Out of the Shadows // Sebastian Sallow

Chapter One Hundred

HOLY CRAP, EVERYONE! This is the centennial chapter! I can't believe it! Enjoy! ~ KISSES

*Warning: This chapter contains heavy emotions, bloodshed, violence, dark magic and death.*

Sebastian's Perspective

"Diffindo!" I called out, slashing the dugbog clean through and killing it. I put my hands on my knees, trying to catch my breath. "I think that's the last of them."

"Good. I'm beat." Ominis said a little to my left. He was leaning over and breathing heavily, too. "Do you know where we are?" He brushed off his clothes and set his wand to blinking to take in his surroundings.

"We're on the coast. We've got to be getting close. It might be harder now that it's dark out. But I want to keep going. I feel like... I can't stop. Until I find them."

"I understand. I'll be with you until it's over."

"Thanks." I stood up brushing off my clothes too. We were both covered in small wounds, dirt, grime, sweat. But we'd cleared out several caves and killed so many evil creatures I lost count. I just... had to find them. I was determined.

"Ok, let's go slowly this way, down the coast, quietly. I want to avoid any more dugbogs if we can. I need to save my energy..."

"I agree. I'm worn out and we haven't even found the right cave yet. Who knows what we're going to find when we get there."

I stopped. My family. What state would they be in? My anxiety started to ramp up again.

"Oh. Sorry, mate. I didn't mean..."

"I know, I know. It's just... the longer it takes to find them, the more I worry what's happening to them."

"Well, let's not keep them waiting. Come on."

We moved slowly down the coast, looking around. Ominis' blinking wand the only light source we had. So, when we came upon the opening to another cave and I could see lanterns within, I knew this was it.

"Ominis. It's lit up. Over there." I whispered and pointed him in the right direction.

"That's got to be it. Creatures don't use lamps. Humans do. What's the move, Sebastian?"

"Um... I don't know. We can't just burst in. We need to know what we're dealing with."

"Stake out?"

"I'm not sure... I don't have the patience for that. My wife... my children..." I got choked up thinking they could be this nearby and I was pausing.

"Ok, ok. I get it. But you're right we can't just go bursting in. That's what Rachel did and she was caught in a trap. We need to watch. At least for a bit."

"Ok. I know you're right. Let's go behind that ridge over there. We'll be closer but hopefully out of sight."

We made our way down the beach, crossing in front of the cave. I could see the flickering light but no shadows of movement. No people. No sounds. I sighed. I didn't know how long I could "stake out" the cave before I lost my mind and just went charging in. It was my way, after all. A trait I had apparently passed on to my wife.

Ominis huffed out air as he sat down behind the ridge, catching his breath. "It's been a long time since I was in a duel. I'm nervous."

I smiled. "No worries, mate. I've got your back. Besides, I wouldn't ask for anyone else to be with me." I leaned over the top of the ridge to watch the opening of the cave for movement.

"How many do you think will be in there?"

"Well, judging by the opening and the slope of the hill, I'm guessing this cave is not large but long. More tunnel-like than open. Two or three open areas max. And people generally don't like to be cramped on top of each other, especially underground. It's not natural. They don't like it. Also, Isabella said this was someone Rachel knew, seeking vengeance. So, I would think they would keep that secret as much as possible so they wouldn't be outed. I would say... half a dozen or less."