Chapter 17: Ericka's Scheme

As soon as I opened my eyes, an excited voice greeted me.

"Arielle! You are awake! Great!"

I smiled as I saw Rowan's radiant face, and relief washed over his face. He gripped my hand tightly like he was afraid I would slip away from his hold.

I have never seen Rowan act like this. He was more like a mate to me than Robin.

"Ari, please don't do something dangerous like that again. I feel like I've lost my soul when you disappear out of the blue. I thought you left if we hadn't seen Astrid outside the log cabin."

"I apologize for being reckless. I'm safe now, aren't I?"

Rowan frowned. "If we haven't found you at the last minute, you'll probably suffocate to death in that dark place. Don't you know that the oxygen there is insufficient?"

I nodded guiltily. "How did you find me?"

Rowan sighed. "If it wasn't for Robin looking for you, we wouldn't know you were missing."

At the mention of Robin, I looked around but didn't see him. I was disappointed.

Rowan smiled. "Are you looki