Page 53 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

I make my way back to the foyer just as Colton is descending the staircase. “Ready to go?” he asks, and I nod, my eyes drawn to the books in his hands.

“What did you get?” I inquire.

“I figured with everything going on it might be good to refresh myself on the history of the Luminary Council. I went to my dad’s private chambers and grabbed what I could find. I’ll read through them later and let you know if anything worthwhile comes up,” he explains.

Picking up Chepi, I step closer to Colton, ready to leave. “Do you think I should be worried...about the council?” I ask, concern in my voice.

“I’m not sure yet, but I’m going to find out,” he replies, wrapping an arm around me. As he does, the foyer begins to fade away.

As we approach the dining room, the delightful aroma of food fills the air. Rix and Rune have laid out a spread of bite-sized snacks all over the dining table.

Rix spots me and beckons me over, pulling out a chair for me. As I sit, he places a plate in front of me. Colton, smirking at Rix’s chivalry, takes the seat next to mine and starts describing each of the snacks spread before us. My stomach growls softly as I reach for toast topped with cheese and a slice of tomato.

As I’m about to take a bite, Dorian’s voice interrupts, “Look who I found.”

He enters the dining room with a bottle of whiskey in one hand and Bim following closely behind him. He looks the same as I remember, though maybe his facial hair is slightly longer.

I feel my heart race, an unwelcome wave of anxiety crashing over me. The sight of Bim, Nyx’s closest friend, stirs something inside me. First Flora and now him. I sense Colton’s touch beneath the table, a reassuring squeeze on my thigh. His green eyes find mine, narrowing slightly, as if sensing my turmoil. Taking a deep breath, I ensure my mental barrier between us is secure, and my window to him is closed, blocking any unintended projections.

Awkwardly, I start to rise from my chair to greet Bim, but when Colton remains seated, I quickly settle back down. Why am I so socially awkward in moments like this? I can navigate mazes and confront demons, but the appearance of Nyx’s friend turns me into a bumbling mess.

Bim’s handshake with Colton is firm, accompanied by a warm smile. Then, turning his attention to me, he nods slightly.

“Nice to see you again, Lyra,” he says, his tone neutral and devoid of animosity. Maybe I’ve been misjudging this situation. Maybe Bim won’t make things awkward after all.

“You too,” I manage, painting a small smile on my face. To prevent any further verbal stumbles, I promptly take another bite of food.

The boys begin their exchange of small talk while Dorian pours a glass for each of us. Eagerly, I take mine and savor a sip. The whiskey is light, tinged with a pleasant sweetness that I appreciate.

I should’ve previously asked Colton how much Bim and Dorian were privy to. Our desire was to keep the bridge’s unlocked status a secret, but I’m unsure if maintaining that secrecy is feasible now, especially after seeing the state of the Lamia Realm and all the evil the bridge is attracting. It won’t be long before Nighthold sees the arrival of malevolent beings.

Colton has mentioned trusting both of them, so I suspect they’re aware we’ve been in Zomea for the last few months. Nevertheless, I listen intently, trying to discern the nuances of their conversation.

Colton breaks my train of thought, directing a question at Bim. “So what have I missed?” he inquires.

Bim pauses, glancing at me then back to Colton, as if communicating something with his eyes.

“It’s alright. Anything you have to say to me you can say in front of Lyra,” Colton says, and I sit up a little straighter.

“A Sarrol was spotted in the Dream Forest a couple of weeks ago,” Bim reveals, downing his glass.

“Impossible,” Dorian spits from across the room, shocked.

Colton remains silent for a moment, and I can tell he’s pondering the same thing I am. The Sarrols we battled in the Lamia Realm—we don’t know where they originated since we are still waiting to speak with Drew. All we know is some of them came out of the bridge. I don’t understand how it’s possible when we didn’t see or hear anything in Zomea or the tunnels.

“Are you sure?” Colton asks, directing his gaze at Bim.

“I am. At first, I was skeptical when one of the Pixies informed me. I tracked it for two days before confronting and eliminating it. Regrettably, several creatures fell prey to its hunger in the process,” Bim recounts, shaking his head.

“Damn,” Dorian mutters across the table, proceeding to refill everyone’s glasses.

“As you both are aware, Lyra unlocked the bridge to Zomea, and we spent the past several months there. However, what I haven’t shared with you is that upon our return through the bridge, the Lamia Realm was under siege,” Colton begins, taking a moment to run a hand through his hair. “Monstrauths, Spider Wraiths, and even Sarrols were causing mayhem. We emerged right in the midst of the battlefield.”

“Soren believed they were drawn to the bridge and that they’ve been manifesting in waves ever since,” I say, my eyes shifting between Dorian and Bim.

“Fuck. I’m sure Drew was thrilled,” Bim sighs, scratching his head.

“She’s not pleased, that’s for sure. But she understood that unlocking the bridge was necessary. We didn’t get a chance to talk given everything that was happening. I expect she’ll be paying me a visit soon,” Colton comments, reaching out to grab a slice of cheese.