Page 28 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

Colton rubs his chin.

“I know losing Nyx might feel like the end of the world right now, but everything you’re going through will only make you stronger. And from where I’m sitting, you’re already incredibly strong. You will find someone who treats you the way you deserve, someone who won’t lie to you, someone who will love you unconditionally and spoil you, because you deserve everything you desire and more.” He offers me a soft smile, his eyes glowing for a moment as they meet mine.

I find myself smiling back at him, feeling a bit lighter. I’m not saying I’m back to normal—I’ll never be the girl I was before all of this. The girl from Tempest Moon is gone. But for the first time, I feel like I can breathe a little easier, and I can talk about these things without completely falling apart.

“Thank you for this, for—for being a friend, even though I didn’t want one.” I giggle slightly, releasing some of the tension that’s been building up.

“You’re welcome, Lyra. This is one small step in the right direction. It’s not going to be easy, but I promise I won’t let you give up. I’ll be here, picking up the pieces with you, until you’re whole again,” he replies, his commitment bringing a sense of comfort to my heart I wasn’t expecting.

Chapter

Eleven

Sometime later, the door creaks open, and Colton steps inside our room. Earlier, I had confided in him, admitting that my current state of inebriation made the idea of joining my father for dinner rather unappealing. Given the situation, Colton had slipped out with a mission to find us sustenance and to inform Euric we wouldn’t be attending dinner tonight.

He strides in with a victorious grin. “Mission accomplished,” he declares, placing a tray on the table between us, a hint of mischief evident in his tone. Perhaps he might’ve indulged a little too much himself.

“The goods, huh?” I chuckle, playfully raising an eyebrow.

He nods enthusiastically. “Given the, shall we say, less than stellar offerings from the kitchen, I decided to opt for something that smelled delicious instead of whatever they were making for dinner. And, of course, more wine.” Lifting the lid off the plate, he unveils chocolate cookies, their fragrance wafting through the room.

My love for sweets is undeniable, and while it might be cliché to say dessert is the way to a girl’s heart, it genuinely is the path to mine, especially when chocolate’s involved.

“Anika was downstairs,” he begins, grabbing a cookie for himself. “She mentioned they’re called Shades. The name might be peculiar, but then who can resist chocolate cookies?”

“You’ve made an excellent choice,” I say, reaching out to take one. “And they’re still warm.” I take a bite, and it’s nothing short of divine. The rich, chewy consistency complemented by melt-in-the-mouth chocolate chunks is pure indulgence. Pairing it with wine might not be a conventional choice, and it might haunt me in the morning, but in this moment it feels perfect.

Colton uncorks the wine bottle and refills our glasses. “Now, where were we?” he asks. I quickly lick away chocolate from my lip, and I can’t help but notice him watching the gesture intently.

“What’s life like in that grand palace of yours?” I probe.

He chuckles, “It’s the elder’s palace, not mine. Haven’t called it home in ages. It’s my parents’ place, and they’re hardly there themselves. I usually drop by when I’m in the vicinity or for one of their interminable dinner parties.”

“Where’s home for you then?” I ask, my curiosity growing, hoping to peel back some more layers.

His grin widens. “Ever heard of the Dream Forest?” he teases, of course knowing I have.

“Wait, I thought no one lived in there except for magical creatures like Pixies.”

“For the most part, you’re right, but my compound is there too,” he explains.

I lean forward, eyes wide with anticipation. “You have to tell me everything.”

His laughter is rich and warm. “When I was a boy, the Dream Forest was taboo, ‘far too treacherous,’ according to my father. Naturally, that made it the first place I wanted to explore. It’s unmatched in its beauty, completely distinct from any other place. But its allure also brings danger—not all of its inhabitants are friendly. That’s how I first encountered ravishers.”

I frown, puzzled. “Ravishers?”

He exhales slowly. “They’re malevolent Faeries driven by greed. They sneak into the Dream Forest, capturing creatures to sell in dark markets of other domains. The first time I confronted them, I almost didn’t survive. Your father rescued me, always pulling me out of trouble when I was a kid. That near-death experience changed everything for me. I realized I needed to become stronger, not just with my magic but physically too. I started to take my training seriously to help myself and those who can’t defend themselves.” He pauses, taking a sip of his wine. I’m completely engrossed, hanging onto every word.

“Looks like you achieved that,” I say, feeling my cheeks grow warm.

He smirked, catching the hint of admiration in my tone. “Well, thank you, enchantress. But it’s more than about being physically strong. It’s about knowing the territory, understanding the creatures, and foreseeing their needs. It’s about creating a place of safety in the midst of danger, a sanctuary amidst the wilderness.”

“The Dream Forest,” I whisper, realizing that he wasn’t only speaking of his own journey of growth but also the creation of a haven.

“Exactly. I spent years building it, establishing treaties with the creatures, making sure it was protected. Over time, the creatures started seeing me less as an outsider and more as a protector, and the ravishers learned to fear my territory,” Colton explained with a hint of pride.

“But how do you maintain such a vast territory? Isn’t it exhausting?” I ask, wondering about the logistics of it all.