I stood at the base of a great waterfall, bare feet against the soft grass. The smell of wildflowers filled my nostrils as the cascade of water crashing against dull rocks echoed around me. I took an involuntary breath at the mesmerizing display. The underlying odor of marsh was veiled by the tang of salted air and perfumed tiger lilies. With the smallest of breaths, I could taste that briny air on the tip of my tongue.

The moon was clear and luminescent-it gleamed down, a guiding light through the harsh, bleak night. It was perfect. 

Arms outstretched, I let myself fall on the lush green grass, my hair swirling around as I glanced towards the darkened sky. My eyes started to become heavy. My body relaxed into the earth. After taking a deep breath, my naked flesh soon felt as though it had settled on a warm, fluffy bed.I nearly drifted off into the sweet abyss.

But before I could slip into unconsciousness, a bright flash seared the inside of my eyelids. They flung open reflectively. High above me, a blazing light soared through the clouds, leaving a trail of heat in its wake. It was advancing right towards me at an unnatural rate.

Dread consumed me, casting a fire in the boiler that pumped adrenaline straight to my heart. I leaped and began to run.

Not a moment too soon, I hurled myself into the crystal-clear water as the meteorite exploded into the ground. The earth trembled as smoke wafted through the air from where I had just lain. As the air in my lungs expired, I was forced to swim up for a fresh breath. I breached the surface, taking several heaving breaths as water spewed from my lips. My hair dripped, sticking to my face and neck. Gripping the slick rock, I hauled myself out of the plunge pool. 

My heart pounded in my ears, the slight ache becoming dull. I gazed open-mouthed at the crater where the meteorite struck. I felt my face start to frown as my thoughts reeled-wasn't the explosion much bigger than that?

It sure felt like it was.

"How is it so small?" I whispered. The question echoed around me.

I stood up and started to take slow steps toward the crater, cautiously. I knew I was letting my curiosity get the better of me. But what could happen?

In the crater, something glistened brilliantly. I was drawn to the glowing object, like a child to sparkling lights. I fished a beautiful moon amulet out of the cracks in the earth. It glowed with an ethereal light-serene and cold. I had never seen anything like it. Made out of some otherworldly mineral, its silver and amethyst surface glinted in the evening dusk. I felt my heart constrict at the mere sight of it--something that I couldn't quite explain.

Stolen story; please report.

Then, as I was studying the delicate amulet in my hands, I heard a startling noise that made me look up.

On top of the waterfall stood a man. I couldn't quite make out his features, but I knew that he was tall. His silhouetted physique was built, powerful and masculine. Beaming through the shadows that engulfed him, his eyes were glowing red.

And he was staring right through me. 

I shivered at his gaze, wrapping quivering arms around my naked body, as if to shield myself from his sight. I tried to catch a better look at him, but the more that I tried, the more blurry he became. It was as if his body was shrouded by fog. Backing up slowly, the amulet swayed in my grasp. Just as I had felt drawn to it moments ago, I now felt a similar lure toward this strange man. My body protested. I turned around and tried to run. My joints screamed at me, as well as my heart. But my mind was made up. I had seen so many movies that started like this, and I was not going to stick around to find out what would happen. 

Not knowing where I was or where I was going, I sprinted ahead.

There was a rope bridge in the distance, it moved slightly with the breeze. The crashing of fierce waves could be heard from below it. I continued to run frantically past the sign and onto the damaged planks that creaked beneath me. They were far too ancient to support my weight, and my heart sank as I heard the snap! preceding the moment my foot fell through.

I clutched at the rope, holding on for dear life. I looked down. There was nothing but darkness below.

When I looked up, I was staring into fiery red eyes. His gaze seemed to entrap me, as I felt my soul cry out for his. As he reached for me, another figure appeared-almost out of thin air. I could see him clearly, his features prominent and familiar. His shoulder length ebony hair blew in the breeze, he looked down at me as concerned filled his caramel colored eyes. The moon's light glistened off his tan shirtless chest.

It couldn't be, could it?

"Mateo..?" I whispered, barely hanging on now.

He held his hand out towards me. 

The shadowy figure seemed to balk at Mateo's gesture.

'You must choose,' rang out in my mind, almost as if somebody had whispered it.

Both men reached for me as I let go of the only thing that held me safe. 

I fell into darkness.

-

-

The blaring of a car horn, made me jump. Eyes still heavy, head pounding, and body aching, I tried moving my wrists.

They were bound. 

My mouth felt dry, lips itchy and sticky as I tried to part them,but I had been gagged as well. Heart racing, I tried to see past my own blurry vision. 

I was in some type of vehicle-as if on cue, the driver slammed on the brakes, making me crash backward and hit my head against the door. My hands felt sweaty. My pulse raced as adrenaline started to flow. My own anxiety made me feel as though my heart would literally leap out of my chest!

Where am I? 

The thought blasted through my mind.

That was when I knew... They captured me.

How? We were so very careful. We couldn't have been caught we-

Where was Mateo? 

Oh, god. Mateo. 

The thought was like cold water, blasting through my very raw, hazy mind. But I would know if he had died.

I know that I would... Wouldn't I?