Page 89 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

“What books?” Nyx inquires.

Colton responds, “I never found anything in them that’s worth worrying you over. The council will have many new members now, especially after Aidan’s death and with your parents’ departure. I don’t trust the council, but I trust Drew. With her and Nyx both on the council, hopefully they can sway the others to see reason.”

“We won’t let anything happen to you, Lyra. Let the Luminary Council think they’re in control,” he continues.

I nod in agreement. “Colton’s right. Frankly, I’m not entirely sure what to expect. It could go either way. When you get a group of power-hungry people in a room, and they have too much control, they might see you as a threat, regardless of what we say. But we have to face it and at least know what we’re dealing with,” Nyx adds, and I find myself agreeing with him. If the council, or at least some of its members, are going to be my enemies, then I’d rather know about it now and face it head-on, rather than have it surprise me later from behind.

“Alright, I’ll see you soon.” Not wanting to bump into anyone or be cornered by the council prematurely, I channel directly into the familiarity of my previous quarters.

I immerse myself in a prolonged bath, relishing the embrace of the warm water. After cleansing my hair, I step out and approach the mirror for a closer inspection. I draw near, fixating on my eyes. They appear normal until I beckon the shadows lurking within. Almost instantly, black veins animate, converging to form swirling inky voids reminiscent of Ryella’s haunting gaze. Intrigued, I summon even more of my shadows, watching as tendrils of smoky blackness cascade over my skin, ensnaring every inch of me. With a sharp intake of breath, the darkness dissipates. The face staring back is once again my own.

Tempted to experiment with my newfound abilities, I decide this isn’t the right place, especially with the Luminary Council congregating. I comb through my hair and move into the adjoining bedroom, hoping to find some dresses. To my surprise, Nyx is lounging on the edge of the bed.

“Feeling refreshed?” he inquires with a hint of amusement.

Taken aback, I let out an involuntary yelp, not having anticipated anyone’s presence.

Retreating into the bathing chamber, I hastily snatch up a towel, draping it around myself.

Nyx chuckles. “Come now, it’s nothing I haven’t seen before.” He advances closer with an impish grin.

Pushing aside his teasing remark, I ask, “Have you spoken to Drew or any members of the council?” I ensure the towel stays securely in place.

Nyx leans against a wooden dresser, his posture relaxed. “I spoke with them. There’s a council meeting in an hour, but you won’t be attending,” he says with an air of casual dismissal.

I stare at him in disbelief. “What? Why? If they’re discussing me, shouldn’t I be present?”

He meets my eyes, his own filled with understanding but also a hint of frustration. “Many on the council still see you as merely a young girl. Besides, it’s been ages since they’ve convened. The initial reunion might be filled with pleasantries. They intend to summon you afterward.”

I cross my arms, resolute. “I’m more than just ‘a young girl.’ They need to recognize that. I’m attending that meeting.”

Nyx smirks, the mischievous glint back in his eyes. “It’s three floors down, second door to your left,” he supplies, almost as a dare.

Raising an eyebrow, I challenge, “You just told me to wait. Why give me the location now?”

He steps closer, the space between us charged with intensity. “I said you should wait. But…” He tucks a wet lock of hair behind my ear. “…you are, undoubtedly, a force to be reckoned with. I won’t dictate your choices.”

I let out a soft sigh, “Nyx.” I lower my gaze, the weight of him this close to me pressing heavily on me.

Gently, he tilts my chin upward, compelling my eyes to meet his. The depth of emotion in them is undeniable. “Lyra, where do you stand with Colton? Does sharing an intimate moment with him bind you to him?”

Taking a breath, I say, “No, we aren’t committed to anything. But that doesn’t mean I’m ready for something with you either. I care for him, and I care what happens to both of you.”

He steps closer, the gap between us lessening. “I love you, Lyra,” he confesses, his voice raw with emotion. “It’s a love that feels destined, as if written in the stars. I’ll wait, give you the space and time you need. Even if you wish to further explore things with Colton or anyone else. But know this. I won’t let the encroaching darkness consume you. I will remain close by, until you’re ready to embrace me as your light.”

I swallow hard. He places a hand gently on my cheek, his thumb caressing my skin. “We get so caught up in the ‘what-ifs’ of tomorrow, we forget to live today. Let’s be in this moment, right now, together.”

He leans in slowly, maintaining our eye contact. I sense he’s gauging my reaction, giving me every opportunity to step away. But curiosity, coupled with a surge of unexpected desire, keeps me rooted in place. When his lips gently touch mine, there’s a softness in the gesture that takes me by surprise. The kiss deepens, our breaths mingling, the intimacy undeniable.

His hands slip into my hair, fingers, tangling in the damp strands, drawing me closer. He lifts me off my feet, and my legs wrap around his waist as he backs me into the wall. As the intensity grows, I feel the towel slip slightly, his fingertips brushing the curve of my shoulder. His kiss is tender yet insistent, capturing my complete attention, and for a few heartbeats the world fades away. All that matters is the connection between us.

His fingers trace a gentle path to my breast, and a soft moan escapes my lips as he gently toys with my nipple. “Lyra,” he murmurs, his voice thick with desire, “I need you. Now.” As he speaks, his other hand begins to fumble with his pants.

“Stop,” I whisper, catching his hand. He pauses immediately, our eyes locking. The intensity in his gaze is unmistakable.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, concern filling his glowing eyes.

Taking a deep breath, I say, “It’s not that I don’t want this, Nyx. It’s... Everything feels so rushed. We need to slow down. I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know what I want.”