Page 41 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

“Is that another lie Nyx told you?” I ask, immediately regretting bringing him up. I don’t like the punch-in-the-gut feeling his name has on her. She’s not shielding anything right now.

“We can only channel places we’ve been before or can picture in our mind, and if Nyx wasn’t channeling it’s because he didn’t want anyone to be able to track him. Magic always leaves a trace,” I tell her, wanting to be honest with her.

“I do recall Nyx saying we couldn’t channel because he didn’t want Samael to trace his magic, but with all the confusion along the way I guess I forgot he could channel in the other realms because I never saw him do it.” She looks down at her hands in her lap, and I fight the urge to go to her, to wrap her in my arms.

“I can channel us far, but we are very far from Nighthold right now. I need you to help me. We can put our magic together and channel further,” I tell her.

“How long until we can try? Sometimes when I exhaust my magic like this it takes hours before I feel strong again.” She runs her hands through her hair, tucking it behind her ears.

“Don’t get frustrated. It’s fine. I don’t need to paddle us anymore. We can just float with the current and relax until you’re ready. There’s no rush.” I climb over the bench and grab several cushions to make a comfortable spot for us in the center of the boat. Once I settle down on the cushions with my back pressed against the side of the boat, I motion for her to come lie between my legs. She drapes her body across me and rests her head back against me. Chepi stays perked up next to the oars like he’s keeping watch.

“Do you think they’ll be okay?” she asks, and I know she’s talking about everyone in the Lamia realm.

“Yes. They are more than capable of taking care of themselves and protecting their land.” I try to ease her worry, but I do believe Drew will be fine.

“Do you think what Soren said is true, they are attracted to the bridge?” she asks.

“I don’t know. They must be able to sense it somehow.” I run my hands through her hair, massaging her scalp until she relaxes enough to fall asleep. We always recharge quicker in sleep, and a nap should do the trick so we can get off this fucking boat before one of us gets seasick.

“Sound the alarm if you see anything, boy,” I say to Chepi, and he gives me a quiet yip. I trust the little creature, and he has an undeniable love for Lyra, so I try to rest my eyes.

Chapter 16

Lyra

My eyes flutter open, the once-blinding sun now hidden behind ominous clouds. Chepi barks urgently, nudging my shoulder with a paw. I rise, taking in the thick fog encircling us. “Colton...” I say, my voice a whisper of concern. Taking a seat on one of the benches, I grip the sides as the boat rocks, the increasing swells reminding me of the unpredictable nature of the open sea.

“Damn it,” he mutters, rising to scan the horizon.

“Chepi woke me, and by the looks of it the weather’s deteriorating fast,” I inform him.

“Storms can creep up quickly in these waters. Can you swim?” he teases, trying to lighten the mood.

“That’s not funny,” I retort, swiping at him. My balance wavers as the boat tips with another large swell. He positions himself between the oars, beginning to row with purpose. However, our little boat, designed for calm harbor fishing, feels pitifully inadequate against the might of the encroaching storm.

“It’s just one thing after another, isn’t it?” I murmur more to myself than anyone else. Strength still courses through me; I don’t feel the exhaustion I expected. Maybe I can attempt to channel us out of here. I glance at Colton, hoping his plan isn’t too intricate. Sharing magic is unfamiliar territory for me – I hadn’t even realized it was feasible until now.

The air grows cold. I’m about to ask him to explain how we can channel combining our magic, then the first drop of rain catches my attention as it splatters against my cheek. Soon, it’s no longer a drop or two but a deluge with water pouring from above, drenching us within moments. The waves grow taller, more ferocious, rocking our small boat back and forth as if it were a mere toy. The menacing roll of thunder overhead makes Chepi growl, the fur on his back standing straight up.

“We’re not safe here,” I shout over the sound of the storm, my voice barely audible even to myself. The sea has become a wild creature, angry and unrestrained. Each swell threatens to toss us overboard, and the wind howls, whipping my hair around my face, blinding me.

Colton’s eyes meet mine, filled with determination yet also a hint of worry.

“Hold on, Lyra!” He suddenly stands, tearing off his tunic, unfurling a pair of massive, wyvern-like wings from his back. I’ve never seen his wings before today. They remind me of Nyx, and I push the thought aside. Black as the night, they glint with a subtle iridescence, making them shimmer even in the dim light. His drenched dirty-blond hair clings to his skin, and when he shakes his head, the locks break free from his face. I’m momentarily in a daze watching him, the storm forgotten.

As the boat teeters on the edge of a particularly massive wave, Colton acts. With a swift movement, he wraps an arm around me and snatches Chepi with the other. Then, with a powerful beat of his wings, we’re airborne, leaving the tiny boat to the mercy of the tempestuous sea below.

The rain pelts us from every direction, but Colton’s wings shield us somewhat, and his grip is ironclad. We soar through the storm, lightning illuminating the skies around us, revealing the dark clouds rolling and crashing like the waves below. The sensation is both terrifying and exhilarating. I cling to him, Chepi tucked safely between us, his small body trembling.

“Do you think you can channel us if I funnel some of my magic into you?” he asks, and I tip my head up to study his face, but he’s focused ahead.

“I’ve never channeled anyone else before, especially from the sky in a storm while using someone else’s magic to help,” I yell over the thunder echoing around us.

“You’ve got this. I’m holding you and Chepi, so imagine somewhere in Nighthold and try to channel there. My magic will give you a boost, and we’ll automatically channel with you.” I think he has way too much faith in my abilities, but I nod and close my eyes.

The feeling of his magic is warm and perfect. The moment it settles in my chest, I feel whole and powerful. I can’t believe we have never shared magic before. This feeling is—

“Now, Lyra!” His voice is urgent, sending a surge of panic through me as the lightning flashes around us again. I try to think of somewhere in Nighthold, and all the places coming to mind are bad places… The star-gazing tub flashes in my memory, and I think of the snow in the Fate Fields. “Hurry.” He grunts, and this must be taxing on him, fuck. I shake my head and feel the warm wind start to twirl around us. I open my eyes as darkness, my darkness, takes us.