I jolt awake. The dream still lingers clear in my mind.
What the hell was that? Who was that?
Questions flood my mind, none of them have an answer.
I glance down to the floor. The angel that was laying there before is gone and the blanket I put around him is now draped over my lap. I stare at it for a second, my mind going blank.
I look up and around the cell. The angel is completely gone. The torch on the wall still has a flame.
I look around the cave. The sun is starting to rise outside and the crystals off to the side of the cave are now glowing softly. I stare at them. They light up the dark entrance a bit but it's still too dark.
I stand up, groaning from sleeping in a weird position all night. My body is stiff. I stand and stretch. I grab the blanket and my book. I put them back into my bag and sling it over my shoulder.
I stare at the torch on the wall, then to the dark wall. I hesitantly reach up and wrap my hand around the handle. I pull it off the holder and hold it steady. The flame flickers a bit but it holds strong.
I let out a breath. I run my hand through my messy hair. My hand bumps into something on my head. I grab it and pull it down in front of my face. It’s a large grey -almost white- feather. I stare blankly at it for a second. Spinning it between my fingers, it looks perfect, unharmed and no damage done to it.
I put the feather gently into my bag, pressing it between the pages of my book so it won't get ruined.
I hold the torch tightly in my hand and turn towards the glowing crystals. I examine the crystals first, running my hand over them. They are cold to the touch and solid.
The torch lights up the surrounding areas. The corridor is still dark and is very deep.
A soft dripping sound echoes deeping into the cave. The faint sound of flowing water. I take a deep breath and step forward into the darkness. Each step I take is silent and calculating.
I don’t know what's down here. I don’t know where the angel went; he’s never moved before and now…
I must admit, I'm kind of scared. I don’t fully understand everything in this cave; the torch, the crystals, the cells, the angel, the blood, the missing kids. I don’t know what is happening and to be honest, I'm not sure I want to know.
I keep walking, my curiosity taking over.
I want to know, but I don't want to know. But my need to know is stronger than my want to not know. So I walk. I keep walking silently. Deeper into the cave I go; the darker it seems to get.
There’s a small light at the end. It grows as I get closer. It’s faint but bright.
I continue down the corridor until I reach the opening.
The hall opens into a huge chasm.
The cave is beautiful.
There's water along the path, ponds with plants that I've never seen before. There are vines hanging down from the roof. The air is surprisingly warm and calm. The crystals are all along the walls and edge of the paths. They glow softly.
There is the soft sound of water flowing all round the cavern.
I stand in awe at the sight before me. It’s beautiful. I step forward, running my fingers over the crystals and running my hands along the vines.
I don’t recognize most of the plants. Some are from books I've read, but they were only rumors. Others are completely new to me.
The plants seem to have a mind of their own, sifting and moving when I brush my fingers. Some reach out for my touch while others coil away. I watch in awe.
My ears catch the sound of shuffling. I look around, but there's nothing. I frown.
I turn one last time.
My eyes lock onto the cause of the shuffling sound. I gasp softly.
ns3.131.37.237da2
