A man and a Beast

Chapter 23 - Day in a cave

(And we're back to this story)

(School should be fine on the writing part till next year)

Felicia

It would be another 20 minutes before we had to ascend by means to avoid being spotted. Though we can't go straight for the mountain. The door to Ardentis is only accessible during a certain hour of a certain day.

Lucky for us that time would be tomorrow's afternoon. Dad says he knows a place for us to stay. Though I'm somewhat skeptical since he says he hasn't been here since he was a kid. And that was quite a long time ago. But I shove that worry aside.

Colin taps his fingers along my back. No doubt very much bored. We've been flying around the island for what feels like ages now. And I am rapidly losing hope that my father knows where this 'hiding cave' is.

"I assure you it has to be around this corner," He says for the gazillionth time.

I groan, "That's what you said the last five times."

I feel the tapping on my back stop. But I don't pay any mind.

"This time I'm sure of it!" Infitus defends.

We start to turn a mountain. I hear my mother grumbling about how my father might be losing memory. I hear Colin chuckle on my back.

I hear my father give a cry of triumph, "As I said! Just around the corner."

And just like my father said. There, near the shoreline, a cave stood bearing its teeth of rocks to the world.

"It looks untouched," Colin observes, "I'd bet no one's ever been here besides your father."

"Right you are Colin!" My father shouts, almost at the cave entrance.

Mother pulls up beside me, "The currents are too violent for any boats and the cliffs get naturally wet from the crashing waves. Trust me I've seen many humans try to get here. It never goes well."

"It's also positioned just too far above the waves," Colin continued, "Even if someone makes it from the sea, those rocks below the cave look pretty sharp."

Infitus managed to hear him, "The perfect hideaway!"

We followed him inside. The floor was slightly jagged. Though still tolerable. The cave walls looked more natural than our home.

"This cave goes miles deep. An absolute labyrinth. Though we don't need that much space."

I can't lie when I say I'm curious about the cave. There really aren't many which we dragons can fit nicely in, not even mentioning a whole family. In fact our own cave was mostly from the fine excavation of my father.

Colin slides down my leg and walks by my side.

"There is an old mine shaft I'd go to if it wouldn't collapse at any given moment." Infitus mumbles.

I see these words gain Colin's attention. And I can imagine what he wants to do.

"No," I say under my breath.

He chuckles, "Alright, curious that's all."

I huff. My father led us deeper into the system. There were some caves branching off turned into rooms for dragons. Dragons not humans.

"I highly doubt I'm getting much sleep tonight," Colin said skeptically.

I look at the stone slab. Dragons can sleep essentially anywhere. Although we do prefer comfort over stone. Humans? Well they are strict for comfort. Of course there are outliers. But I honestly doubt Colin is one. This might be quite the awkward night.