Page 177 of Where Darkness Falls

The spider points one of its long, spindly legs at the locks, clicking intensely. “I’m the guardian of the world below. No one enters without my blessing, nor can anyone open the door without also needing me,” it responds. “In order to enter, you must answer truthfully. If I believe your words to be acceptable, I’ll grant you entry.”

“And if they’re not?” I ask. “Hasn’t anyone tried to enter just for curiosity’s sake?”

“Indeed, but I’m far more clever. Let’s just say those that attempted to possess the father of the Abyss’s power for themselves succumbed to mania and never left,” the spider laughs. Then, the arachnid focuses solely on Maeva. “How delighted he’ll be if your stay becomes permanent. Power unfathomable given to such a pathetic host.”

“Perhaps,” Maeva retorts, “but I was chosen by Siorai, so I mustn’t be as worthless as you believe me to be.”

The spider tsks. “Careful, Chosen Daughter. I would slay you where you stand if it weren’t for the king’s need of you. Your blood is an abomination here, but I’ll bide my time… for now. So I’d be cautious with that tongue of yours,” it snaps.

Maeva grimaces, offering an apologetic look as she bows before the abhorrent creature. “Forgive my arrogance,” she deadpans.

The spider scoffs, having lost all patience. “Forgiveness is for weaklings,” the spider jeers. “This is the last time I’ll ask you, Chosen Daughter. What do you seek in the Abyss?”

“Maeva, don’t?—”

“The Crógemma,” Maeva replies truthfully. “I’m the only one that can access it.”

“You’ve assumed correctly,” the spider replies. Then, the monster turns to the entry door. In comparison to the arachnid’s large form, the door is minuscule, dwarfed in the creature’s shadow. One by one, the spider inserts each leg into the slotted locks until an audible click reverberates in the cavern. Within moments, the ancient door swings open, and the strange language rings loudly through the pit.

The sound is unsettling, as the chanting grows in enthusiasm.

Slowly, Maeva walks into the open space that reveals yet another descending staircase lit by the red flamed candles. “What are they singing?” Maeva wonders aloud.

“Only where darkness falls shall it rise. The wicked shall reign, while the righteous falls. The light shall wain when death finally calls. What a day it’ll be where the darkness falls,” the spider recites, perching above the door. “Quite a befitting tune, wouldn’t you agree?”

My shadows curl around me as I follow behind Maeva. “Quite,” I lie.

Along the dark stone path are cavernous spaces with obsidian iron bars, sealing the putrid creatures within. As the voices carry their chant, hands reach between the slats, begging for release. “Holy Celes?—”

I jump at the resounding thud of the entry door behind us. One by one the locks click back into place, neither Laisren nor Riordan are with us.

“Where’d they go?” I ask.

“I-I don’t know,” Maeva murmurs.

She runs to the door, pounding on it as hard as she can. The magical veil that once kept us from seeing beyond the door peels back, bringingus level with the enormous eyes of the arachnid. “I forgot to mention one tiny detail,” the spider sneers. “Only two of you can enter. The others must stay with me.”

My jaw clenches. “Two too many… you’ve brought two too many,” I repeat.

“Indeed. Now they must remain with me until your return,” it says. Moving away from the door, the setting reveals Laisren and Riordan bound against the cavernous wall in thick webbing. We scream for them, but they don’t answer as their bodies are in a catatonic state.

“If you harm them,” I growl.

“Relax, Prince,” the spider scolds. “They’ll be fine, as long as you return before the flames die out. Once they dim, I can’t promise they’ll survive, or that you will, once the beasts are released for the night.”

“I thought they couldn’t leave the Abyss?” Maeva growls.

“You’re correct, but that doesn’t mean they can’t roam below ground,” it clicks. “The false god you follow allows my brothers and sisters to be free only when the lights dim, or when the Galrosan king unlocks their shackles. He’s the one kindness in our exile.”

Maeva kicks the door, running a hand through her hair. She’s quiet for several seconds, recollecting her composure. “Where do I find the Crógemma?” she sighs.

“Stupid Malvorian. You’ve already been given the key. Now you must look within for the answer that you seek.” The spider tsks. “Tick tock. Time moves faster here, and I’mfamished.”

Then, the veil seals over the door once more, barring us in with the devilish beasts below.

Breathe in.Breathe out.

We’re stuck in a place with monsters, and I have no clue where to find the Crógemma.