Page 74 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

Nyx steps in, inching closer to me. “I’ll guide you. Colton, you can assist Drew. Let’s rendezvous outside Lore’s Bindings.”

Colton’s eyes meet mine, seeking assurance. Although part of me wants to refuse Nyx’s offer, I nod in agreement, offering Colton a reassuring half-smile. He gently takes Drew’s hand, and for a brief moment the familiar, intoxicating citrus scent of Colton fills the room. Then they vanish.

Nyx pivots to face me, his eyes earnest. “Lyra—”

I raise a hand, stopping him before he can continue. “No, Nyx. This evening is meant for everyone to have a good time. I don’t want any apologies, explanations, or arguments. I want peace, everyone to be happy, to coexist without tension. Is that too much to ask?” I exhale, the weight of my emotions evident in my voice.

Nyx smirks, raising an eyebrow. “Expecting harmony in one night, Princess? Life’s not a Faery tale, but I’m game to play along…for now.”

I don’t even know what he means by that, but before I can say anything back he grabs my waist, pulling me tighter to him than necessary. His darkness envelopes us with his sweet earthy scent, and we channel with the wind.

Chapter 27

Lyra

We touch down in Alchem Hollow, outside of Lore’s Bindings. I soon realize it’s a bookstore – the name is clever indeed. The village buzzes with life, exactly what one would expect of a Sorcerer Realm settlement. Crooked cobblestone streets are bordered by aged, leaning buildings that host an array of magical shops. Above, floating lanterns glide languidly, their gentle light reflecting off the shimmering surface of a river that winds through the village center. The mingled aroma of campfires and herbs fills the air, making me smile. Being among fellow Sorcerers is heartening.

“I knew you’d love this place,” Colton observes, noting my joy and beckoning me to walk alongside him. Gratefully, I distance myself from Nyx. Drew, to my relief, engages Nyx in conversation, and they trail a bit behind us.

“I’d always dreamt of visiting these shops when I was younger,” I share with Colton, watching the lanterns dance overhead. “But I was always restricted. I could only glimpse them from our carriage, left to conjure up tales of the wondrous items they might contain.”

He looks at me, a hint of sadness in his eyes, understanding the confines of my upbringing. “Well, tonight, you’re free. Let’s explore to your heart’s content,” he says, his voice full of warmth.

The energy in the village is alive. Groups of people are huddled together, trading spells or exchanging vials of unknown potions. Children dart through the streets with tiny, sparkling creatures trailing behind them, their laughter echoing in the crisp night air.

A sign ahead reads, “Mystic Crystals & Rare Stones,” and next to it is another displaying “Brews & Elixirs of Alchem Hollow.” I’m pulled toward a stall where an elderly woman is selling woven dreamcatchers, each one infused with its own enchantment.

Every so often, a patron exits a shop with a scroll, carefully sealed and radiating magical energy, while others haggle over the price of an antique grimoire or a rare magical artifact.

“I think there’s a potion shop around this bend,” Colton says, gently guiding me through the crowd. “And further down, a renowned seer. I’ve heard she has the gift of unveiling the deepest desires and truths of one’s heart.”

I look over at him, excitement evident on my face.

“Let’s check it out!” I say, eager to dive into the magical wonders this village has to offer.

We round the bend, and an old wooden sign comes into view for The Potion Parlor.

“Let’s go in there,” I practically squeal. I’ve seen potions and tonics brewed before, but only on rare occasions. I find it incredibly fascinating.

Glancing back, I spot Nyx and Drew engaged in conversation with a vendor under a tent, a curious scroll in his hand. Pivoting to Colton, I arch an eyebrow in curiosity.

“Let them be,” he suggests. “They’ll find us later. Let’s explore the shop.”

Upon entering, the sight overwhelms me. Glass bottles of varying shapes, sizes, and colors line dusty wooden shelves, and the rich aroma of spices fills the air. As Colton and I go our separate ways down the aisles, I occasionally pick up intriguing potions, reading their descriptions.

Nightshine Nectar: Infuses the drinker with a soft luminescence, lighting up their vicinity in the dark. Mirthful Muddle: A playful potion causing temporary, harmless fits of laughter in its consumer. I can’t help but chuckle, imagining slipping this to my mother or Silas right before one of their insufferably long dinners. I would have loved to have access to this as a child. Elixir of Euphoria: Uplifts the consumer into a state of gleeful abandon for several hours. Serendipity Syrup: Bestows fleeting bouts of luck upon the drinker, leading them into fortunate situations.

My laughter at the Serendipity Syrup’s description catches the attention of the shop’s proprietor, an older gentleman with spectacles resting atop a pronounced nose and a gray mustache. “What tickles your fancy, Miss?” he asks.

“These...really work?” I reply, slightly skeptical.

He offers a knowing smile. “Potions are a revered craft. If they weren’t effective, customers wouldn’t return.”

Locating Colton amid the shelves, I find him engrossed in some bottles, occasionally letting out a chuckle. “Ever sample these?” I ask.

“Indeed.” He grins. “Much like in Nighthold with our Stardust beverage and other magical brews. The main distinction? We infuse our elixirs with our innate magic. Here, potions are meticulously brewed and enchanted. But, remember, too much of anything is never good.”

I smirk. “In that case, I’ll take a hundred vials of the Serendipity Syrup and another hundred of this Elixir of Euphoria!” I laugh.