Page 67 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

My smile widens, and I pull him closer, kissing him deeply, lingering on the moment and knowing it might be the only intimate moment we share today.

Eventually, I pull away and stand, saying, “I’ll see you upstairs,” and offering him a playful smile. He dramatically clutches his heart and falls backward onto the bed, feigning devastation. I can’t help but giggle at his theatrics as I head for the door.

In the hallway, Nyx’s door remains shut. As I approach, it swings open, and he steps out, nearly colliding with me.

He extends an arm, motioning for me to proceed. “After you,” he says. I pause to meet his eyes briefly before moving ahead. He looks as if he managed to catch some sleep after our encounter last night, which is a relief. I ascend the steps to the deck, which bustles with activity. Crew members move with purpose, and I spot Drew at the ship’s helm, Chepi with her. When she turns, I see she’s feeding him some kind of biscuit. Typical. She grins at my approach and sets down Chepi, who eagerly finishes his treat.

“Restful night, I presume?” she jests, glancing between Nyx and me.

“Something like that,” Nyx replies. I glance his way, but he avoids my eyes. I gravitate to the railing, taking in the familiar sights of Cloudrum’s coast with its rocky shores and the subtle scent of pine on the breeze.

“You all should be able to channel from here to your castle. I plan to dock my ship and accompany you for the time being,” Drew proposes. The idea excites me. Not only will I get to know Drew better, but she might also serve as a useful intermediary between Nyx and Colton.

“Sounds perfect. When do we depart?” I inquire.

Colton appears behind me, his fingers brushing my back ever so briefly before moving ahead. “Imminently, if we’re all prepared,” he says.

Drew nods in agreement. Nyx’s lips tighten, but he offers a curt nod. “Very well. King Onyx, would you channel me to the castle?” Drew emphasizes Nyx’s title with a hint of flattery.

Without a word, Nyx grasps Drew’s hand. A swirling dark wind envelopes them. As they start to fade, Drew’s crimson gaze finds mine, ending with a conspiratorial wink. I can’t help but chuckle to myself.

Colton draws me close, wrapping an arm around me. He tenderly cradles my face with both hands. “Remember, nothing will ever harm you when you’re with me. You’re always safe,” he says, sensing the anxiety gnawing at my heart about returning home. I give him a soft smile in response.

“I know,” I murmur. Chepi flies into my arms. Nestling against Colton’s chest, I close my eyes, allowing the sensation to envelop us as we channel to Tempest Moon.

Chapter 25

Nyx

Drew and I land in the pathway in front of the castle moments before Colton and Lyra. My eyes fixate on Colton’s hand as it moves from her lower back to her arm, holding her for a moment longer than necessary. A surge of jealousy bubbles up, and I fight the urge to order him to remove his hand.

Taking a deep breath to quell my emotions, I ask, “Shall we head inside?”

I remind myself of her destined place beside me. There was a moment last night, a flicker of what used to be. When I pulled her close and felt her hesitate against my chest, I knew her feelings for me still lingered. Though she might resist, I am resolute. By the end of this journey, she’ll be by my side, as I vowed to Colton.

“Yes, let’s,” Lyra says, advancing toward the front doors. She stops momentarily, and I fight back the instinct to approach her, to offer the comfort of my embrace. The weight of the painful memories she must associate with this place, particularly given our last visit, presses on my heart. A fleeting smile touches my lips as I notice Colton’s hesitation, most likely clueless to the depth of her past sufferings here. When she falters within, needing someone to rely on, I’ll ensure I’m right there for her.

Without knocking, she pushes open the doors — after all, this is her domain. Drew steps in swiftly behind her, and I follow, deliberately entering before Colton.

“Princess Lyra,” a servant’s voice echoes, laced with surprise. “I’ll inform Kaine of your arrival.” The servant hastens up the stairs.

Naturally, Kaine is present, serving as the head of the Regency Council. No doubt he’s reveling in the interim power, acting as a placeholder ruler until Lyra reaches her rightful age. The man’s always had a penchant for power plays. And with this title, it’s inevitable he’ll secure a spot on the Luminary Council. Just my luck. But to my surprise, Lyra appears unfazed by this revelation. Perhaps she had anticipated this move.

She doesn’t hesitate. Taking the initiative, she begins her ascent up the stairs, showing everyone that this is still her domain. We fall in step behind her, tracing her confident steps to the throne room. It’s somewhat unexpected, given the cruel memories that room holds for both of us, particularly with Samael’s torment. Yet there’s a shift in her demeanor – a strength that wasn’t as apparent before. It seems the once timid and reserved Lyra might truly be a thing of the past.

She boldly strides into the throne room, and there stands Kaine in conversation with the young servant we met earlier. “Kaine,” I murmur disdainfully under my breath.

He raises an eyebrow, smirking. “It’s Lord Regent Kaine now actually, King Onyx.” He approaches with an air of arrogance, not that I’m surprised. “Lyra,” he addresses her with feigned concern, “we’ve been fraught with worry. It’s a relief to see you’ve returned safely.”

She counters coolly, “It’s Princess Lyra actually.”

I can barely suppress my grin at her assertiveness. Kaine seems momentarily taken aback, but he quickly regains his composure. “Of course, Princess Lyra,” he corrects himself, his voice dripping with condescension. “To what do we owe this unexpected visit?”

Lyra stands her ground, unflinching. “This is my home, isn’t it?”

He tilts his head, attempting a show of magnanimity. “Naturally, so will you be gracing us with your presence indefinitely?”

She nods, undeterred. “Myself and my friends will remain for a brief period. We have matters to attend to. I’ll be reclaiming my old quarters. Please ensure suitable accommodations are arranged for everyone else.”