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“For the love of the Fates, be careful. If one of us gets hurt down here, we’re totally screwed.”

“I need you to be way more optimistic, Branwen. This hidden underground cave system isn’t big enough for two Omegas riddled with anxiety.”

“Apologies,” she laughs as we slowly climb each step until we’re back on solid ground. “I’ll try harder.”

I expect the ground to be covered in packed dirt like the cave above, but it’s the exact opposite. There’s no dirt, just smooth, polished stone that’s unnaturally soft against the soles of my aching feet.

The damp path leads to a sort of crossroads. I turn to the right, but hesitate. Ahead is nothing but darkness. Even the strange light that comes from nowhere doesn’t extend in that direction.

“Over here.” Branwen grabs my arm and pulls me away from the dark nothingness. I gladly let her take the lead and follow her down the tunnel to the left. After about thirty feet, it takes a sharp left turn and opens up, spitting us out into a massive entrance marked by a wide stone archway so tall my father’s estate could sit beneath it comfortably.

This is NOT natural. Someone carved this out of the rock.

But when? How?

Who?

“Ready?” Branwen extends her hand once more, and without hesitation, I take it. Somehow, I know, deep in my soul, that whatever’s beyond this archway will change everything.

We step through, and my stomach plummets.

I knew, deep down, that this is where we’d end up eventually. From the moment I stepped into the cave from the forest, I knew.

And yet I’m still shocked by the view in front of me.

The cavern is even larger than I remember, easily the size and shape of a domed arena with a ceiling that extends so high above us it seems endless. I can’t even begin to comprehend how far underground we are to not see the top.

Eventually the stone gives way to yet another body of water—a still lake that extends at least thirty feet in diameter before hitting a raised platform of onyx in the middle.

I know what’s on that platform, too. Knew before I even let my eyes land on it. I’ve seen it. Felt it. Wiped the ash from the ice, then woke with the remnants staining the tips of my fingers.

I clench my jaw as my teeth begin to chatter. I tell myself it's because I’m cold, but that doesn’t explain the tears blurring my vision or the fear thrumming through my veins.

Part of me wants to run away. Turn around and jump right back into the river and see where the current takes me.

But a larger part of me—a newer part—wants to dart straight for that platform and wipe away the soot. That part yearns to look into the sapphire iris that once saw straight into my soul in a way no one ever has.

“Hey… what is it?” Branwen takes both my hands in hers and squeezes gently, eyes bright with concern. I’m sure we’re quite a sight, hair and clothes sopping wet, water dripping to form huge puddles at our feet.

But her hands are warm, and I focus on that warmth, letting it seep into my skin and give me strength.

I make myself look away from the pillar and meet her eyes. They’re gentle, full of care and understanding, and so much kindness it makes me want to cry.

I never knew how much I truly needed her in my life. How much I’ve been missing the love and acceptance of another female. Another Omega.

Which is why I know I have to tell her. She followed me here—well, I followed her, but semantics—and that means something. She knew I had to come, but she didn’t. She could have ignored her dream, and she’d be warm and safe in a comfy bed right now.

“There’s something in that pillar,” I whisper, as if whatever it is might hear me.

Maybe it can.

“I don’t know what it is, but I know it’s alive.”

“Alive?” She looks over her shoulder toward the pillar, then shakes her head and turns back to me, confused. “Are you sure?”

I’m already nodding before she’s done asking the question. I don’t know how to explain it, but I try as best I can.

“I saw it in my dream. I wiped the ash off the pillar and…”