Not A Small Town Girl (Danielle and David) novel Chapter 200

"Inside the cave, everyone stayed alert, not letting their guard down for a second. The further they walked, the colder it got. The chill crept up from their feet and wrapped around them.

"Can Matthew really make it here? There are snakes, traps, and mazes everywhere. I almost thought we were following a treasure trail," Xavier said, sounding puzzled.

“I swear, this feels like one of those adventure movies," he added, trying to lighten the mood as the danger seemed to pass.

"Vivian patted Xavier on the head. "Have you been so jobless lately? No one asked you to film? Want us to invest in you?"

“Mom, are you sick of me? Am I not your favorite anymore? Matthew is the one ruined my precious vacation," Xavier said, rubbing his head with a dramatic sigh.

“Can you just be quiet for once? You talk non-stop. I have no idea how your fans put up with it," Vivian said, half-annoyed, half-amused.

“You don't get it. I'm handsome, I'm a good actor, and I'm a warm guy. Why wouldn't people like me?" Xavier argued.

"Danielle chuckled softly. Xavier really was like a little sun, just with a bit of a nervous streak.

"Suddenly, squeaking sounds came from ahead, sending chills down their spines.

“Something's up ahead. Stay sharp," Danielle said, her voice low.

"Wow, this is definitely an adventure. Sounds like rats... It's freaky," Xavier muttered, his eyes darting around. Everything in the cave felt like bad luck to him.

"Danielle's eyes widened as the sound continued. It was likely vampire bats. The noise was unmistakable.

“Dad, Xavier, do either of you have a lighter?" Danielle asked, her mind racing to think of something that might work.

“I do," Howard replied, pulling one out and handing it to her. "Are you thinking of using fire on bats?"

"Danielle gave a quick nod. "Yeah, bats hate firelight. When we move past them, we need to be as quiet as possible, or we'll spook them." The high-pitched chirping gave her a good idea of how many there might be.

“Dad, how'd you know it was bats?" Xavier asked, clearly puzzled. He had been sure it was a rat or something.

"Howard gave him a look. "Isn't it obvious? You, keep it down. Don't want to wake them up."

“Why is it always me?" Xavier muttered, resisting the urge to stomp his feet. He glanced nervously at the ceiling, his mind racing with images of bloodsucking bats. Matthew was crazy to come to a place like this.

"Danielle gathered a few sturdy sticks, tore some fabric from her coat, and wrapped it around them. After dousing the fabric with alcohol, she fashioned four rough torches.

“Here," she said, handing them out. "Take one each, but only light them if we absolutely have to. Let's not stir up the bats."

"Xavier accepted a torch and immediately shrugged off his coat, draping it over Danielle's shoulders. "You take this. It's freezing in here, and you'll catch a cold."

"Howard and Vivian exchanged approving glances. Their son wasn't completely hopeless—at least he knew how to look out for his sister.

“Thanks, Xavier," Danielle said, accepting the coat without hesitation. She was definitely feeling the cold.

The next second, Vivian stepped on a branch. The sound was particularly loud in the empty cave. Their hearts sank. Some bats were already flying towards them. Immediately, all the bats on the top of the cave seemed to wake up and flew towards them.

“Light the fire!" Danielle yelled, her voice cutting through the panic.

"The squeaking grew louder, the chilling sound wrapping around them like a threat.

“What do we do? They're coming right at us!" Xavier yelped, glancing back nervously. His stomach churned at the sight of the swarm, and his legs felt like jelly.

"Howard fumbled with the lighter, his hands shaking. No matter how hard he tried, it wouldn't catch. "Dad, give me the lighter," Danielle said sharply. "We'll run ahead and figure it out."

"Howard passed it to her, his face flushed with guilt. The swarm was almost on them, and he hadn't even managed this simple task.

"Danielle darted behind Xavier without hesitation, her movements quick and deliberate. "Keep moving! I'll hold them off and catch up."

"Vivian spun around, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Are you out of your mind? You only have a dagger, don't stay behind! Danielle, we'll face this together!"

"Xavier, despite trembling from head to toe, stepped up. His jaw clenched, his eyes full of determination. "Mom, you and Dad go ahead. Find somewhere safe. I'll stay with Danielle and protect her."

“Go, now! Stop wasting time, or none of us are getting out of here," Danielle said sharply, gripping her dagger like her life depended on it. Her decision was final, she would hold them off, no matter what.

"Howard grabbed Vivian's arm and pulled her forward. "Let's go. Danielle knows what she's doing. We can't make this harder for her!" Vivian glanced back at the kids with a heavy heart. 'Why did I step on that branch? Now Danielle and Xavier are paying the price.'