Luxuria by James Fuller Read Free Book Online Page B

been following. “I’ll go and find some water and be back as quickly as possible.”
    “Are you sure?”
    “We don’t really have a lot of choice now do we?” He countered. “You stay here with Josh - keep him alive and keep Jess calm. I’ll be back with water as soon as I can.”
    Dustin crouched back down besides Josh and squeezed his friend’s hand. “Hang in there … it’s going to be alright.”
    Josh grimaced. “I’m not feeling too hot.”
    “It is okay, it’s just the shock kicking in.” Dustin reassured him.
    “Where is Mark going?” Jessica asked, a worried frown crossing her face.
    “We need water… he is going to get some. Come on, let’s get him off the pathway to somewhere more comfortable.”
     
    Mark ran as fast as he dared. He needed to conserve his strength and be wary of any other possible hidden traps. It wouldn’t do his friends well if he was found injured at the bottom of a pit too or worse…dead.
    With each step the aged stone pathway grew larger and more complete as the strength of the jungle’s hunger diminished. He rounded a sharp bend and slowed to a halt as he tried to take in the vast ancient ruins laid out before him.
    “It is real,” he muttered in disbelief as he took in the sight of the corroded gateway. The walls that once surrounded the ruins were near no more than piles of crumbled stones now. Inside those broken walls buildings of all shape and sizes, some still standing proudly through the age of time, while others had been humbled by it.
    Mark shook the awe from his mind and was about to run under the gateway when he spotted movement within the city. “Wait!” He cried out. “I need help!” He ran under the gateway, towards the figure walking around a crippled building.
    “Please stop my friend is...” He called out rounding the corner and once again, he caught glimpse of someone disappearing under an overgrown archway.
    He followed cautiously, pushing aside the tangled vines and bushy ferns that clung to the stone and entered into a lavish alcove of forgotten, unsullied natural beauty. His eyes widened - the vivid colors that surrounded him were amazing. Colors and hues he had never before seen and couldn’t begin to count – it was almost as if he had stumbled into a dream.
    “How may we be of service to you, traveler?” a soft, angelic voice chimed behind him.
    Mark turned towards the voice. His eyes widened as he spotted the three most alluring women he had ever encountered, standing in front of a large marble fountain. “I...I...” He stuttered foolishly, not able to pull his eyes away from their striking beauty and seductively suggestive coverings they wore, leaving little to the imagination.
    “Shh, calm yourself traveler,” purred the first, a long-haired blonde with vivid, green eyes dancing with enticement. She moved towards him with the other two women in tow. The flawless contours of their bodies moved with unmatched grace, drawing him in hypnotically. “My name is Kassandra - I am a sister of O Sangue do Morto Dá Vida. What is your name, mysterious traveler?”
    He swallowed back the bashful lump in his throat. “Mark... my name is Mark.”
    “Such a strong and commanding name,” chuckled the vibrant redhead as she circled around him; her burning hazel eyes missing nothing, inspecting him. “My name is Alcina and I too am a sister of this city.”
    “And I am Callisto. What is your purpose in O Sangue do Morto Dá Vida, lost traveler?” The tanned, soft-skinned brunette asked resting her head gracefully upon the blonde’s shoulder, her golden brown eyes watching him hungrily.
    Mark licked his dry lips nervously trying to overcome his arousing thoughts. “I... my friend...” He shook his head hard feeling the fool. “My friend is badly hurt; he is going to bleed to death or die of infection if he doesn’t get help. I... I need bandages... clean water... medicine... I don’t know...something.” He stuttered out.
    “We