Page 88 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

“He took off when all of this began. We’ve been trying to ensure you’re okay,” Colton replies, studying me as if I’m a book he wishes to read.

The tremors in the chamber persist, hinting that the structure could crumble at any moment. The danger of our situation snaps me back to the present. I try to gather my bearings, pressing my fingers to my temples, as if that would somehow help me process everything that has transpired. It’s dizzying. Everything feels more real, more vivid, more immediate.

“He ran,” Nyx clarifies, his gaze sharp. “When he saw what was happening to you. When the magic began to pour out.”

I glance at the grimoire, which now I know I no longer need. It still needs to be kept out of the wrong hands.

“You shouldn’t have touched it,” Colton mutters, his voice tinged with concern.

I shake my head, struggling to reconcile the rush of emotions coursing through me. “It had to be done,” I whisper, more to myself than anyone else. “It was meant to be.”

Nyx tightens his grip on my arm, pulling me closer. “We need to leave. Now. This place isn’t safe.”

As Nyx finishes speaking, a massive stalactite above us detaches, crashing into the waters below. “Wait,” I command. Both halt and turn toward me. I grab the grimoire, tucking it securely under my arm. “Take my hands.” Their skepticism is written all over their faces, but they comply.

Closing my eyes, tendrils of darkness emanate from me, enveloping Nyx and Colton. Frozen in astonishment, they don’t resist as we’re whisked to the surface. We materialize on the beach, the impact forcing us to our knees in the cool sand. Relief washes over me as I breathe in the familiar salty air.

Colton, still reeling, asks, “How did you manage that? You shouldn’t be able to use magic down there.”

Nyx interrupts, “That wasn’t mere channeling. It was something entirely different.”

I give a casual shrug. “I suppose the old rules don’t bind me any longer.”

“Let’s head back to the ship,” Colton suggests, his gaze lingering on me, his expression inscrutable. Without hesitation, I take both of their hands, and in an instant we’re aboard the ship. “Honestly, I believe I could’ve transported us straight to the Lamia Realm,” I muse, feeling a newfound energy pulsating within me.

“Regardless, we had to come back here to instruct the crew for the return journey,” Nyx says, his gaze steady and devoid of the apprehension I see in Colton’s eyes.

A sudden urge for solitude overwhelms me. Without another word, I head to the far end of the ship, to my favorite spot. I settle down, leaning against the ship’s wall. I study my hands, my arms. On the surface, I appear unchanged. But deep down, I feel different.

Although my mind should be consumed with the pressing matters of Zomea, the Gholioth blood coursing through me, and the spreading devastation I need to stop, my thoughts are consumed by Colton and Nyx. Onyx being my destiny, the necessity of our union, weighs heavily on my mind. How soon must I make a choice? As much as I care for Colton, knowing Nyx is my destined partner has shifted something within me.

With a sigh, I rub my face, feeling the grime and remnants of saltwater. I need to cleanse myself of the day’s ordeals. Rising, I grab the grimoire next to me, and without a second thought I throw it overboard into the sea below. I watch it sink, knowing I won’t need it anymore, but I don’t want it falling into the wrong hands. I somehow feel a sense of relief.

I find Nyx and Colton in an unusual conversation given their typical aversion to one another. “Can we go to Drew’s? I need a shower and a change of clothes,” I request, only to be met with bewildered stares. “What’s wrong?”

“You can freshen up before any discussions,” Colton replies, his voice distant and guarded. His cool demeanor troubles me.

“Why meet with the council if my powers have already manifested?” I challenge.

“How can you be certain? We’ve only witnessed your ability to channel from the caves,” Colton retorts.

His skepticism frustrates me. “I just know, alright? I can feel it.” I almost divulge my encounter with Ryella but decide it’s information best kept to myself for now. “What were the two of you discussing without me?”

My gaze lingers on them with suspicion.

“I believe it’d be best if you came home with me instead of going to Drew’s. You should take some time to understand your newfound abilities, away from the prying eyes of the council. A council we don’t even know if we can trust yet. We can always visit Zomea later when you’re prepared,” Colton suggests, and the idea tempts me.

Nyx quickly counters, “I am a member of that council, and I assure you, they won’t be dissecting you. We need to show them that there’s nothing amiss and that there’s no need for further scrutiny. Besides, you being the subject of their discussions isn’t ideal.”

The notion of being in the spotlight is far from appealing, but after weighing the options Nyx’s logic wins out. “We should head to Drew’s. They need to see I’m alright, that I can manage this. And either way, I need to ensure Chepi is returned safely, before or after our trip to Zomea,” I decide.

Nyx’s lips curl into a satisfied smile. In contrast, Colton sighs, ruffling his hair in mild exasperation.

“Can I use my old room?” I inquire, turning to face Colton. He nods. “Drew probably expected your return. I doubt anything’s been moved.”

“Perfect. I’ll seek you out once I’m settled,” I say, my gaze shifting from Colton to Nyx.

“Are you sure I shouldn’t be worried about the council meeting? Did you ever find anything in those books?” I ask, suddenly recalling the books Colton retrieved from his father’s chambers at the elders’ palace. I can’t believe I forgot to ask him about them until now, with everything else that’s been occupying my mind.