Not A Small-Town Girl

"When David heard that Danielle had gone to the forbidden area, his worry only grew. He had to go in, no matter what.

“Appreciate the warning, but I’m going in," he said, not even looking at the village head. "Can you show us the way?"

"The village head tried again, his concern obvious. "We won’t even go near it. You’ll be risking your life if you do. You’re sure you wanna go in there?"

"David nodded. "That’s exactly why I have to go. Danielle is in there."

"The village head knew it was no use trying to stop them, so he sighed and gave one last piece of advice. "Fine, but be careful. You need to get out before dark, and don’t make any sound once the sun sets."

“Yeah," David muttered.

"On their way to the forbidden area, they ran into Jaden, rushing towards them like his life depended on it.

“Where are you going?" Jaden asked, out of breath.

“Forbidden area." David didn’t even break his stride, surprised Jaden caught up so fast.

"Jaden had been worried the whole time, afraid he would miss something important. He wasn’t exactly known for his patience. "What are you gonna do there? Where’s Xavier?"

“In the forbidden area. Anything else you wanna ask?" David shot back, already annoyed. He was done with the questions and just wanted to find Danielle.

"Jaden hurried to follow, with a whole group of bodyguards trailing behind like they were about to raid the place.

"The village chief led them on, watching them closely.

"If he didn’t know Danielle, he wouldn’t have risked bringing this dangerous-looking crew to the forbidden area. They looked like trouble.

"Outside the cave of the forbidden area in Blackpool Village, the village chief looked uneasy and said, "This is the forbidden area. I’ll leave you here, be careful once you go in."

“Thanks, Chief," Nathan said with a nod.

"The village chief waved it off. "Just be careful. If you find Miss Darling, bring her back. She knows where my house is."

“Got it," David said, his tone clipped. It was only because it had to do with Danielle that he bothered to say anything more.

"The group walked into the forbidden area, but as soon as they stepped inside, they realized something was off. While it was sunny outside, the cave felt like a freezer, making them all shiver.

“It’s freezing in here," Nathan grumbled. They had all come in wearing light clothes, not expecting the cold.

"Back at the other end, Danielle and the others were about done resting.

"They had thrown their coats aside, and the cold was starting to hit them hard. Luckily, they had kept moving; otherwise, they might’ve started to worry about freezing before they found anyone.

"The cave seemed to stretch on forever. Danielle took the lead, with everyone following her closely. They had no idea how big the place was, but it was clear they weren’t leaving tonight.

"With the cold settling in deeper, Danielle’s worry about Matthew only grew.

She didn’t know how good he was or why he was even here, but the thought of him getting hurt and passed out in this freezing place had her on edge.

"’We need to find him fast,’ she thought, heart racing.

“The paths here are tricky," she said, glancing back at them. "We could get separated if we’re not careful. Dad, Mom, Xavier, stick close to me!"