Lost in IRA

Chapter 2 (Part 2)

Tyrone helped her precariously balance the frying pan—which was also Rowan's—on the fire.

She poured the ingredients into the frying pan and mixed it with her hands. They burned, like they were on fire.

Well, I mean, they technically were....

"You're a good baker," said Tyrone, staring at Celeste as she kneaded the dough while it was baking.

Celeste's face flushed as hot as her hands. "I'm not. Actually, I'm pretty sure I'm doing it wrong."

"You are meant to knead it before you bake it," agreed Tyrone, laughing. "But it's sweet that you decided to still try and cook for us. That's some effort. Definitely someone you'd want on your side."

Celeste wasn't sure what was burning more: her hands, or her face. She smiled weakly, lifting the burnt, blackened lump of 'bread' out of the frying pan, dropping it on the green, triangle-patterned handkerchief Fleur had provided, then blew on her hands to cool down the close to agonising pain.

"Here," said Fleur gently, crouching down next to Celeste pouring the rest of her water over her hands while Ophelia began stamping out the fire.

Celeste blushed furiously. "You didn't need to do that, Fleur. Thanks a lot, though."

Fleur smiled. "No problem!"

Celeste's face turned pinker than Fleur's water bottle.

"You seem energetic," noted Celeste timidly.

"Absolutely!" said Fleur, grinning ear to ear.

"Well, that's dinner. Enjoy," said Celeste, shoving the burnt lump of dough in the middle of the circle.

"Aww, chill, Celeste," said Ophelia kindly. "It's pretty bad, but we're all starved. We'll eat anything by now."

"Wow, thanks Ophelia," said Celeste, deciding that it was her turn to be sarcastic.

Tyrone ripped off a clump that had been sticking out the top. He shoved it in his mouth and swallowed it in one massive gulp.

"Thanks, Celeste," he said politely.

Everyone tore off their portion. Celeste had definitely had better meals, but it was at least filling.

After dinner, Celeste hadn't even bothered to pull out her sleeping bag. She curled into a ball and began trying to sleep. Everything around her seemed to numb and fade as she began drifting off to dream town.

Unfortunately for Celeste, having nightmares was certain.

Celeste was thrashing against the horrible, dark water, struggling to stay afloat. She choked, spitting out a mouthful of bitter, foul water.

However, despite the threatening waves, what was on the shore terrorfied her even more. It was almost like seven nightmares—seven twisted creatures—all mashed into one, terrifying beast.

Celeste woke up, shaking all over. Her eyes were wide in panic.

It was a dream... it was just a dream...

Celeste breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't even bother trying to get back to sleep. She just laid there, waiting for the sun with the growls, cries and roars of creatures of pure horror ringing in her ears.Celeste's heart pounded. She was completely lost, in the darkest valley she's ever seen.

"Tyrone? Fleur? Rowan? Ophelia? Where are you?" she shouted. "Guys? Where are you?"

She heard an eerie groaning from somewhere behind her.