Free The Hidden Beast by Christopher Pike

have to figure out how to survive,” Bryce said. “Look out your window, Leah. The dragon is coming for you.”
    There was another long pause.
    â€œI don’t see anything, cousin,” Leah replied. “Anyway, I’ll hit Coast Highway soon enough. Then nothing can catch me.” She paused. “I’m sorry, Bryce. You’re a good kid. I didn’t want to hurt you.”
    â€œYou’re hurting more than me,” Bryce pleaded. “The dragon swore she would torch the town. Thousands could die.”
    Leah seemed to sniff.
    â€œSince dad died,” she said, “I have realized one thing. I have to look out for myself first. No one else is going to.”
    â€œLeah,” Bryce said.
    His cousin had already hung up.
    Sally looked at Bryce with sympathy.
    â€œNo luck?” she asked.
    Bryce set the phone down. “Let’s get this raft in the water.”

9
    W hen Slatron left, Watch told Cindy they had to search the underground chamber once more. But Cindy was afraid to leave the safety of the tunnel.
    â€œThe dragon could return at any second,” she said. “At least she can’t get to us here.”
    â€œBut here is nowhere,” Watch said. “The creature was right—eventually we’ll need food and water. But if we find the exit while she’s gone, we stand a chance.”
    â€œBut the dragon said it was next to impossible to find the way out.”
    â€œDragons lie. She wants you to feel hopeless.But if there’s an exit down here big enough to let that creature out, then we’ll find it. Let’s get to it.”
    Cindy grabbed his arm. “Are we sure she’s gone?”
    Watch shared the same concern. “We can’t be sure of anything at this point.”
    They walked back down the steps, for the third time. Once clear of the tunnel, they stood still and waited for the dragon to strike. But it seemed as if indeed they were alone. Now they had to make a crucial decision. Which way to head?
    â€œI think we should go the other way,” Cindy suggested. “Away from the treasure chamber. Away from where the dragon slept.”
    â€œGood idea,” Watch said. “We need to explore fresh territory.”
    At first the way was the same as the other—flat and barren and dark. But then they came to what appeared to be a wide winding road. It spiraled upward and for that reason they believed that they closing in on the exit. But the climbing was difficult. They had not rested properly the night before, and the day had been stressful. They breathed hard as they climbed.
    â€œHow are your legs?” Watch asked.
    â€œTired. Sore.”
    â€œI think we’re going to make it.”
    â€œDo you really?” she asked. “Or are you saying that to keep me from breaking down?”
    â€œA little of both.” He added, “I’ve never seen you break down under pressure.”
    She laughed softly. “This town does give you a thick skin. Do you think other kids in any other part of the country go through half of what we do in a typical week?”
    â€œI couldn’t imagine it if they do,” Watch said.
    An hour later they paused to take a break. They were halfway through their water bottles, which they had once more filled at the dark pool. But climbing was thirsty work. It was while they were resting that they heard a strange sound in front of them.
    â€œWhat was that?” Cindy asked, jumping.
    Watch turned off the flashlight. “It was something.”
    â€œCould the dragon be back already?” she asked anxiously.
    â€œIt’s possible.”
    â€œWe should run back to the tunnel!”
    â€œShh. We’re both exhausted. We wouldn’t beable to run that far. Besides, the sound could be something other than the dragon.” Watch stood in the pitch-black and then finally stepped forward. “Let me check it out.”
    Cindy grabbed him, having to