’t be able too. It was hard to see where to place her feet and where to grip the wall. She followed Drake’s lead, placing her foot and hands where his had been seconds before.
When they reached the opening of the cave, both the boys climbed in easily, by pulling their upper bodies through first. Crystal, however, was another story. Her hands shook from the strain as she gripped the ledge. Pushing her upper body up and using her feet to walk up the rocky mountain. Her feet slipped as the rocks broke away from under her. It happened in slow motion. She knew she was about to fall, yet she couldn’t stop it. Her hands came free of the ledge and her stomach dropped and flipped as the sudden drop took her breath.
A hand caught hers, leaving her suspended in the air. Levi heaved her up and into the cave where she tucked her knees up and rested her chin against them. She was shaking uncontrollably.
“I think she is in shock,” she heard Drake whisper.
“I almost died,” Crystal gave life to the thought that was on replay in her mind.
“But you didn’t, so get over it,” Levi snapped.
“Jerk,” Crystal muttered, did anyone care, what happened to her? That feeling of loneliness crawled back, it was like a black cloud that hovered above her, waiting to fully surround her.
Levi didn’t respond to Crystal instead; he began to whisper with Drake. It started in hushed soft tones then they became louder.
“Fine,” Levi almost shouted and plopped down leaning his back against the stone wall.
“I won’t be long, I will bring us back some food,” Drake bent down to her level.
“What? Why can’t he go?” Crystal asked, she didn’t want to be alone with Levi, and was scared for Drake’s safety out in the forest alone.
“See,” Levi muttered.
“I am a better hunter. You will be fine. Get some shut eye. I will be back before you know it,” he winked. She watched his retreating form. Sadness swept over her as he disappeared from view. She closed her stinging eyes. She was homesick and missed her mother’s overbearing ways. She almost laughed; she never thought she would miss that mad woman.