Pick Your Path: Book 1

82

You stiffle a yawn as you open your eyes again, finding your surroundings dark and tinted with a hint of silvery light. You look around, not seeing much as you sit up. You carefully move away form Cassie before tripping over Ellie, prompting a grunt. You freeze, waiting for the gazelle to wake up. She shifted slightly.

".. Sleep.." she mumbled as she tucked her head against her side, her nose disappearing into Cassie's wing slightly. You breath out a sigh of relief as you continue to back away, being careful not to step on Will or anything else that could wake the others. You walk over to the edge of the cave, best the ledge. Ducking outside, you find the once dull and bright camp covered in a cloak of silver, giving off a vibe of magic and mystery. You sit on the ledge, your feet and legs dangling off as you enjoy the view.

' The camp's even more prettier at night..' you thought as you take in the scene. The large rock that sat in one side of the camp, against a broken part of the curved wall. Maybe an attack happened and that was the result? Or it could have been natural..? Looks man-made though.. To the Eastern side of the curved wall, a sheltered den stood. With it's leaf stitched roof and wooden walls that back against the wall, one can only assume it's a healing den. Where the herbs are stored and where the injured are cared for.

You spot a shadow of a person landing lightly on the wall of the camp, dark colored wings fluttering as they folded against her back. They seemed translucent, yet they're still able to be used for flight.. The figure's gaze seemed to flicker over the camp, in interest? Or maybe she wasn't supposed to be here?

Claws scratching against the rock ground prompted you to look over at the tunnel wall, where a single glowing eye stared back. You tense almost immediately. That was Ben, no doubt..

" Guys! Wake up!" you hiss, scrambling over to the nearest person to you, Cassie. " Wake up!"

" Huh..?" Cassie gave a yawn as she woke up, opening her amberish eyes, " What's happening..?"

" Another group.." you responded, gestured Ben. You turn to go wake up Ellie. She would definitely be needed of a battle were to break out.

" Let her sleep. Wake up William." Cassie shook her head as she nudged you towards Will. " She's tired and exhausted from her previous fight. Not to mention she's still recovering."

" Will! Get up!" You walk over to the gryphon, shaking him. You glance worriedly at the approaching group.

" Go away.." he grumbled, his feathered tail swatting at you. He buried his beak under his feathered wing.

" No! We've got trouble!" you say a bit louder. Ben was approaching the entrance of the cave, a pair of silvery blue eyes flickered behind her, followed by a pair dull slate eyes. Will lifted his head, half asleep. " Get ready to buy some time.." you quickly say before standing up. There's a good chance that you had to hold off Ben and his group for a while to let the others escape. If Will stayed as well, then it would make things easier for Cassie and Ellie to escape. " Cassie.. take Ellie and leave.. I'll hold them off."

" Let's go." Cassie flapped her wings as she gently snagged the still sleeping Ellie in her talons as she glanced back you and Will. Will rolled to his feet, growling at the approaching group. His feathered tail lashed as he watched the group.

" You know you should go with them."  Will gestures Cassie who was starting to take flight with Ellie. You blinked, hesitating. If you went with them.. Will would have a huge disadvantage, fighting against three at once. If you stayed, then you could help them get a better chance at escape, but you could get seriously

Go with Cassie and Ellie? Page 128

No stay and fight? Page 129

Looks like we're in for a fight. Have to make sure Cassie, Ellie, and (Y/n) hey away. Well.. probably just Cassie and Ellie. (Y/n) looks ready to stay and fight.. Hopefully that won't happen. Injury is inevitable in this battle, so.. hopefully (Y/n) will be smart about it and leave. ~ W