Page 82 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

Lili pulls me into an embrace, and as we pull away her hands frame my face. Her eyes, earnest and filled with concern, lock onto mine. “Always remember, Lyra, your heart is pure and kind. No matter the challenges or darkness you face, nothing can alter your true essence. I love you.”

That touches a place deep within, providing a much-needed reassurance. “Thank you,” I manage to say, choked with emotion. After giving Chepi one last affectionate pat, I force myself to turn away. As I near the hallway’s end, I cast one last lingering look at them.

A foreboding sensation tightens around my heart, whispering that everything is about to change, and I can’t predict when I’ll be reunited with them. The weight of the impending unknown threatens to break me, but I steel myself, pushing the pain and uncertainty aside, I blink back my tears before they can fall.

Ready to find Colton, I focus on the tether that binds us. It guides me like a beacon, and I can sense he’s in his quarters. Bypassing the castle’s winding corridors, I channel directly into his room. Being in a place so familiar that I can channel anywhere I want without much thought really comes in handy.

The instant I materialize in the room, Colton swiftly crosses the gap, concern etched on his face. “Are you okay?” His fingers glide tenderly over my hair, settling gently on my cheek, the touch both soothing and grounding.

I force a nod. “Yes.” I keep back unspoken fears and rising apprehension. My anxiety is already festering in my chest, and we haven’t even left yet.

Seeming to sense my unease, he tries to divert my attention. “I have something for you,” he says, producing a finely crafted sheath. The details on it are beautiful, an L intricately carved into the leather and a stunningly designed handle peeking out. Its lightweight nature puzzles me.

Colton explains, “This blade is unique, crafted just for you by Dorian. He is the very best. It will extend and retract based on your will. It’s magically bonded to you, amplifying your power and resonating with your emotions.” Drawing the blade from its sheath, the black gleam catches my eye. Light as a feather and impeccably balanced, I admire its craftsmanship before sliding it back into its sheath.

“Thank you,” I say, touched. “It’s perfect.” With his help, I secure it around my thigh, the leather melding seamlessly with my attire, becoming a part of me.

“Drew’s gone, and Nyx is probably getting restless downstairs. Say the word and we can vanish. Start anew somewhere beyond the boundaries of Zomea and Eguina,” he proposes, hopeful and seriousness. For a fleeting moment, the idea is incredibly appealing, and a serene image of that life flashes before my eyes.

Reality pulls me back, and I whisper, “I’m ready.”

He extends his hand, which I grasp firmly, letting him guide me back to the dining hall. As anticipated, Nyx is there, pacing with growing impatience. “Took you long enough,” he grumbles.

With a flash of defiance, I smirk, “See you on the ship.” Drawing on my inner power, I channel, the familiar sensation sweeping me away. As soon as I arrive, both Colton and Nyx materialize next to me. The ship’s crew, efficient and prepared, springs into action the moment they see us.

Chapter 30

Nyx

We ought to be hashing out a strategy right now, but predictably we’re not. That would be too logical. Instead, we’re dispersed across this ship, each mired in deep thought. Silence has gripped us for what feels like an hour.

Lyra has staked out a spot at the deck’s edge, her gaze lost to the water below, probably grappling with the weight of our fates. It’s a bit out of character for Colton to let her be, especially given their recent...closeness, as our conversation last night revealed. The mere thought of him touching her unsettles me.

While they might be burdened with dread, I’m impatient to move forward. I’m eager for Lyra to fully embrace her dark magic. I believe once she does, she’ll realize the prophecy doesn’t lie. I’m her protector, the one she’s destined for. As for Colton? Memories of Z, and now fears regarding Lyra, must torment him. Though Lyra’s not destined for death, I sense a change coming. She’s bound to leave him behind. It’s inevitable.

I can sense we’re nearing the point where we can channel to the Center Isles. There’s an inherent connection I feel when close to my realm. Without hesitating, I stride over to Lyra, beckoning Colton as I move.

“It’s time.” I don’t engage in prolonged conversation, merely wrapping an arm around Lyra, pulling her to me, and initiating the channeling. I’m certain Colton will be right on our heels. To my surprise, Lyra doesn’t resist my touch, showing no preference to channel with Colton over me. Perhaps she’s starting to see reason.

Our feet find the sandy shores a moment later, but today nature isn’t in our favor. What’s typically a serene beach is now tumultuous with raging waves. I sense immediately that this endeavor may not go smoothly. Colton arrives moments after us, looking equally aware of our grim circumstances.

“Alright, since you seem to be taking charge, why don’t you outline the plan for us?” I challenge Colton, trying to mask the edge in my voice.

“I’ve never ventured beyond the first amphitheater, Nikki,” he responds, the nickname grating on my nerves. He’s well aware of how much I detest it. “It’s you who should be leading. You’ve been there.”

Hesitating slightly, I almost admit, I haven’t been past the first amphitheater either. But there’s no point in sharing that with Lyra right now. We can tackle it when we get there.

I brace myself, pushing forward with the plan. “Alright, you want the plan? Well, there is no fucking plan. Here’s how we proceed. I’ll lead, Lyra follows directly behind me, and Colton, you bring up the rear, ensuring Lyra is safe.” A fleeting thought crosses my mind about the usefulness of a rope to tether us together, but given our rushed departure, it’s an oversight we’ll have to live without.

Turning my attention to Lyra, I ask, “Can you swim proficiently? How long can you hold your breath? I’m beginning to wonder if it might be wiser for you to stay here, while Colton and I undertake this.” I notice the faint trembling of her fingers, unsure whether it’s the cold or her nerves.

“No,” she declares defiantly. “This is my journey, my mission. I’m going with you. I can swim and hold my breath. I might not be an expert, but I’ll manage.”

“Listen,” I assert, “if you feel you’re running out of breath down there, signal either me or Colton. Do you understand?” It’s time they realized I’m not merely their peer – I am their king, and they should heed my command.

“I need to explain what it’ll be like down there,” I announce, barely suppressing my irritation as I watch Colton take Lyra’s trembling hand. “First, brace yourselves for the cold water. We’ll venture beyond the waves to a sharp underwater drop-off. As we descend, the cold will intensify, and the pressure will mount. Remember, we can rely on our magic only up to the cave entrance—beyond that point, it ceases to function.”

I study their faces, weighing how much to reveal about potential challenges.