I Hate Myself but I Love You

Chapter 53

Carmilla's POV

I follow the sound, leaving the others behind without a second thought.

Please let her be okay, I plead to whatever's listening. I can't lose her too.

I stop at the edge of the crater near where I think I heard her. I peer down and see Laura hanging onto a ledge a few feet down. A few small bits of dirt are slowly falling down around her and I can tell that in an hour (if we're lucky) the ledge will become too small for her to hold onto.

Laura looks up, squinting against the constant flow of particles dropping on her. "Carm?"

"I'm here. Can you climb up?"

"I don't think so." Laura grimaces and spits after some dirt goes into her mouth.

"Can you partially shift? You can use your claws to come up."

"I don't know how." Laura admits. "Carm, I'm scared."

"I know, honey, I am too. I'm not going to let you fall, okay?" I try to reassure her. I see her give a slight smile. I just hope my voice isn't shaking like my hands are. I'm terrified.

"How do I partly shift?"

"You need to relax and imagine your nails becoming claws."

"What if I relax too much?" She frets. "What if I accidentally let go? Carm, I don't want to die in this crater." I hear her breathing pick up as she starts to panic.

"Laura, listen to my voice." I focus on keeping it as composed and soothing as I can. Her breathing slows slightly. "You're going to be okay, cupcake. You won't relax too much. Your will to survive is too strong. You won't let go. Now, focus on imagining your claws. You can do this. I believe in you." I watch with pride as her hands shift until she does get her claws. "You did it, creampuff. Now look up at me. Look into my eyes."

"I did it?" Laura grins widely, still looking up at me.

"You did it. Now focus on me." I hope this works. I've never done anything like this. "Concentrate only on getting up to me. I know from experience how good of a climber you are, my little lioness." She slowly starts to climb, digging her fingers into the side of the crater as she raises herself up. "You're doing great. Keep your eyes on me." She scales it easier than I thought she would. Once she's arm's length away, I reach down. "Grab my hand, Laura. I'll pull you out."

Her hand visibly shakes as she holds on with one hand and reaches for me. I grasp her wrist and pull her from the crater. I must have pulled pretty hard because the next thing I know, I'm on my back and Laura's on top of me.

She lets out a shuddering breath, snuggling closer to me. I wrap my arms around her, finally allowing myself to relax. She's fine.

"Thanks, Carm." Laura murmurs, kissing me gently.

"No problem, cutie. I'm just glad you're okay."

  Well that was a lot less angsty than I thought it'd be... oh well. Thank you guys for reading and stay awesome!