The path up the mountain is steep, and the shortest path is definitely not the easiest. Your legs are aching with the effort and the only reason you're not complaining is because Cindy, the confident red head who is with you, hasn't said a word of complaint. And every time that Hunter looks back at the pair of you to check on you, she somehow manages to look like she's just taking a casual stroll in the woods instead of hiking on a path that is trying to murder your thighs.

After a couple of hours, you're doing your best not to die of exertion. Your lungs are heaving in fresh mountain air, but everything seems a little more hot and still. Hunter finally calls out a break and tells you that you've only gone two of the five and a half mile trip towards the mountain summit. Not even half way!

He must be able to read the despair on your face, because he offers a kind smile. "Don't worry, you're doing wonderful so far. Most people give up a mile back when the hill starts becoming steep. I'm really impressed with you."

Pride fills your chest, making you all warm and fuzzy. "Thanks, Hunter."

"Yeah," Cindy interrupts with a roll of her eyes, "she's doing great. She's only dying a little."

You give her a solid glare over Hunter's shoulder, but choose to ignore her comment. There's more than one way to be the better woman. After a short break, Hunter leads you back into the woods. Your whole body protests the movement, but you're not going to let pretty Cindy win. If anything, you're more determined to show her that you can do anything she can.

Another mile in, there are signs that say Alum Cave is near, and Hunter points up some roughly hewn stone steps. "Alright ladies, looks like it's going to be raining here soon. We can slip through the cave and head quickly up to the lodge for some well-deserved hot chocolate. Shouldn't be too much longer now."

You perk up at the mention of hot chocolate and follow Hunter into the dark opening of the cave.

"Stay close," he says as he holds up a flashlight. "And whatever you do, don't touch the lights."

A shiver runs down your back. His words sound strangely familiar. You glance at the lights that are strung along the pathway just as they flicker. A loud boom fills the air and the lights fade out. You hear a shout in the darkness.

Then a blue light blossoms in the darkness.

Was Hunter's flashlight blue? You can't quite remember. It's not enough light to see anything except the stone of the cave just behind it. The light dips around, and you hear Hunter's voice calling out for you. Maybe it is him.

You hesitate.

[If you go towards the blue light, go to chapter: Fifteen]

[If you stay put and wait, go to chapter: Thirty Six]