Page 60 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

“This seems oddly familiar,” he says.

“What happened?” I ask, rubbing my temple.

“You had a panic attack,” he begins, his voice gentle. “It seems Twig unintentionally induced emotions you weren’t prepared for. When I arrived, you were delirious, sprawled on the floor. I thought it best to let you rest here.”

Noticing the darkness outside, I’m filled with dread. “Colton...” I begin, tossing the sheets aside, intending to stand. But Nyx’s hand reaches out, restraining me.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“I need to return. It’s late, and I didn’t intend to fall asleep,” I explain, my voice shaking.

“To him?” There’s an unmistakable edge in Nyx’s voice now.

“Yes,” I say, trying to withdraw my hand from his. “He will be out of his mind with worry.”

For a moment, Nyx simply stares at me, his jaw tight and his eyes filled with a mix of hurt and anger. But then, slowly, he releases my hand. “I see,” he murmurs, looking away, but I can sense the walls building up around him once more.

“I didn’t come here for this,” I whisper, feeling a tug at my heartstrings. Seeing Nyx vulnerable, even for a fleeting moment, has an unexpected effect on me. “I came here because we need your help. Can we focus on that for a moment before I go?”

He nods, his face now composed, the raw emotion tucked neatly away behind a mask of indifference. “Of course, Lyra. I’m listening.”

Taking a deep breath, I begin to explain everything – our quest, the threat, and why we need him. I tell him what Drew saw in the echosphere and how it may be our only chance at awakening my dark magic early. As I speak, Nyx’s attentive gaze never leaves mine, and I’m reminded of how he always had this knack for making me feel like the only person in the world.

When I finish, there’s silence except for the soft crackling of the fire.

“Why should I help him?” Nyx finally asks, his voice devoid of emotion. “After everything he’s done to me, to us?”

“It’s not about him or us,” I respond, meeting his eyes. “It’s about a greater threat that affects all of us, including you. I’m not asking you to help for Colton’s sake or mine. I’m asking you to help for the sake of everyone in Nighthold, everyone in Eguina and Zomea.”

Nyx seems to ponder that for a moment, his eyes distant. Finally, he looks at me and, for the first time since I arrived, there’s a softness in his eyes.

“Alright,” he says, “I’ll help. But after this, I want you to promise me something.”

I nod, heart pounding, waiting for him to continue.

“I ask that you consider the possibility that I am, in fact, your destiny.” The sincerity in his voice stirs something within me, a deep-seated wonder at the intertwining of our fates.

I take a deep breath and give a small, thoughtful nod. “I promise.”

“I’ll meet you tomorrow night on the ship,” he states, and I rise, preparing to depart.

“You will,” I affirm, gifting him a gentle smile.

But his next words halt me cold. “You reek of him, you know.” The warmth of my smile evaporates instantly.

“Excuse me?” I counter, incredulous.

“Colton. His scent clings to you. It didn’t take you long to seek solace in another’s arms, did it?” The accusation, the bite in his voice—it feels like a physical blow.

“Nyx,” I begin, attempting to reason, but he cuts me off.

“You should probably address me as King Onyx now.”

Taking a moment to collect myself, I refuse to let him see how deeply that affected me. “I believe we’ve inflicted enough pain on each other, King Onyx. I genuinely hope to see you on the ship tomorrow night. But if not...I wish you all the best.” Without giving him the chance to have the last word, I channel.

Chapter 22

Lyra