Page 43 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

“Yes, Brysta better not disappoint for your first night.” He strokes my head through my hair, and the massage could put me to sleep.

“Brysta?”

“The goddess of the cosmos. Did you not study the gods?” he says but continues to play with my hair.

“I did but don’t recall all their names. As a Sorceress, we are mostly taught about Ryella, the goddess of shadows, and Helrix, the god of luminescence. We learn about the other gods too, but nothing in depth. I don’t remember them all,” I tell him, reaching out and taking his free hand. I place it on my stomach and trace my fingers up and down his hand and arm.

“Why do you never have your wings out?” I ask, evoking a laugh from him.

“That is an incredibly random question.”

“Today was the first time I’ve ever seen your wings, and at the dinner party your parents had I remember seeing many Fae with their wings out the entire time.” I tip my head back in his lap more so I can look up at him better.

“Well, first of all, those Fae at the party with their wings out all have what we call aetherials. Their wings are smaller and more translucent. I have Wyvern wings, and as you saw today they are much more cumbersome. I only materialize them when I need them, similar to what Chepi does.” It makes sense, since his wings are rather large. I understand how they would get in the way.

“What makes someone have aetherial wings rather than wyvern wings?” I ask.

“That’s like asking why someone has red hair instead of blonde. It’s what’s passed down through our families.”

“Does anyone stay here with you? Any servants or friends? Or do you live here all alone?” I continue playing with his fingers and trailing the muscles on his arm. It feels good to touch him like this, freely now that we have both professed feelings for one another.

“Yes, I have friends who visit and stay from time to time, as well as a cook and creatures that help me. No one is here now because I’ve been away for so long, but you’ll meet everyone soon enough.” That excites me. I look forward to meeting his friends and seeing what creatures help out around here. I want to meet all the creatures that live in the Dream Forest.

“Do you think I’ll get to meet any Pixies?” I ask, rousing another chuckle out of him.

“It can be arranged.” He laughs again, and then silence stretches on between us as we stare up at the stars together and listen to the hiss and crackle of the fire.

“Before all this chaos began, what did a normal day look like for you?” His question catches me off guard, and I have to think about it for a minute before I answer him.

“My lady’s maid, Lili, would come in like clockwork before sunrise every morning to wake me. I’d then open my window and let Chepi out to stretch while I bathed. Once done, Lili would return to style my hair and help me dress. Typically, I’d grab a quick bite in my room before heading to my lessons with my tutor. After spending the majority of the day studying, I’d either relax on my balcony watching the birds in the forest or take a stroll in the garden. Dinner was usually served in my room, and then I’d retire for the night.” I pause, taking a breath. “That might have been a tad more detailed than necessary, but that’s a snapshot of my daily routine.”

“Would you ever get bored?” he asks, and I crack a grin.

“Of course, I would get bored, but I wasn’t allowed to go anywhere, and honestly so long as no one bothered me I considered it a good day.” I think back about Samael, Silas, and my mother. It feels like so long ago we all lived together. It’s hard to believe they’re all gone now.

“Do you miss home?” He twirls a curly piece of hair around his finger.

“It hasn’t felt like home in a very long time,” I murmur, not wanting to think about it.

“What’s a secret you’ve never told anyone?” he asks, probably sensing I wanted to change the subject. I look away, trying to think of something worth telling him something no one else knows. “When I was a child, I once found a wounded bird in the garden. Instead of telling anyone, I secretly nursed it back to health in a hidden nook of the castle. I was terrified Samael would find it and kill it, so I would use Chepi’s invisibility to sneak out at night and care for it. When it was strong enough, I released it, and every evening after when I’d sit on my balcony, I’d swear I could hear its unique song amongst the others. It was our secret serenade.”

I haven’t thought about that bird in a very long time. It’s one of the good memories from Tempest Moon.

Colton raises an eyebrow, looking down at me. “A secret bird healer within the castle walls? You never cease to surprise me.” He pauses, his gaze growing cold and distant. “Samael should have been dealt with long ago. I had no idea how bad it was… I don’t know how the council is ruling in your absence, but I do know it’s surely better than having him on the throne.”

“Can you somehow find out what’s happening both in Tempest Moon and in the Lycan Realm? Especially with Larc now leading the Lycans?” I ask, the uncertainty evident in my voice. I believe Larc will be a good leader, but I worry for Rhett with all the recent attacks.

He nods thoughtfully. “I’ll gather more information tomorrow. I’m having a few friends stop by who might know. I’ll inform all the staff we are here as well so they can return.” As he speaks, he brushes a strand of hair from his face, but I watch as it stubbornly falls back against his cheek.

“Hungry? The house might not be stocked up, but I’ll scrounge up something for us.”

As I sit up, my stomach growls, answering for me. “Yes, I could definitely eat.”

Sometime later, we find ourselves in the kitchen where Colton starts making a quiche. To my surprise, he’s quite skilled at cooking, and not just anything — he’s preparing one of my favorites! Quiche holds a special place in my heart, rivaled only by a tomato and cheese tart. His version has cheese and spinach, and its rich aroma quickly fills the room. As the quiche bakes, we engage in light conversation, a welcome distraction from the pressures of Zomea and our intense training. It’s a refreshing change, and the weight of our usual concerns feels momentarily lifted. I know we both should probably talk about the attack that was happening in the Lamia realm, but I think we’ve earned a night of peace.

“Would you like some wine?” Colton asks, serving the hot quiche onto the dining table.

“I would love some,” I respond, recalling the sweet wine I once enjoyed in the Faery realm. He fetches a bottle and fills our glasses with its deep burgundy contents. The wine is bold, fruity, and carries a subtle hint of spice. “Thank you.” I take a sip.