Page 32 of Wilde Flame

“I don’t care where we go! I’m fr-fr-freezing.”

I hit Emeline’s number.

“Caden? Please tell me you found her!”

“Yeah, I found her. This storm isn’t showing any signs of easing up. We’re going to head to my house since I’m closer to it. Has Marshall made it back?”

“Yes, he’s here. We’ve been waiting for you to call.”

“Tell him I found her. I’ll text you when I get to my place.”

“Is she hurt?”

“No. At least not that I can tell.”

Orion didn’t even need to be directed; he set off at a faster pace, as if he knew we needed to get Lilibeth out of the elements.

“It was Orion who found her.”

“What?” Emeline asked.

“The damn horse was the one who found her.”

“Tell that good boy he’s getting spoiled big time!”

“I’ll talk to you when I get home.”

I ended the call and shoved the phone back into my coat pocket. I wrapped my arm around Lilibeth and pulled her closer. The relief I felt, knowing I’d found her and that she was safe, nearly left me breathless.

She remained silent, but I felt her body relax against mine, even though she was shivering nonstop.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ve got you. We’re almost to my place.”

Lilibeth

I’d never been so cold in my entire life. When Lyra threw me, I thought for sure I was on the right trail back to the barn, but it was pretty obvious I was turned around and going the wrong way. I should have been back to the barn by now. I glanced behind me and prayed the snow wouldn’t cover up my footprints. Then I looked to my right and saw a giant pine. I trekked through the snow and huddled under the tree, hoping it would keep the snow and wind at bay.

Sliding down until I was sitting on the ground, I pulled my coat up and tried to hide my face. My hands were freezing, my feet were going numb, and I was starting to lose hope of being found. Would Lyra return to the barn? God, I hoped so, especially since I’d also lost my phone at some point, probably when she threw me.

I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against the tree, willing the wind and snow to stop long enough for me to get back up and try to find my way to the barn. But the wind only got louder and the snow only fell harder.

It didn’t take long for me to realize I was in a bad way. If someone didn’t find me soon, or if I couldn’t muster up the strength to keep walking, I would surely freeze to death.

Then through the howling wind, I could’ve sworn I heard my name. It was Caden’s voice…but he sounded so far away. I closed my eyes and tried to listen. If this was how I was going to die, dreaming of Caden calling to me, then so be it. I tried to conjure an image of him, but my mind was foggy and I was so tired.

“Lilibeth!”

“I’m here!” I cried out as best I could. My throat was raw from all the cold air I’d breathed while walking. “I’m here!”

My voice sounded weak. Could it really be Caden or wishful thinking?

“I’m here,” I whispered.

My body was starting to feel hot, even though I was shivering, and my head was pounding.

“Lilibeth!”

What a cruel joke that the last voice I’d ever thought I heard was Caden’s. I felt myself drifting to sleep when someone grabbed my shoulders and started to shake me.