Page 73 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

A hint of surprise flashes across Nyx’s features. “He spoke of her?”

“Not in depth. But I’m aware of her, and I know she died in the Brysta Trenches...with you,” I add gently, noticing the pain that briefly crosses his face.

Nyx meets my gaze squarely. “It was a tragic accident,” he says, his voice heavy with emotion.

“I believe you,” I say softly, reaching out to touch his arm. “You don’t have to explain anything to me.”

He clears his throat, shifting slightly. “It’s the Brysta Trenches that make the Center Isles an ideal hideout for Samael,” he says, steering the conversation back to the present issue.

Curiosity bubbles up within me again. “Why would he choose the trenches, knowing full well that magic doesn’t work there?”

“Given his injuries, Samael likely sought refuge in the trenches to recuperate. It offers him a sanctuary where others can’t exploit magic to track or attack him,” Nyx explains thoughtfully.

“That makes sense,” I reply slowly. “But it’s also risky for him, isn’t it? Going to a place where he himself can’t use magic?”

Nyx nods. “It’s a double-edged sword. While he’s vulnerable without magic, so is anyone coming after him. In the trenches, it’s all about sheer strength, wit, and cunning. Without magic to aid you, even simple tasks become perilous. Samael probably believes it’s fair ground since everyone would be at the same disadvantage.”

I consider this for a moment. “I don’t need magic to end him.”

“I can see that you’ve grown stronger, both in skill and character,” Nyx observes, breaking the brief silence between us. His tone is measured, but a hint of curiosity tints his words. “You trained intensely in Zomea, didn’t you?”

Searching his features, I’m taken aback by the realization that he might not know much about my time there. “Every single day,” I confirm.

He steps closer, and I can feel the intensity of his presence. “And you and Colton, how did that transpire?”

I hesitate, gauging how much to reveal. But the weight of our history urges me to be honest. “When Drew brought him to aid in my training before the blood moon ceremony, I couldn’t stand him. But when I unlocked the bridge and was ready to face Zomea on my own, he stepped in without hesitation. I thought he had ulterior motives, but time proved otherwise.”

Taking a deep breath, I continue, “I didn’t just jump into bed with him, like you said, Nyx. After everything that happened between us, my heart was shattered. I’m still mending it. And Colton...is a good man. Whatever animosity you may have toward him, you can’t deny his sincerity.” I watch his face, bracing myself for any potential outburst.

Nyx’s eyes search mine, a vulnerability piercing through the usual mask. “I can’t undo the pain I caused, Lyra,” he admits, pausing to find the right words. “But if you gave me a chance, I’d spend every moment trying to make it right.”

I swallow hard, Nyx’s gaze remains fixed on me, the familiar intensity of his glowing gray eyes piercing through the defenses I’ve built. “Every day, I regret letting you go,” he continues, voice soft yet heavy with emotion. “I never intended to hurt you, Lyra. I was blind, lost in my own bullshit. I wish I could turn back time. I wish I had fought harder for you, for us.”

My breath catches in my throat, emotions swirling within. “Nyx,” I start, taking a slow inhale. “So much has changed…” I trail off, and he places a finger to my lips silencing me.

“Shh, don’t say anything right now. Be open to the idea that you are destined to be with me. Whatever this is with Colton, I can forgive it, for us,” he says.

I take a step back, removing his hand from my face.

“You can forgive it?” I echo, my voice dripping with disbelief.

“Yes, Lyra. I will forgive you for everything if you just allow me to hold you, let me show you I can be the one to mend your heart.” He reaches for me again, but I shake my head, resisting.

“Nyx, I’m the one who forgave you. I didn’t do anything wrong. You don’t need to forgive me for Colton. What the fuck does that even mean? There’s no more ‘us.’”

There’s a quick knock at the door, and then Drew glides into the room. She looks stunning in a long black gown with little rubies on the bodice. They sparkle red, like her eyes.

“Sorry, am I interrupting something? Should I come back later?” Drew asks, her crimson eyes shifting between Nyx and me. I move inside from the balcony.

“No, we were admiring the sunset. Colton should be joining us soon, and then we can head out,” I reply, though Drew gives me a quick, skeptical glance, as if sensing there’s more to the story. Regardless, she takes a seat at the small table by the window, and I join her in the opposite chair. I’m thankful she interrupted us when she did.

Nyx remains on the balcony, his silence speaking volumes. Truly, if the fates have decreed that Nyx and I are destined to be together, they have a strange way of showing it. Every time I believe we’re making progress, like we could have a friendship, we seem to end up at odds again.

Colton makes his entrance, and my heart skips as I notice the glimmer in his eyes when they land on me. It’s clear he wants to approach, likely to embrace or kiss me, but a quick glimpse of Nyx lingering on the balcony makes him hesitate.

“Everyone ready to go?” he inquires.

Rising to our feet, Drew and I exchange glances. “Yes, but I’ll need one of you to channel me there. It’s been a very long time since I passed through the village, and I can’t quite recall the way,” I admit.