Hell Beast

The Cave

I walk back with my parents to the house. It is a crisp afternoon, and school has just ended. I immediately go up to my room and grab my phone. There are several phone calls and a dozen texts from Liv, asking where I am, if I'm okay. I want to respond, but I decide to wait until after I shower.

I set the water on cold, allowing me to clear my head. It feels good, cleaning my skin. I step out of the shower and wrap myself in a towel, and then text Liv.

Sorry. I'm fine. Just didn't feel well this morning. Slept most of the day. I'm fine now.

I hope that is convincing enough. A minute later, I get a response.

Thank god you're alright. Want to come over?

Yes please.

Okay. A half hour good?

Yep.

I rush to dry my hair and get ready. I slip on dark skinny jeans and the tight white shirt Liv had gotten me when we went to the mall. I quickly braid my hair and nearly sprint out the door, calling to my parents that I'm leaving.

I drive as fast as I can to get there, and when I do, I find Liv sitting on the front porch. She waves as I pull in, and hugs me as I wake up the front steps.

"I was so worried about you," she whispers as we pull apart.
"Don't be," I respond with a sad smile.

She leads me inside, up to her room. Once she shuts the door, she pulls me into another hug. I rest my head on her shoulder, breathing in the soothing scent of her perfume. I feel myself relax into her. After a minute, she pulls away.

"Feel better?" She asks, gently rubbing my arm.

I nod. She smiles widely.

"Good. Cuz I want to show you something."

Liv turns around and pushes her window open. She swings a leg out first, and then ducks under, pulling the rest of her body out. She motions for me to follow. I clumsily climb out. We crouch on the small roof outside her window. The setting sun glints off of her hair, making it look even more fire-like than usual.

She grabs a tree branch and uses it to jump to another, climbing down the tree. I carefully follow. Once we are both on the ground, she smiles mischievously.

"I want to show you my secret hideout," she whispers playfully.

She then surprises me by taking my hand and lacing our fingers together. She sets off towards the woods, dragging me behind her. We walk in silence, our hands clasped together. It feels amazing.

After fifteen minutes of walking, we reach a cave. She pulls me towards it. As I cross the threshold, I feel a strange sensation some over me. Not fear, or dread, or excitement. Something else. I feel like I should shift, show my true form. It hurts not to. I look at Liv, who seems perfectly fine.

"Liv..." I whisper, trying to stay standing.

She doesn't seem to hear me. I then realize there is an ancient magic consuming this cave. It pulses all around me. The magic feels light, unlike any other that I have ever felt.

"Liv, I feel sick," I say, trying not to choke.

She comes towards me and wraps her arms around me.

"It's alright to be a little scared," she says soothingly, running a hand through my hair.

The power is too much. I can't hold it. I fight against myself, trying to keep my true form inside. The magic is making my head throb and my ears ring. I notice that Liv's face is inches from mine.

"S-seriously, I have to go," I cough out.

"No you don't. Stay with me," she pouts, resting her forehead against mine. I barely register how close we are.

"Liv... I don't feel well."

She looks disappointed for a moment.

"I'm sorry... I just..." I have no excuse that isn't crazy.

"It's okay," she says sweetly, rubbing my back. She takes my hand and guides me out of the cave. As soon as we are out, I feel a million pounds lifted off of me. I collapse to the ground.

"Cameron!" She gasps, kneeling beside me. She pulls my head into her lap.

"Are you alright?" She asks, concern shown by the creases in her face.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I say, starting to get up. She helps me up, and wraps an arm around my waist as we begin walking again. I slightly lean on her, as I feel a sort of high.

When we reach her house, it is almost nightfall. We sneak in the backdoor, and tiptoe up to her room. As soon as we are in her room, I fall onto the bed. My head is pounding, as the ancient magic has drained me, yet makes me feel refreshed. It feels so strange.

Liv slides in next to me, though I barely notice her. She lifts my small body and holds me, my head resting on her chest. I close my eyes as I feel her hand running through my hair. I am unsure if this is real, or a hallucination. She wraps her strong arms around me, protecting me.

I think she kisses my forehead just before I am overcome by exhaustion and give in to sleep.