Page 33 of What Lies Beyond the Realms

“What has he done to you, Lyra?” he asks through gritted teeth.

My chest feels tight, and that lump is beginning to form in my throat again, but I will not cry. I’m tired of crying all the time.

“I don’t want to talk about this, Nyx, and it's not important.” I try to steady my voice. “Why were you even at my parents’ funeral? Why did you save me that night? How did you know what was happening?” When he doesn’t respond and just stares at me, I feel my anger bubbling up to the surface. “Why don’t you tell me anything? I didn’t even know you were a king until Twig let it slip. Why haven’t I met any of your friends or family? I heard you talking to people the night I woke up. Why are you hiding me here? What do you plan to do with me?”

Nyx's expression softens, his eyes meeting mine. “I never planned on doing anything with you, Lyra,” he says, his voice low and earnest. “I just wanted to see you again after I left the castle. I’d been thinking of ways to find you, but then your parents died and I lost all hope. At the funeral, I searched for you but you were nowhere to be found. I thought you were grieving and wanted to be alone. I had no idea what Samael was doing to you, or I would have intervened years ago.”

He pauses, his gaze drifting away briefly before returning to me. “The night Chepi led me to you, I had no idea what I would find. I didn't plan any of this. But I'm glad I took you away from that place, Lyra. You deserve so much better. And you're right - I do have friends and family here. I'm not hiding you.”

Nyx reaches out to take my hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “You’ve been through something traumatic, and I wanted to give you time to heal. And, to be honest, I wanted to get to know you without any distractions. But I’ll gladly introduce you to anyone you want. Tonight, we can have dinner with Bim and Flora.”

I feel a warmth spreading through me at his words, the tension in my body easing. Despite everything that's happened, I can’t help but feel a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, things can be different with Nyx.

“Who are Bim and Flora?”

“Bim has been my best friend since we were kids, and Flora is my cousin but also a very close friend. The three of us grew up together.”

“I’d love to have dinner with them tonight.”

He smiles slightly, and I find myself smiling back in response. The atmosphere lightens as the unease dissipates.

My mind is racing, and I can’t seem to calm it down. I feel lost, like I have no purpose or direction. I don’t have a home or family to turn to, and I don’t know what’s going to happen next. I’m here with Nyx, but I don’t know what his true intentions are. I don’t have any way to defend myself or those around me.

I need to discover my true powers and abilities, and I hope it happens soon, but my nineteenth birthday is still many months away. The ceremony with the Lycans still haunts me, and I need to figure out what it all means. I want to understand what the Sorceress did to me, but I don't know how to find her.

Going back to Cloudrum seems like the only option, but I can't risk Samael finding me. That only leaves one option: I need to go back to the Cinder territory and find the Lycans there. I may even have to face Aidan again, but I'm not sure I'm ready for that.

I should probably tell Nyx about the page from my father’s journal that explains the prophecy. He’s Fae, so he might know something about it. I just don’t know for sure if I can trust him yet. I need to take Chepi later to snoop around. I never went inside Nyx’s personal chambers before. Maybe I need to.

“What are you thinking about?” Onyx tilts his head, studying my face.

“I’m not your prisoner here?” I ask to confirm what he said earlier.

His eyes darken for a moment, but he recovers quickly. “No, Lyra. I told you already I just wanted to get you somewhere safe. If you wish to leave, you may at any time.” He watches me closely.

“So if I wanted you to take me somewhere, you would?”

“Just ask me, Lyra. I’m sensing a point to this line of questions.”

“I want you to take me to the Cinder territory,” I spit out finally.

“What, why?” he says, surprised.

“I’ve been denied information my whole life. I’ve always been told what to do and kept hidden away in the castle. I need to know what happened to me. I need answers, and the only person I know who can give me the answers I need right now is Aidan.”

At the mention of his name, Nyx clenches his jaw even tighter. I think he might chip a tooth. I don’t know the history there, but I get the impression Nyx doesn’t like the Lycan.

“Aidan and the Sorceress made it seem like they were doing what my parents asked. I need to know why. Please, Onyx. I also don’t want you just to take me there and drop me off. I don’t wish to stay there. I want to stay here with you. I wish to return to Nighthold once I get answers . . . if you’ll still have me.” My voice trails off on the last part. I don’t know what I’ll do if he won't help me. I hold my breath waiting for him to respond.

Nyx smiles mischievously at me. “Okay, Lyra, I’ll take you to see the Lycan. I’ll help you get the answers you need, but it’s going to cost you.”

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? And what might that cost be?” I ask, a smile playing at the corners of my mouth.

He raises a hand and runs his fingers along my cheek. “You are so beautiful.”

I lean into his touch, welcoming it on instinct. “What’s it going to cost me?” I press.

“A kiss.”