The Dragon Rider Vol. 2 Kingdoms Fall (COMPLETED)

Twenty

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"You want to help me, but why?"

Smirking, he sighed. "They want to keep you away from your dragon, and I know that's not a good idea."

Gazing back at the water, I mulled over his words. How did he know keeping a rider from its dragon was a bad idea? If a rider was away from their dragon for too long, their connection would start to fade. Although the rider would be fine, their dragon's energy would slowly fade until they died. I needed Aurora back that was for sure but if I left, William would be furious. Did I really want to disappoint him?

With gritted teeth, I walked into the water. It was warm, unlike the cold winter air just outside the caves walls. Turning my head slightly, I watched Luca. He made no move towards me, instead he seemed to be watching my every step.

Walking further into the water, I closed my eyes. It felt like the blood in my veins was alive as I stood there, as I enjoyed the warmth the water provided. The sound of splashing echoed around the cave, and as I opened my eyes Luca was further ahead of me. Smiling I made my way towards him.

It felt nice to have someone willing to help me get my dragon back. William wanted to keep me away from her, and I wasn't going to let that happen. I know he cared for my safety but Aurora needed my help, and I wasn't going to turn my back on her. Once the water was up to my chest, I felt my nerves start to return.

"Having seconds thoughts?"

"No." I whispered, but in fact I was. I was worried that we weren't going to get Aurora back and instead get someone killed.

"Good." Moving in front of me, I felt Luca's finger tips touch my cheek. Lifting my gaze to his bright blue eyes, I felt all the worry disappear.

"Trust me... I will make sure you get your dragon back. You have my word."

I stared at him for a few more seconds. With a deep, breath I nodded. "I trust you."

With a nod, his smile returned. "Good. Now take a deep breath and follow me."

Doing as he said, I took in as much air as I could before diving under the water. With the warm water around me, I found it easier to move. The warmth of the water was somewhat calming, even with my heart racing. As we dove further down into the water, I could feel my lungs start to tighten as the gap in the bottom of the caves walls came closer.

Waiting at the entrance, Luca waved his arms beckoning me towards him. Kicking my legs to push me further through the water, I grasped onto his out stretched hands. Lifting his hand he made an okay sign, only for me to shake my head. Frowning, he grasped my waist before pushing me past the walls into colder water.

Looking up I spotted red light and as I gazed at the light a face quickly flashed in front of me, one I now feared. Markus' face was gazing back at me, a sinister smirk on his lips. Shaking my head I clawed at my chest as I struggled to keep the remaining air inside. It was almost like he was trying to kill me, and if I didn't pull myself together, he would very soon.

Arms wrapped around my waist pulling me through the water, and closer to the red light. As we broke surface I gasped for air, as I coughed up the water that had made its way through my mouth.

Luca groaned from beside me. "Come on, we need to get to the ledge."

Nodding, I followed behind him. Once at the ledge, I welcomed the feeling of the ice on my fingertips. It felt just like my chest at the moment. Cold.

Taking deep breaths I turned towards Luca. He had already situated himself on top of the ledge, his hands out stretched for me to take. Slapping my hand into his own, I welcomed the tingles of warmth that spread through my fingers and down my arm. With a hard tug, I was pulled out of the water and onto Luca's strong chest. His arms instantly wrapped around my frame.

"You alright?" He whispered.

Nodding, I tried to calm my racing heart. Gazing around the area, I noticed we were at the bottom of the cave we had fallen from only a few days ago. As my eyes made their way to the very top of the cave, I was met with the red moon.

It was bigger than it had been only a few days ago, and as I continued to stare at the moon I noticed a flock of birds flying overhead.

"We need to move." Getting to his feet, Luca made his way towards the caves wall. "We need to climb out of here, can you do that."

Staggering to my feet, I fixed my bow over my shoulder. Nodding, I walked closer to the caves wall. "Yes, I'll be fine." Gripping my upper arm, Luca pulled me to his side.

"I mean it, Abagail. If you can't do it we can always turn back."

"No." Gritting my teeth I shook my head. "I need to get to Aurora. Now are we going or not."

Holding his hands up in surrender, he stepped back. "Ladies first."

Frowning, I turned towards the wall. Looking up at the entrance of the cave, I sighed. It was a long way but I knew we had no other choice. Grasping onto a large rock, I pulled myself up only to have my foot slip from under me.

Luca was quick to grasp my hips, his fingertips touching the bare skin of my waist that my top didn't cover. It must have risen when he grabbed me, and as I stared down into his blue eyes I had to force myself to move away.

My heart was racing quicker now, and the skin Luca had touched felt hot compared to the cold outside. Gritting my teeth, I moved my gaze back to the rock wall. "Move your hands before an arrow goes through them."

A laugh escaped his lips, the feeling of his warm secure hands leaving. "Sorry Princess, didn't mean to offend you."

Shaking my head, I ignored his formal speak and pushed my legs to move. I felt if I stayed there staring into his eyes, I'd forget why I was there. Ever since Luca had found us, I felt like I'd suddenly become a little girl again.
I was nervous around him. I wasn't sure if that was due to the fact that I couldn't trust him, or that the high Priests had somehow made me scared to trust another male. Whatever the reason was, I tried to push it away. I had bigger things to worry about.

I couldn't worry about Luca when Aurora was waiting for me.

Grasping onto the top of the ledge, I hauled myself over the top. Panting, I laid down on the snow covered ground. The cold felt nice against my hot skin. Closing my eyes, I listened to the sounds around me.

No birds sung. There was no sounds of movement from the forest. Everything seemed to be eerily quiet. Something wasn't right.

Opening my eyes, I was met with Luca's face.

Smirking, he tilted his head. "Damn it. Here I was hoping I had to wake you." Placing a hand over his chest, he frowned. "You ruined my dreams, Abagail."

With a shake of my head, I sat upright. "Your words have no effect on me, Luca."

A small chuckle to my side, had me gazing up into his eyes. He seemed busy checking his bags and making sure his sword was strapped tightly onto his waist. I watched him for several moments, wondering if what we were about to do would work. As I continued to gaze at him, a question popped itself into my mind.

"How do you know where Aurora is?" I whispered, only loud enough for him to hear.

He froze at my words for a split second before tying the strap of his sword tighter. "I was once held there. The dungeons aren't something you should face alone."

"Why do I feel like you're lying to me?"

Throwing his knapsack over his shoulder, he stood to his feet. "I'm not. Like you, I'm haunted by my memories every night when I sleep. I'm just one of the lucky ones that was able to get away."

With that said, he started to walk towards the snow covered forest. Sighing, I stood. I didn't mean to upset him but at the same time I wanted to know more. I wanted to know why he knew so much about Toban and how to get to the dungeons Aurora was locked in.

Nothing made sense to me, but I was going to find out even if it meant I had to threaten him. But could I really trust Luca?