Page 34 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

“I’m sure your boyfriend will be happy to see you again. I wonder what King Onyx has been up to all this time, probably beside himself without you.” Athalda winks at me from across the table, always stirring the pot. She knows we’re not together, but she likes getting a reaction out of Colton every chance she can.

“Were you ever able to find anything out from the Lycan Realm? Do you know who’s taken Aidan’s place amongst the packs?” I turn to Anika, ignoring Athalda completely. I’ve been pestering Anika to find out if Rhett’s okay and what is happening in the Lycan Realm after Nyx killed Aidan and we left with things so uncertain. She said she’s been frequenting the tunnels, looking for anyone new to show up to Zomea so she can ask, but so far nothing. I know my father has ways of knowing things about Eguina, but he’s been tight-lipped about the Lycans.

“Larc has become the new leader of the Lycans,” she says, and my head snaps in her direction. Larc was Rhett’s pack master, and he seemed like a good man. Rhett liked him. I swallow, feeling relieved to hear this.

“How did you find out? Who told you?” I’m quick to ask, hoping Rhett is okay and still alive back home.

“A Lycan named Zog came through the tunnels this morning. Did you know him?” she asks.

“Yes, I believe he was leader of the pack that covered the shifting forest.”

“That makes sense. He had a lot to say about Spider Wraiths and Monstrauths, among several other dark creatures. He said things are becoming more unstable in Cloudrum, and monsters are multiplying at rates he’s never seen before,” Anika says, and she looks like she’s going to continue, but my father speaks up.

“Let’s not worry Lyra with that right now. It’s a good thing Colton is taking you to Nighthold. Things should be more stable there.”

“It sounds like what Drew said is true. Bad things are happening in Eguina. Things are dying, and evil creatures are becoming more prolific. The darkness looming over Cloudrum wasn’t just Samael’s doing, and it’s getting worse. What if it’s getting worse at a quicker rate than Zomea?” I feel my pulse start to increase as worry festers in my gut.

“Even if things are happening faster in Eguina than Zomea, it doesn’t matter. You are already doing everything you can. You can’t move up your birthday, and there is no way I am letting him attempt to take that Gholioth blood out of you before you’re strong enough to survive it,” Colton declares next to me.

“Colton is right. Zomea is much larger than Eguina, so it may seem like things are getting worse there at a faster rate than here, but I don’t think that’s the case. Like I already told you, Pixie, all will be well. Focus on staying strong, and keep training with Colton until your dark magic awakens, then make your way back here as soon as you can. We will set things right. I will fix what I started. I promise.”

“The bridge is unlocked now. Why don’t you come back with us and go to Tempest Moon and try to stabilize things?” I press, glancing from my father to Athalda.

“I don’t think we should make it known to many the bridge is unlocked yet. I want to stabilize things here first or we risk doing more harm than good. I need to stay here until you return,” he says, and I quickly interject.

“But—”

“No buts, Pixie. Go to Nighthold, stay with Colton, and return to me when you’re ready. Now let’s not waste our last night together speaking about things we have no control over at the moment.”

I clench my fists under the table, heat rising to my cheeks.

“I don’t think there are mass casualties or anything. The Lycan are very capable of protecting themselves and their territory, so are the Sorcerers, and so are the Lamas. Don’t let this stress you out,” Colton says, squeezing my thigh again under the table, and I take a deep breath. Chepi climbs into my lap, looking up at me with his sweet violet eyes. Sensing my rising frustration, he licks under my chin. I kiss him on the head and give him a plate of food.

“Colton, I need to speak with you after dinner. Alone,” Athalda says, and I look from her to Colton. What an odd request.

“Of course.” Colton nods, and I don’t know what is happening right now, but Colton better tell me what she says later.

“And, Pixie, I need to talk to you alone after dinner,” my father says, and I nod. They must be giving each of us a pep talk about training and staying safe. I push around my food, not really into all the unusual meat they serve in Zomea. I eat a couple of cheesy biscuits and feed Chepi the rest of my meat. The rest of the dinner is light hearted. Anika doesn’t say anything more about the Lycans, probably too afraid to upset my father, and I’m still irritated and don’t have much to say. Once we’re all finished, I help Anika clear the plates, while Colton and Athalda disappear down the hall for whatever private conversation they are having.

I return from the kitchen and find my father in the sitting room nursing a glass of whiskey. Chepi’s sprawled out in front of the fire napping now that his belly’s full.

As I take a seat in one of the plush chairs facing the mantle, I lean forward, my curiosity evident. “So, what is it you wanted to discuss?”

His eyes shimmer with a hint of mystery as he says, “It’s something best shown rather than told.” As he rises from his seat, I instinctively lean to awaken Chepi, but he swiftly catches my wrist, his grip firm but gentle. “It’s best if Chepi rests. We should go alone.” I retract my hand, giving a hesitant nod. The secrecy of it all makes me even more eager to find out his intentions.

I trail behind him, navigating a labyrinth of hallways in the decrepit side of the palace. He halts abruptly and with a careful maneuver pushes aside a well-worn rug runner, unveiling a concealed hatch amidst the floorboards. As he lifts it, a shadowy, tight staircase stretches out below us.

“Wait for me at the base. I’ll need to secure the hatch,” he instructs, stepping aside to let me descend. I pause, my imagination conjuring unsettling scenarios. Could he be luring me into a trap? Then I tell myself the fact that my mind is even going there is ridiculous. I may have had doubts about my father, and some of his actions are unforgivable, but I cannot deny that he loves me and wants the best for me.

Gathering my courage, I tread down the creaky, spiral staircase, each step echoing faintly. Three revolutions later, I find myself in a subterranean chamber. I loathe being confined underground, yet fate keeps pushing me into such spaces. I let out a measured breath, resting against the cold stone wall and waiting for his presence. When he finally emerges, he awakens torches with a mere flick of his wrist, unveiling a lengthy corridor. I follow silently until the passage concludes at a solid stone barrier.

Perplexed, I ask, “What is this place? What’s behind this wall?”

Without a word, he places his palms on the stony surface. The wall gradually liquefies, reminding me of the tunnel’s bleeding walls, but this time it’s like a living, moving mirror. He clasps my hand, leading me through the liquid facade, and we emerge into an expansive vault.

“This, Pixie,” he says with a hint of pride, “is where I safeguard all that is precious to me.”

I run my eyes over the mountainous stacks of items. Towering piles of old books, seemingly defying gravity. Scattered collections of shimmering crystals, glinting gold, and ornate trunks. It’s as if I’ve stumbled upon a trove of treasures from fabled tales.