Page 19 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

“Then make me understand. We have plenty of time.” I stroke Chepi’s back, and he rests his head on my knee but keeps his eyes locked on my father, as if he’s judging him too.

“Callum was once a friend, indeed, but over time he grew envious of my midnight mind and my foresight abilities. There was even a time when he was obsessed with your mother, Elspeth, and her mind abilities.” He pauses, nodding at Colton, but Colton doesn’t say anything, just studies Euric while he continues talking. “Our friendship soured, and he developed a personal vendetta against me. Callum became obsessed with prophecies, far more than my healthy curiosity would allow. He stumbled upon a prophecy that he believed was about you. According to his interpretation, you would inherit dark magic, and the darkness within you would threaten his son and the realms. You hadn’t even been born yet, and I thought he was losing his grip on reality.

“Knowing he couldn’t defeat me, Callum and Granger decided to banish me instead, and I allowed it to happen. I started anew in Cloudrum with your mother under the false pretenses that I was a Sorcerer.”

“But how? How did you suddenly claim the right to rule in Tempest Moon?” I ask.

“I used my magic to trick most of the Sorcerer Realm into believing I was always in Cloudrum. Once you were born, I had no choice but to eliminate the threat. I was well aware that it would lead to my death, which is why I made you the key. I devised a way for us to be reunited, but my priority was to protect you. In taking the lives of Nyx’s parents, I set the stage for my own demise, ultimately falling at the hands of Nyx.”

He lets out a long sigh and runs a hand through his hair before going on.

“You have always been everything to me, Lyra. I may have done horrible things, but I did them from a place of love. I only did what I believed was right, what I had to do to protect my family— to protect you.”

I’m not sure what to say. Thankfully Colton speaks before I do. “Don’t try to make Lyra feel guilty for something you did. She’s gone through enough because of you.” I’m shocked for a moment. Why is Colton sticking up for me like this? I don’t know, but I like it.

Euric clears his throat. “I’m sorry, Pixie. I know you have been through a lot, and I hope one day you will feel comfortable talking to me about it. You should not feel any guilt for my actions. Colton is right.” I’m even more shocked he didn’t snap back at Colton, instead agreeing with him.

“Where are Nyx’s parents now? Are they here in Zomea?” I ask, thinking maybe I can fix all of this and reunite Nyx with his family.

“If they are, I have never seen them. Zomea is much larger than Eguina. You must remember that this is not the afterlife. This place is simply another continent, almost like a second chance at life if one is able to get here.”

I still can’t quite wrap my head around this place and the tunnels. I need to digest things. It feels like everything we were taught to believe of the afterlife is false. I don’t even know what to believe of the gods now.

My father looks me over and must sense my exhaustion. “Why don’t I show you to a room where you can rest and get cleaned up? We have plenty of time to have more discussions. So much has been said already. Maybe it’s best you take some time to process it all. I promise I will answer every question you have, in time.” He gets to his feet, ready to lead us to our rooms.

“Wait, I have one more question I need you to answer.” I rise, and he watches me patiently. “Actually, two more. How did you speak to me through Samael, and why did you lie and tell me Chepi was here when you had to have known he would come back to life?”

I don’t look away from him for a second.

“I will always tell you the truth, even if the answers are not always easy to hear. I was able to contact Samael through powerful magic that I cannot explain to you right now. I know Samel is deranged, but we had a common interest, and I needed him to kill Onyx. You have to understand that I do not want you to be anywhere near him. He needs to die. I offered Samael the spell that would subdue Onyx’s magic with the proper restraints in exchange for a piece of his soul. That is how I was able to speak through him. As for Chepi, I had to say anything to get you to unlock the bridge before the key could harm you.”

He moves to touch my arm, and I take a step out of reach.

“You cannot kill Nyx. I don’t care if he is the reason you’re in Zomea. You killed his family. What did you expect him to do?” I feel heat rise to my cheeks as my anger starts to come to the surface.

“Pixie, please don’t be upset. There is history there you will never understand, and I cannot allow you to be with him.” He steps toward me again, and I back away.

“Please, don’t. I may not be with him, and he may have hurt me, but I still care for him deeply. Causing him pain will only bring me more suffering. My heart aches enough as it is.” I feel my eyes fill up with tears at the thought of a life where Nyx doesn’t exist, and I swallow hard, trying to bury my emotions.

“Okay, Lyra, I will not kill Onyx. I do not wish to cause you more pain. Now don’t get upset. Come rest.” He reaches for me again, and this time I let him wrap his arm around my shoulders and guide me out of the room, Chepi tucked tightly under my other arm, nudging me softly with his wet nose. That was far too easy, and I don’t even know if I believe him, but for now at least I know Nyx is safe, away from this place.

He leads us down a series of corridors until we finally pause. He opens the door for me, and I step into the bedroom. The walls catch my eye. They are sleek, polished volcanic stone, their dark hues offset by the flickering light from the wall-mounted torches. A canopy bed stands in the center of the room, draped with luxurious fabrics that complement the fiery surroundings.

The floor is covered in a plush, obsidian-hued carpet that feels surprisingly soft underfoot. A large window offers a mesmerizing view of the volcanic landscape outside, with plumes of smoke and the distant glow of molten lava painting a dramatic scene.

In the corner of the room, a small seating area is arranged around a table carved from volcanic rock, and I can see a small doorway past the seating area that must lead to a bathroom.

“I’ll leave you all to rest and get cleaned up.” He turns toward the door.

“Wait, we are not sharing a room,” I say, quickly looking at Colton, who’s already made himself at home by the foot of the bed— the only bed.

“My mistake. I just assumed you were together. The other side of the palace is unstable, and this is the only other bedroom available right now. Colton is welcome to sleep on the rugs downstairs.” I cringe. I can’t have Colton sleeping on the floor downstairs. He did risk coming here with me after all.

“No, we will make do,” I say, hesitantly.

“Very well, whenever you’re ready for dinner, come find me downstairs. Take your time and make yourself at home, Lyra. I want you to feel comfortable and safe here. We’re together again, and my heart is overjoyed.” He gently touches my cheek with his hand and offers me a soft smile. However, I catch a fleeting glimpse of something in his eyes—a possessiveness that makes my skin crawl.

“Thank you, Father. I’m happy to see you too. I look forward to continuing our conversation at dinner,” I assure him, trying to muster a convincing smile. But as he leaves the room, the unsettling feeling within me lingers.