Page 32 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

Chapter

Twelve

Hours later, Athalda finally releases me from her suffocating ritual chamber. As I head in the direction of my bedchamber, the eerie silence of the palace pulls my curiosity, urging me outside. I’ve been cooped up all day and need the cool embrace of fresh air. The weight of today presses on me—Athalda’s relentless probing, her attempts to push me to my mental limits.

She did introduce me to some meditation techniques she claimed would help me have more control of my midnight mind. But her teachings weren’t limited to that. Another trial, different from the maddening maze of visions orchestrated by my father, awaited me. This was a haunting forest filled with malicious creatures. Devoid of my magic, I had to navigate through relying solely on my cunning and physical combat skills.

Needless to say, I faltered again and again before she dismissed me with a smug promise of more trials in the coming days. I feel so mentally and physically exhausted but am not going to give up. I need to just keep doing the tests they put me through, and I know I will get stronger. It’s going to take time, and I want instant gratification.

I continue walking, crossing the bridge and passing through the protective veil of fog. All I want is a moment of solitude, a deep breath of real, untainted air. I settle down at the base of a tree, letting my back rest against its sturdy trunk. The foggy veil in front of me dances and shifts with the breeze, creating an eerie, mesmerizing view.

It’s kind of creepy out here, but I’m drawn to it. There’s always been a part of me that relishes that jolt of fear—not the paralyzing fear of real danger but the thrill that quickens the heart and sharpens the senses. Growing up confined in a castle, such moments of excitement were rare. They made me feel alive in an otherwise stagnant existence.

Taking in another deep breath, the cool air invigorates me, chasing away some of the day’s fatigue. I can’t help but wonder what lies beyond these woods. There’s so much of Zomea I’ve yet to see, beyond the palace walls and this haunting forest. Is my mother out there somewhere? And where is Luke?

The idea of venturing out alone crosses my mind, but exhaustion wins over curiosity for now. I stay put, content for the moment to watch the drifting fog.

I’m jolted awake by the sensation of being lifted. The surrounding darkness tells me night has settled in. I must’ve dozed off in the woods. The familiar citrus scent of Colton envelops me, and without thinking I snuggle closer to his chest. Though half-asleep, I revel in his warmth, not wanting this moment to end. The fresh, forest air gradually fades, replaced by the more enclosed aroma of the palace as we enter. Silently, he carries me through the winding corridors to our bedchamber.

Gently placing me onto the bed, I lift my heavy eyes to meet his. He brushes a few stray hairs from my face, and his fingers move to the laces of my bodice. A sudden rush of anticipation fills me, but it’s short-lived. He simply undoes my bodice and deftly removes my boots, leaving me in my tunic and pants. Pulling the blankets over me, he ensures I’m snug and comfortable. I sense Chepi’s familiar weight settling at the foot of the bed. I want to ask them about their day, about how he found me, but the weight of sleep pulls me under once more.

I rouse myself sometime later, realizing I’m alone in bed. Pushing myself up, my gaze drifts across the dimly lit room, finally settling on Colton. He sits near the fire, nursing a drink in his hand. “Are you alright?” I ask, shedding the blankets and moving to stand.

“I couldn’t sleep. You should rest. You’ve had a long day,” he replies, but I feel drawn to him, needing to close the space between us.

“What’s on your mind?” I ask, noting the distant look in his eyes as they focus on the dancing flames.

His voice carries an edge I haven’t heard before, “You were so drained after being in Athalda’s fucking ritual chamber that you fell asleep alone in the woods, where no one could find you. Do you realize how dangerous that was?”

His words sting. “Are you angry with me?” I venture, taking cautious steps closer him.

He runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his movements. “I’m not angry with you, but I don’t know if I can bear to watch you endure this daily.” The silence stretches between us. “When I found you in the woods, covered in marks... It took everything in me not to confront Athalda. I wanted to find out firsthand what happens when you kill someone in Zomea.”

I look down, surprised. I hadn’t noticed any marks. A quick look in the nearby mirror reveals cuts and bruises marring my skin. “I went through another simulation a few times, fought a bit, but I’m fine. I can handle this. I’m not as delicate as you think.”

“I don’t see you as fragile, Lyra,” he starts but stops to take another drink. “Somewhere along the way, my feelings shifted. I can’t stand seeing you like this. Your father gave me a tour today, showing off the tests he plans for you. He speaks about you as if you’re a tool, not his daughter. I can’t stomach it.”

My thoughts whirl. Feelings? What kind of feelings? Before I can speak, he gets up, removes his shirt, tossing it aside, and reclines on the bed.

Breaking the tension, I approach him. “Can you heal me?” I ask, wanting to snap him out of this mood he’s in. I pull my leather pants off and lift my tunic slightly, turning away from him.

He sits up, a soft white light emanating from him as his fingers trace my injuries. The gentle warmth of his touch is comforting. He doesn’t speak, just runs his hands over each mark. Once he’s done, I let my tunic fall back to my thighs and turn around to face him. His eyes blaze with the fierce intensity of a raging forest fire, yet all green and untamed. My breath catches in my throat as he cups my cheek and runs his thumb across my lower lip. His thumb lingers there, pressing gently until his light disappears and he lies back on the bed again.

Without thinking, I pull my tunic off over my head and climb on top of him. My breasts pressed against his warm chest is a shock to my senses. His large hands explore my body immediately, as if reacting on instinct. One cups my ass, warm and rough. The other grazes my cheek then runs through my hair, griping it slightly as he stares up at me, his eyes locked on mine.

“Fuck, Lyra, you can’t do this,” he says, suddenly using his hands to lift me off him and place me back on the bed next to him. As soon as he says that, I feel heat rush to my face. He doesn’t want me, and I suddenly feel a mix of emotions I wasn’t expecting—sad, embarrassed, foolish.

I don’t know what I was thinking. I reach down and pull a sheet up over my body, and he lets out a frustrated breath.

“When I’m inside you for the first time, it’s not going to be under your father’s roof where you have to conceal your screams of pleasure, and it damn sure won’t be while you’re still thinking about him,” he says, and I stare up at the ceiling. Him...Nyx.

Lying beside him, a realization hits. For the first time, another wasn’t clouding my thoughts. Today, especially in this heated moment, he was the only one on my mind…Colton.

It’s been twelve weeks since I started my training in Zomea. Twelve relentless weeks filled with unending simulations and tests. I’ve never felt stronger; my body is more defined, toned with newfound muscles. Mentally, I’ve learned to harness my emotions better and to navigate through past traumas with a firmer grip. But despite these weeks, Colton and I haven’t addressed that night. The night he confessed his feelings and I, in a moment of vulnerability, bared myself to him, only to be denied.

When I train with my father, both Colton and Chepi accompany me. However, when it’s Athalda’s turn to train me, they venture off, leaving me alone in her ominous grip. Thanks to Anika’s guidance, I’ve begun to master the secondary Lycan abilities I possess. My skills as a tracker, once nonexistent, have now considerably sharpened.

Colton, ever eager, challenges my Fae magic and spars with me frequently. Sometimes, I think he takes a bit too much pleasure in our physical duels, but then again perhaps I do as well. Over these months, we’ve become friends. I’ve learned so much about Fae magic from him, and it constantly amazes me all the different things Fae can do depending on their gifts. Colton is not only built like a freaking warrior who can bend the elements to his will, but he can create illusions and manipulate light as well.