When I got back to the cave, I was exhausted. With Dallas's help, I took the necklace off and curled up on our bed, Dallas curling around me. I snuggled into his chest and fell asleep quickly, one hand draped over Bones.
That night, I dreamed of hellfire and demons from nightmares lurking in the shadows of every bush. I dreamed of the horsemen, distant on the horizon with no distinguishable faces. I dreamed of Jas, standing on the sidelines and laughing as I failed. I dreamed of eternal damnation and eternal paradise.
I woke up halfway through the night, soaked in a cold sweat. Bones was laying mostly on Dallas, and I knew I wasn't going to get back to sleep. So I wriggled away from the two of them and picked the necklace up on my way to the cavern. I wasn't sure why I'd taken it with me, but I felt a certain pull to it already. I wanted it with me at all times.
I stripped out of my new clothes and stepped into the water. Instead of putting the necklace on the ground, I put it around my neck. Once again the power thrums through me, and I start to wonder if it's an illusion and not there. I can't deny the power racing through me in a way that feels almost playful, so I cast that notion aside.
I know the water is supposed to be freezing, but it's not that cold anymore. Just as I submerged myself, I heard the muted sound of Bones racing into the cavern and barking quietly before he splashes into the water. I surface immediately and smile, pulling him too me. He snuggles against me gladly, although his claws leave marks on my skin as he struggles to stay afloat. He makes a strangled yelping sound and the power surges through me once more, with more power than I'd ever felt. I gasped and let go of Bones.
He wasn't thrashing to stay afloat anymore.
