Page 58 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

I cannot bear any more loss when I could have acted to prevent it. I must see this through. I don’t know if Drew’s vision will come to pass, but I must do everything in my power to ensure it does. I believe I am strong enough to awaken my dark magic. I’m uncertain about Nyx’s feelings after everything that has transpired, but I need to get him on board with this too, for the sake of the realms and what lies beyond.

Drawing a deep breath, I confess, “As tempting as that idea is, I can’t...not with everything at stake.” His arms wrap around me, pulling me close to his chest, holding me like I’m his anchor. “Say the word, my shadow, and I’ll move mountains for you.”

Gazing into his eyes, resolute, I reply, “I think we need to head back to Cloudrum, back to Tempest Moon, in pursuit of my family’s grimoire.”

Colton nods thoughtfully. “If come dawn you remain sure of this decision, I’ll inform Drew that we’re joining her. Using her ship will conserve our energy compared to channeling across vast distances. If we depart by tomorrow night, the Sorcerer Realm will welcome us by mid-morning. Drew’s ships are very advanced.”

“And what if I decide we need Nyx with us?” I ask, awaiting his reaction.

His emerald eyes darken momentarily then soften. “Then I’ll personally see to it that our dear Nikki boy joins our endeavor.” The commitment in his voice catches me off guard, but it’s the reassurance I needed.

“No, I need to be the one to do it. I have to speak with him,” I say, bracing myself for Colton’s reaction.

“I understand. Would you like me to send word for him to come here tonight?” he asks. I can tell this isn’t pleasing for him, yet he’s handling it remarkably well.

“I’d rather go to him. The way we left things the last time I saw him wasn’t exactly pleasant. I believe I should speak with him—alone,” I respond, feeling Colton tense beside me for a brief moment.

“Whatever you’d like. Rix and Rune should have filled your closet by now. I heard them upstairs rummaging through things a little while ago. I assume you don’t want to visit him in my tunic,” he smirks. Gods, that would certainly not help convince him to join us.

“Okay, I think I’ll go get cleaned up and dressed,” I say. I lean in, giving him a soft kiss, then carefully shift Chepi onto the cushion next to me. As he stretches out, Colton begins to pet him.

I hurry upstairs, washing up and doing my best to brush my hair. Rix and Rune are nowhere in sight. Returning to my bedchamber, I find that the once-empty closet is now brimming with various outfits. I choose a cream-colored, long-sleeved gown with a laced-up, olive-colored bodice and matching sandals. It amazes me how they knew my size perfectly.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, I ponder what I should say to Nyx. The thought of seeing him again fills me with anxiety. I quickly ensure my barriers are in place, locking down my emotions.

Perhaps this could work out—for all of us to collaborate. I might even achieve peace between Colton and Nyx, reigniting the friendship they once had. Still, that might be too presumptuous of me. I won’t truly understand the situation until I speak with Nyx. It’s been months, and so much can change in that time. Perhaps he won’t want to assist me. He might even be involved with another woman now. I’m uncertain about what I’ll say, but I’m hopeful that the words will come once I assess the situation firsthand.

Letting out a long sigh, I rise. I should inform Colton that I’m ready to go. The sooner I get this over with, the sooner we can make a plan to move forward.

I find Colton and Chepi on the couch. Colton seems lost in thought, and I realize this can’t be easy for him. “If you ask me not to go, if you tell me this will be too much for you, then I’ll stay. We can manage without Nyx. Like Drew said, everything’s an option. We can still search for the grimoire and awaken my magic. The echosphere isn’t finite,” I tell him, drawing his attention as I approach.

He stands up, wrapping an arm around me and placing a kiss atop my head. “I would never ask you to abandon something you believe in. I can handle whatever comes our way. If Nyx agrees, I’ll work with him. Can’t guarantee I’ll be particularly friendly though,” he says with a chuckle.

I squeeze him tighter, the comforting aroma of citrus emanating from him. “Thank you,” I reply, tipping my head to meet his eyes.

He smiles softly. “You don’t need to thank me. Remember, I know you want to handle this on your own, so I’m asking you to channel directly there and back. You heard Bim last night. There have been attacks in Nighthold. I need you to be cautious.”

“I promise I will be. Look after Chepi for me. I’ll return before you realize I’m gone.”

I offer him a reassuring smile. He leans down, kissing me gently, then steps back to provide the space I need to channel. As the enveloping darkness stirs around me, lifting tendrils of my hair, I hold his gaze until I vanish.

Chapter 21

Lyra

My feet touch the cold floor, and I blink a few times. Unintentionally, I’ve landed in my old room within Nyx’s castle. While I could have channeled outside and approached from the front door, this room was the easiest destination to visualize. Pushing down my rising anxiety, I step out into the corridor. Given the time of day, Nyx’s study seems like the logical place to begin my search. As I navigate through the familiar yet foreign hallways, a touch of unease fills me—it feels odd wandering through his domain without an invitation.

Reaching his study, I take a moment to steady my nerves. As my hand grazes the doorknob, a voice breaks the silence. “He’s not in there.”

I startle at the sound of Twig’s voice. “Oh…” I falter then recover. “Is he home?”

“No, but he should return soon. Come, I’ll fetch you something to drink and eat,” Twig offers, motioning for me to follow him. His ethereal silver wings catch the ambient light, shimmering as I fall into step behind him. In the kitchen, he delves into the pantry, seemingly on a mission.

“Twig, you don’t need to go through the trouble. I can wait,” I reassure him.

“How about a drink at the very least?” he counters, his hand resting on his pudgy purple belly.

I exhale. “Anything strong would be appreciated.” I mutter the last part more to myself, but Twig seems to catch on. Handing me a chilled glass of Faery wine garnished with fruit.