The Cavern

Victor hugged his chest as he stumbled through another snow drift, every splutter for breath stinging like
a needle in his lungs.

Seraph had hung behind him the entire walk, silent but observant. He could feel Seraph’s steely eyes burning into the back of his neck.

“Victor,” Seraph murmured curtly, his voice cutting through the ringing that had settled over Victor’s ears, “We slept in the same bed last night. I am aware that your fever never broke. You are still ill, and you did not inform Mother. You should not be over-exerting yourself, Brother. It is dangerous.”

Victor kept his fists clenched, trying to avoid swaying on his feet. I don't want to inconvenience anyone, he thought, biting his tongue. Mom already has enough to deal with since Matt is sick.

“It's not a big deal,” Victor said through grit teeth, “I'll be fine.”

The snow on the ground thinned out as the group entered the cave that sat before them, the air growing colder than it had been outside. Victor jerked at the scarf around his neck, trying to loosen his airway. The ceilings were low, low enough make him feel like he was suffocating. The sudden rush of anxiety had only made him feel worse, and he was starting to think Seraph had a point.

“Guys,” Aunora said abruptly, stopping as she tilted her chin up, sniffing the air, “There's someone here.”

“What?” Lilith hissed, a vein appearing on her forehead, “That's impossible. Are you sure you're not just smelling one of us?”

“Look, man,” Aunora muttered, narrowing her eyes, “I know how to sniff someone out. I'm a demon. This is my thing.”

“Yeah, Lilith, babe. Trust Aunora. And don't look so sweaty,” John said as he waltz to her side, wrapping an arm around her waist. Lilith scowled, tearing from his grip to compose herself.

“Aunora, can you track it?” Infinity asked.

“Of course,” she said, taking a few random steps around the cavern. “Let me find the direction.” She perked up, grinning as she wrinkled her nose. “And there it is. Follow me.”

“Gee, you really do look hot and bothered,” John said through a cheeky smile, cocking his head as the rest of the group pursued Aunora deeper into the cave, “This timeline is awfully funny, huh?”

“Silence, Time,” Lilith spat, cheeks flashing red. “I refuse to stomach any of your nonsense right now.”

The light that had spilled in at the entrance of the cave was long gone, vanishing with every step further into the cavern. Aunora had taken the lead, Infinity close behind.

The scent was strong, almost familiar. It was just ahead, she was close…

A small voice broke Aunora’s concentration. “Hey, Mom-”

Aunora twisted on her heels, just in time to see Victor crumple in a heap on the ground. She lunged to his side, scooping him up in her arms. His skin was hot to the touch, soaked in sweat.

“Victor, look at me,” Aunora said frantically as Infinity knelt beside her, concerned. Victor’s head rolled lifelessly in her hand.

“He's not waking up,” Aunora pressed, beginning to tremble as Sedna stopped to take notice, “There's something wrong. We have to go back.”

Sedna’s lip rose in disgust. “But the mission-"

“But my kid!” Aunora snapped, squeezing Victor against her chest. “We need to do something, now!”

----

Lilith lightly stepped back as Aunora barged through the entrance of the cave, plowing through the snow with the rest of the group behind her. Shaking her head, Lilith allowed herself to breath.

Letting her hands rest in the pockets of her coat, Lilith followed the trail Aunora had sniffed out, halting at the end of a long passageway.

“Arisha, show yourself.”

A pair of scarlet eyes cut through the darkness. “Life, that was close.”

“I'm well aware. Have you fulfilled your duties?”

Arisha placed a hand on her hip. “That guild has been crawling with people. I haven't gotten a chance to.”

“Fine,” Lilith murmured, tilting her head, “I will give you an opening. I trust you not to fail.”

“You don't have to worry.”

Author's Note- don't forget to vote and comment♡♡