Page 62 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

“Ready to talk about it?” His question is laden with meaning, and I immediately understand the reference.

Taking a deep breath, I start, “I…” Words elude me.

Colton gently interjects, “All I need to know is whether I should expect to see Nyx on the ship tonight.”

“Nothing happened,” I rush to assure him, needing him to believe it. His gaze remains fixed on me, fingers idly playing with strands of my hair. “I’m not sure if he’s coming. Things were left...unresolved. But I have a feeling he might.”

“I see,” he says, distant.

“I don’t want any secrets between us,” I say, my voice faltering but determined. “If the roles were reversed, I’d want you to be honest with me about everything that transpired.” Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I continue, “When I arrived, Nyx wasn’t there. Twig made me a drink, and as we talked, something about his essence—his magic—triggered a panic attack. The anxiety, the uncertainty about seeing Nyx again... It all weighed heavily on me. I must have drifted off while waiting because I woke up in Nyx’s bed.”

At this, I notice Colton’s jaw tighten, a flash of distress in his eyes. “And?” His voice strains, revealing the unease beneath.

Pushing past the lump in my throat, I say, “And I immediately left his bed, requested his help, and hurried back here. I half-expected you to come after me, given how long I was gone.”

He takes a moment before replying, “I wanted to, every minute you were away. But you said you needed to see him alone, and I wanted to respect that.” The earnestness in his eyes brings a smile to my face.

“When I awoke in his bed, the only thing racing through my mind was how out of place it felt. I yearned to be back here with you. I tried my best to persuade him to join our cause. I believe I might’ve succeeded, but there’s no denying he harbors bitterness and pain from everything that has transpired. Before I departed, he made it clear I should address him as King Onyx from now on,” I share, looking for any sign of reaction from Colton.

To my surprise, he bursts into laughter. My eyebrows knit in confusion, and I playfully slap his chest. “Why’s that so funny?”

Through his chuckles, Colton manages, “Oh, Nyx... King Onyx? It just seems so characteristic of him. Always the dramatic one. I guess it’s his only way to assert some control over you after everything that’s happened.”

I cast my gaze downward, memories of the previous night flooding back—how Nyx gripped me, clearly not wanting me to go. Perhaps I’ve now wounded him as deeply as he once did me. Maybe, in some twisted way, we’re now on equal footing. I hate thinking of it as a tally.

“What preparations do we need to make before meeting Drew later?” I ask.

“I need to consult with Dorian. You can accompany me if you wish or stay here, maybe pack some clothes or relax,” he suggests.

A pang of sadness hits me. Our time in the Dream Forest has been far too brief. I’ve always dreamed of this place, and now, just as swiftly as we arrived, we’re departing again. “I’d prefer to remain here, if that’s alright. I want to explore a bit more. Who knows when we might return?”

He plants a kiss on my head. “Do as you please. But if you venture far, take Rix and Rune with you.”

“I will.”

Chapter 23

Colton

Ilean down, capturing her soft lips with mine. After a quick shower and slipping into my clothes, there are things that demand my attention before we depart. Pulling back, I let my eyes roam over her one more time. Damn, that flawless skin, her tousled hair spread across my sheets – a sight I wouldn’t mind waking up to every day.

But I can’t indulge in those thoughts, especially not after she vanished on me yesterday... Nyx. That bastard. He and I are overdue for a discussion.

“Enjoy your day, my dark enchantress,” I remark with a sly wink. The hint of a pout that forms on her lips whenever I tease her with a pet name never gets old. It’s evident she secretly relishes it. The urge to claim those pouty lips once more is tempting, but if I give in, I know I won’t be leaving this bed – or her – anytime soon.

With a final lingering glance, I channel away.

Without wasting time on formalities, I channel directly into his study. It’s where I’d typically find him at this hour. I hear his irate voice before I even lay eyes on him, and the mere knowledge that my presence irks him ignites a smirk on my face.

“Well, if it isn’t a great morning, Nikki,” I quip, turning to confront him. His expression is more tormented than usual. The loss of Lyra seems to have shattered him, and for a fleeting moment I almost feel a twinge of pity – then I recall our history, and that sentiment vanishes. “You look like you’ve missed some sleep. I’ve been up quite a bit myself as of late, though for entirely different reasons.” I let an unabashed, smug smile stretch across my face, thinking of Lyra in my bed. At that, Nyx rises from his chair, tension evident in every line of his body.

“Is there something you need, Colton?” His voice drips with disdain when he says my name, and it’s crystal clear I’ve touched a nerve.

“Got any plans to accompany Lyra and me on our little jaunt?” I ask, deliberately casual.

He narrows his eyes. “I can’t exactly trust you to watch over her by yourself, can I?”

Leaning in closer, I reply with a smirk, “She seemed more than satisfied with my care thus far.” His eyes darken, visibly affected.