-- Septimus—

The skinless monster—no, Septimus realized, it wasn’t skinless just red in color—dove back into the the stream that divided the grotto from the rest of the world.

It disappeared into the tunnel the stream ran into, revealing how it had gotten behind them so easily.

Septimus shuddered. Anything could spring from that stream. They would have to be careful of any body of water, should Felix insist they continue. That wouldn’t surprise him either, their friend was dangerously reckless—

“Okay, let’s go home now.” Felix said, standing. He had a sheepish look on his face.

The stream chortled merrily, breaking up the brief silence.

Septimus blinked. “What?”

Felix picked up his knife from where it had fallen. “That thing obviously let us off easy. I’m pretty sure we could have died.”

Both Septimus and Nova stared, astonished at Felix’s rare common sense.

Felix flushed. “It—it just makes sense…”

“Um, yeah.” Nova said. Color was returning to her face, but Septimus didn’t relax yet. If the grotto had taught him anything, it was that he should stay on his toes.

The corpse of the Faerie had somehow disappeared, but Septimus still felt grimy somehow. Sticky.

Septimus stood as well. “Agreed.” He felt a sudden shame at how cowardly he’d been, but, as the High Priest always said, every failure is just a learning experience.

I’ll do better next time. He told himself, before freezing. Wait, next time? What am I, crazy—

“But we haven’t seen the main room yet.” Nova said, surprising them all. She hadn’t moved from her seat on the floor.

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Felix shrugged. “We’ll see it next time. I wasn’t ready for this. And you guys were completely useless.”

“That—” Septimus flushed a bright red. “Not everyone has combat training, you know.”

“Yeah, you should train with me and Ira.” Felix said, as if it were obvious. “You really sucked.”

Septimus looked away, scanning their surroundings. Someone has to do it. There was no movement around the throne and dais, although there could still be something hiding in its intricate carvings, or even behind it. The decorations reflected the glowstone light in almost hypnotic patterns. It’s not because I’m embarrassed and can’t meet Felix’s eyes. He checked both the arched doorway, everything beyond it obscured by dim lighting and sparkling mist, and the stream behind them. Nothing he could see or hear. Definitely not because I’m ashamed.

Felix looked distinctly unimpressed, but Nova spoke before he could continue the thought.

“Next time?”

Septimus startled. “Right, there shouldn’t be a next time,” He turned to Felix, “This was completely crazy and shouldn’t be repeated.”

“There’s going to be a next time. As long as we aren’t caught by Ira or anybody.”

Septimus nodded amicably. “Alright.”

Nova’s brows furrowed, puzzled, before she let out an obligatory huff. “This is crazy, and this wasn’t my idea.” She crossed her arms, still sitting, before grinning cheekily. “And don’t you dare leave me behind.”

The two boys chuckled (quietly), and after a moment, Nova giggled as well.

Leaning back on his heels, Septimus glanced again at the doorway opposite them. A spark of excitement was starting to warm next to his heart, not that he would admit it.

“But,” Felix frowned at Nova, “Aren’t you going to stand up?”

“Ah, well…” Nova blushed, “I may, well.”

Septimus frowned at her. Her legs were splayed awkwardly on the granite floor, completely unstrung of any tension.

“Your legs gave out, right? Because of the fear?”

Nova nodded, embarrassed. It was a feeling he related to.

“Oh.” Felix said, surprised, before scooping her up in his arms.

Nova’s face turned even more red. “Don’t carry me bridal style!”

Looking unimpressed, Felix tossed Nova at Septimus, who managed to catch her.

“Felix! Don’t throw me!”

“Shh.” Septimus said, glancing about cautiously. This half-room entrance still seemed quiet, but there was no telling what lurked just outside their view.

Nova groaned, hiding her face in Septimus’ shoulder. “I’m never gonna live this down.”

The boys just shrugged.

It’s a good excuse to hug her, anyways. Septimus thought, before pretending he hadn’t.

Felix checked that he had everything he brought with him. Septimus pretended he wasn't enjoying how Nova smelled like peaches, and Nova prayed fervently for her legs to start working again soon.

Then, with one final glance behind them, they left the Grotto of The Captive Maiden.

Septimus knew, bone-deep, that they would return.