That was a terrifying thought. I never thought of myself as claustrophobic, but being deep in those tunnels had tested me nearly past my endurance. I wiped my sweaty forehead off on my damp T-shirt. “Well, it’s a good thing we don’t have to.”
When we finally stepped out and onto the grass, I was beyond tired. My thigh muscles quivered from the strain.
“We should set up camp and take a look at the map. See if we can figure out which way the temple is from here, and we’ll get started at first light.”
I knew we had to wait, but that didn’t help the pressure bearing down on me. I couldn’t feel Raphael at all anymore. He was beyond our twindar and I had no cell reception to check on him. “Let’s get set up then.”
“I know you want to keep going, but wandering around in the dark isn’t a good idea.”
“I don’t want to wander. I want to go straight there.” If I didn’t keep making progress, I’d start to think about the consequences, and that would do nothing but paralyze me with fear.
“I promised you that I’d get you to him in time, and I mean to keep that promise. Okay?”
I nodded, but I wasn’t sure how he could really promise that.
Lucas started walking, looking for a good place to pop the tent.
“You found the way,” Gobble said as he reappeared and settled back down on my shoulder.
“No thanks to you.”
He made an unimpressed noise. “Not my job to do it for you.”
That was debatable, but at least I didn’t owe him anything. Being bound to an evil witch was bad enough.
Lucas set down our packs in a small break in the forest. “This is enough room for the tent and a fire.” He started taking out the tent and setting it up.
I sat down on a fallen log and slipped off my shoes. My feet had swollen from all the walking, but by the grace of God, I’d managed not to get blisters. I worked my thumbs into my arches as the sky turned dark and stars appeared. As I sat there, I realized I really had to pee.
The thought annoyed me. Camping was not at all in my comfort zone.
Somehow, I managed to put my shoes back on. I made sure I still had some tissues from in my purse and checked my cellphone. The battery was dying, but one bar appeared before going away. It kept flashing in and out—which would do me no good—but I wanted it keep it with me at all times. Just in case. “I’m going to go…” I motioned with my hands.
“Holler if you get lost on your way back,” Lucas said.
I started off to find a bit of privacy, making sure I was far enough that I’d avoid any embarrassment because of his Were hearing.
When I started back to the campsite, a glow caught my eye. Something…
Just a little ways off from us. I’d thought I could see because of the moonlight, but it was so much more than that. The aura was a pearlescent white.
I couldn’t help but investigate. I made my way through the forest, breaking branches as I went, but not caring. The closer I got, the faster I went.
“Where are you going?” Lucas said, suddenly behind me.
I let out a high-pitched screamed before I could stop myself. My heartbeat echoed in my ears. I hadn’t heard him—hadn’t known he was following me at all.
He gripped my waist as I took a few deep breaths, trying to calm down. It took me a few seconds to find my voice again. “You scared the living daylights out of me,” I finally managed to say.
“You scared me when you wandered off, so we’re even.” He studied me. “What are you seeing?”
I twisted out of his grasp and pointed ahead. “Something really bright is just up there. I wanted to see what it was.” It wasn’t far, just on top of a small hill.
“And you didn’t come get me?”
I shrugged. “I didn’t think of it. I had to see what that was. It could be the temple.” I glanced around. “Where’s Gobble?”
“How should I know? One second he was there, and the next, gone. I expect he’ll be back, but I’m glad to be rid of him for now.”
“He’s not that bad.”
He growled softly.
“Come on.” I kept walking toward the glow, stepping around trees and plants as I moved through the forest. It was weird being able to see this well at night, but I liked it. Made things much easier.
A thick layer of moss hung down from a tree branch. As I moved it out of the way, the temple came into view.
I gasped as I took in the overgrown stone structure made of perfectly cut square bricks. Just like some of the Incan ruins I’d seen in passing. A small steeple cut into the night sky. And the most beautiful part of all: the windows on either side of the door glowed with a pure, bright light.
I nearly laughed. It didn’t feel real. I’d hoped, but I wasn’t sure that anything would come of this. But now I knew. The map had been right. I had a real chance at saving Raphael. Everything might turn out okay. “That’s it. We found it.” I took off running for the front door.
“Wait.” Lucas caught up and wrenched me to a stop. “Someone’s been here.”
I froze. “What do you mean?” We’d asked so many villagers, and no one had even the smallest story about the mages or their temple. So how could anyone have been here?