Page 99 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

“The heart of Eguina is deteriorating, dying. That’s the reason behind the chaos in Eguina. The situation will continue to worsen unless the heart regains its magic,” he insists.

“But how did the heart fall into this state in the first place?” My gaze narrows, suspecting his involvement.

“To breach the gates, I need unparalleled power. So I’ve siphoned nearly all the magic from this heart, and it isn’t the only one. There are three hearts in total, each powering a distinct continent. Eguina’s heart is but one. My dear, there are lands even grander than Eguina. Two other continents, two other hearts,” he reveals.

I try to wrap my mind around the existence of other places like Eguina.

“How can that be?” I stammer.

“It’s a vast world, one that Eguina’s inhabitants, including you, are oblivious to. I too was ignorant for a significant part of my life,” he admits.

“Why disclose all this to me now? What’s the endgame?” I demand, my patience wearing thin.

“Having drained all three hearts, I stand on the threshold of unlocking the gates,” he declares. A chill sweeps through me, dread sinking into my bones.

“So you’d doom everyone for a shot at living amongst the gods?” My disbelief evident.

His smile is cold. “No, not merely to live with them. I’d condemn them all for a chance to ascend as a god.”

“I don’t understand,” I whisper, maybe not wanting to. It sounds ghastly.

His eyes gleam with fervor. “I believe my midnight mind has taken me deeper, to another realm entirely, one that lies beyond the gates. I’ve had visions of the gods, even conversed with some. I’m convinced that with the hearts’ power, I can open those gates and ascend. I’d become an entity of unimaginable might, dwelling in a place beyond your imagination.”

My temper surges, a protective instinct for the innocent blazing within. “You’d condemn everyone, obliterate entire continents, all for your ambition to ascend as a god. You never truly cared about me, did you? Why drag me into this? Why unlock the bridge? Why reveal this to me?” I demand, struggling to keep the quiver of fear from my voice.

“Pixie,” he murmurs, taking a step closer, “you are my daughter, and I love you. That’s why I’ve done all of this. I’m offering you a choice.” I narrow my eyes.

“If you truly loved me, you wouldn’t have embarked on this path. What ‘choice?’” I spit out.

“With your dark magic, you’ve become formidable,” he continues, and I fight the unsettling sensation building in my stomach.

“Formidable enough for what?”

“You can choose to join me. Together, we can unlock the gates and ascend,” he says. I shake my head vehemently, certain he’s deluded to think I’d ever agree, especially knowing the destruction it would entail. “I anticipated this reaction, which is why I awaited the awakening of your dark magic for you to be capable of a choice. If you decline my offer, then you can rejuvenate the heart of Eguina and return as its savior.”

“And how, exactly, do I rejuvenate this heart?” I inquire, desperation evident.

“Simply touch it with both hands. It will draw the necessary magic from you. Your dark magic is more potent than you realize. By sharing a portion of it with the heart, you’ll restore Eguina. And it won’t be fatal. It’ll merely drain you temporarily, while your magic recovers,” he adds.

“Why should I trust a word of what you say? It feels like my entire life has been a web of deceit. How can I possibly trust you now?” I challenge.

“Give me your hand, and I’ll demonstrate.” He offers his arm, and despite every instinct telling me to flee I’m compelled to confront this. I grasp his hand, and we channel. Suddenly, we stand before a dark, pulsating stone barrier. As it reshapes and the stones start to bleed until they morph into a portal, recognition hits me.

“This is the barrier Colton and I encountered when we first came here. You claimed it was one of many portals to the surface,” I say.

“Indeed. But had I not intercepted you then, you’d have discovered it’s not merely an exit from these tunnels. It’s a conduit to Drikora,” he declares. Startled, I whip my head to face him.

“Drikora,” I echo.

“Precisely. One of the other realms I mentioned. Let me show you I speak the truth.” Hesitantly, I grip his hand once more, following him through the chilling liquid veil ahead.

Chapter 36

Lyra

The instant wave of scorching heat assaults me, even before I can plant my boots firmly onto the unfamiliar terrain. Blinking against the burning sensation in my eyes, I force them open.

As far as I can see, crimson sand sprawls out, its surface shifting and contorting to form whirlwinds of fiery dust that dance menacingly on the horizon. The sky above is no refuge, either; it’s a chaotic blend of charred black and ashen gray with occasional sparks and ashes falling like sinister confetti, remnants of a firestorm I cannot see but can undoubtedly feel.