Page 95 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

The room devolves into chaos. Elspeth and Drew wrestle to subdue Granger, while Roland, with a war cry, makes another charge at Lyra. But Drew’s voice rises above the din, “Stop attacking her! If you keep this up, we’re turning her into the very monster you fear!” It’s rare to hear her voice so forceful, but she’s right.

Drew’s call fades into the background as I make my move, getting between Lyra and Roland. His power collides with me, a frigid onslaught that knocks the wind out of me. I’m bent on subduing him, but without resorting to my own magic. The last thing we need is more chaos.

High above the table, Lyra’s dark tendrils still ensnare Larc, suspending him helplessly. On the ground, the scuffling and growling signify the ferocious tussle between Colton and Libby. Everything’s spiraling, and it’s tangible in the sudden drop in temperature. The once flickering candles now stand extinguished, and puffs of cold mist accompany every breath I take.

As I attempt to regain my footing, another burst of Roland’s power strikes my midsection, forcing a painful grunt out of me. But that discomfort is just the precursor. A subtle hum gives way to a room-shaking tremor that reverberates through the very foundations. This is not a good omen.

A yelp of pain breaks through the rumbling. Libby’s teeth have found their mark on Colton, as the acrid scent of blood begins to permeate. The vibration amplifies, a testament to Lyra’s mounting distress. We have to act—before her unbridled power threatens to tear the very hive apart.

The council chamber’s doors burst open, revealing a seething Adira, likely drawn by the pandemonium. She unsheathes her blade with practiced swiftness, aiming the back of it squarely for Lyra’s head. A part of me rationalizes that perhaps knocking her unconscious might be the solution. Such a blow would be non-lethal, merely incapacitating.

Roland, seizing the distraction, regains his balance and lands a brutal blow of pure magic. The force collides with Lyra, causing her to stagger backward, making her even more vulnerable to Adira’s incoming strike. As I lunge toward Roland, aiming to thwart any further assault, Lyra’s cry of raw anguish echoes through the chamber. The countless shadowy tendrils that once bound Larc suspended break away, tearing him into pieces as they descend. Blood mists into the air, and his flesh rains down in ribbons all over the table—fuck.

The gut-wrenching aftermath leaves me in disbelief. Roland, too close for comfort, receives the brunt of her wrath next, disintegrating instantly into ash that coats the blood-stained surfaces. The fallout continues as Libby, still in her wolf form, combusts into searing flames. The chamber is consumed by mayhem, and Colton can only recoil in horror, his face twisted and distraught.

Lyra’s shadows lash out behind her, casting Adira beyond the threshold before dissipating. The dim chamber flares back to life, illuminated by the rekindled candles. As I meet her gaze, the darkness remains, yet a hint of her essence lingers. Sensing her intention to flee, I recognize the familiar aromatic blend of her presence giving way to her signature honeysuckle scent. Driven by instinct, I launch myself at her, grabbing hold as she initiates her escape—taking us both into the unknown as she channels.

We crash onto the forest floor, the distant sounds of waves signaling our proximity to the shore. Lyra quickly positions herself atop me, pushing me deeper into the soft earth beneath. Our eyes meet, hers mostly familiar but with faint tendrils of darkness still dancing in the whites. Before I can utter her name, she silences me, her lips crashing into mine.

Her tongue explores, asserting her dominance, while her hips move rhythmically against mine. Her fingers entangle themselves in my hair, pulling me even closer. Every coherent thought is chased away by the sheer intensity of her desire and the overwhelming sensation of her body pressed against mine.

She’s intoxicated by the rush of dark magic coursing through her veins, and every part of me wants to embrace this pleasure with her. Damn, she wants to claim me, and I want to let her. I’ve never felt her so dominant like this, and it’s fucking hot. I have to fight the urge to lose control alongside her.

I’m aware that she’s not entirely herself right now. When she momentarily breaks our kiss to breathe, I seize the opportunity. Grasping her face gently between my hands, I compel her to meet my eyes. “Lyra,” I say, seeking the depth of her soul.

For a moment, I find her there, fully present, as she whispers, “Nyx.”

We lock eyes, both of us momentarily lost in a shared silence. Her gaze penetrates mine, searching for something I hope she finds. Slowly, she begins to pull away. Sitting up, I instinctively reach out, enveloping her in my arms, pulling her close. I sense the tears before they even form, her eyes glistening. “Oh gods.”

Stroking her hair, again blonde, I whisper, “It’s okay. I’ve got you.”

But she’s already rising to her feet, distance creeping into her eyes. I stand too, trying to anticipate her next move. “Nyx, I... They’re gone. I took their lives.” The weight of realization hangs heavy between us.

Larc, Libby, Roland, Auelina – I might not have mourned the latter two, but the truth is, death, especially one caused by someone you care about, is never easy to swallow.

“Lyra—” I try to bridge the growing distance between us.

But her eyes, so filled with anguish and turmoil, tell me she’s spiraling. “No, Nyx... I can’t,” she stammers. And before I can reach out, she channels away, leaving me alone in the forest of the Lamia Realm. Damn it.

I return to the hive, materializing instantly in the council chamber. To my astonishment, most evidence of the recent horrific scene has been cleared away. I would say this meeting was an epic failure. My father would be disgusted by everyone’s behavior today. They let their own prejudices and greed for power obstruct their ability to see reason. I really thought I could sway the others into at least giving Lyra a chance. I’ve never before witnessed such a display of fear, hatred, and irrationality from them.

Colton paces, his eyes narrowing instantly as they land on me. He advances. “What happened?”

Drew’s attention also shifts to me, her expression expectant.

“She’s okay, herself again,” I begin. “Grappling with the aftermath of her actions today is going to be hard for her. By the time she comprehended the full scale of what she’d done, she was in tears and channeled away before I could reach her. Now, I have no idea where she’s gone.”

Drew suggests, “Colton can find her.”

Surprised, I retort, “How? If I can’t trace her, how can he?” Colton and Drew exchange a brief, knowing look before Colton offers a response.

I nod for him to explain, though resenting it. “Euric and Athalda tethered us in Zomea to safeguard Lyra,” Colton says. The notion that he’s connected to her in this intimate way sends a surge of jealousy through me. He can feel her emotions, sense her presence.

“Well, find her now,” I order.

He closes his eyes, raising a hand in a gesture for silence. Though my patience is thin, I exhale a deep breath. Moments later, he says, “She’s crossed the bridge. She’s in Zomea.”

I know instantly that I have to go after her.