Page 96 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

Elspeth’s voice, calm yet filled with concern, echoes across the room. “What will you do next?” She looks to me, her gaze seeking answers.

Granger, sitting beside her, chimes in, “We might need to get Flora involved, consider closing the bridge while she’s still in Zomea.”

Drew speaks up, “That’s not going to solve anything. If Lyra can’t master her dark magic, especially after what we’ve seen today, then the prophecy is our only hope.”

Granger, ever the strategist, brings up another concern. “And the Lycan Realm? How will this affect them?”

“I say we deal with their reactions later,” I shoot back. The immediate crisis at hand is Lyra, not Lycan politics.

Colton steps forward, determination evident in his voice. “I need to be the one to go after her.”

I whirl to face him, ready for another clash. But it’s Granger who settles it. “Onyx is the one she needs right now. His light is the counter to her darkness. Colton, you played a part in today’s events, getting between them when you know they are destined to be together. Perhaps it’s best you step aside.”

I can’t help but smirk in Colton’s direction, anticipating his retort.

“I’m sorry, Mother.” Colton’s voice is heavy with emotion as he addresses Elspeth. Instinctively, I tense, half-expecting an outburst or an attack from him. He seems dangerously on edge, like he might snap. Elspeth’s face, however, is etched with pain, and her eyes are shimmering with unshed tears. I struggle to make sense of the situation.

“We can’t be certain the prophecy is about Nyx,” Colton continues, desperation clear in his voice.

I scoff, irritation flaring up. “Really, Colton? You sound pathetic. Lyra never loved you. You were just a temporary distraction while she tried to get over me. It clearly didn’t work.”

Colton grimaces, scratching his chest as he struggles with something he doesn’t want to say.

“Nyx,” he pleads, taking a deep breath, “you’ve got it all wrong. The prophecy might refer to either of us. Because...Callum is my biological father too.”

I swear my heart stops for a split second. I’m ready to dismiss it as another of his ludicrous tales, but then Drew, usually so composed, steps forward, confirming his claim.

Elspeth’s tear-filled eyes move to meet Granger’s, who looks equally stunned. “Elspeth, this is madness! What’s going on here?” Granger demands.

She hesitates, tears spilling over as she confesses, “After Callum passed, his magic transferred to Colton. We... Callum and I... It was only once, after a late-night event. Granger, I’m so sorry. I love you.”

I’m in shock, trying to digest the implications. “But my father’s magic... It came to me,” I say, suddenly unsure.

Colton’s face is earnest as he approaches me. “Nyx, I was just as taken aback. When the magic manifested in me, I confronted my mother. Initially, I couldn’t accept the truth either. I wanted to tell you sooner, but our relationship was already so strained. I couldn’t risk tearing our family apart with this secret.”

Even with his explanation, I find it hard to believe. My world feels upended, and all I can do is try to process this revelation.

My eyes dart between Colton and Elspeth, grappling with the revelations. “So you’re saying I inherited all of my mother’s magic, not my father’s?” The implications dawn on me, and I’m staggered. “And the only reason I didn’t get my father’s magic was because Colton is older?”

Elspeth nods, her face pale but resolute. “Had Colton been younger than you, you might have inherited Callum’s magic. I might never have had to reveal the truth about Colton’s biological father.”

The room feels like it’s closing in. I always believed I had all of my father’s magic. I remember those times I’d tried and failed to conjure illusions like he could. I assumed it was a unique gift, a talent that might’ve skipped me. But then there was Colton—had I ever witnessed him wielding such powers?

“Prove it,” I challenge, trying to assert some control over the situation.

Colton’s eyes lock onto mine, the intensity visible. “Have you never questioned why our wings bear such resemblance? Why we can both discern auras, a trait unique to our line?”

I’m doubtful but refuse to show it. “Demonstrate it then. Show me something that only my father could do.”

He hesitates, exhaling a deep sigh. But then, to my shock, three identical versions of Colton materialize before me. They speak in perfect harmony, their voices echoing in the chamber. “Is this enough proof for you?”

The illusions fade, leaving the real Colton. And as the truth sinks in, realization washes over me. My adversary, my rival, my brother. And we are both in love with the same girl— Lyra.

Suddenly the door slams shut behind Granger. Elspeth’s apologetic gaze lingers on Colton for a moment before she rushes after her husband, leaving an awkward silence in her wake.

“Does Lyra know about this?” My voice sounds louder than intended in the quiet of the room.

“No.” Colton’s reply is simple, and I’m taken aback. Why wouldn’t he have used this information as leverage to play on her emotions?