Page 28

SARIAH

I wake to the echo of dripping water and the smell of damp pine needles.

My entire body feels weighed down by last night’s exhaustion—and by the thousand emotions tangled beneath my skin.

The cave is gone, the memory of that storm swirling in my thoughts, but the pine boughs overhead remind me that we haven’t ventured far.

We’re tucked against a tree trunk somewhere in the ravines.

Through the fuzzy haze of sleep, I recall Kaelith’s arms wrapped around me during the night, wings partially sheltering us both from the bitter cold.

I open my eyes slowly, half-expecting to find him looming inches away.

But the space beside me is empty. An immediate pang hits my chest, a strange mixture of relief and disappointment.

Relief because I’m still rattled by the intensity of what we shared— disappointment because another part of me secretly yearns for his presence.

My cheeks burn at the memory of how intimately we clung to each other in that cave, the firelight dancing across our bruised bodies.

The tether thrums at my core, a living testament to the deepening connection that both terrifies and excites me.

Guilt and longing twist together, forming a knot in my stomach.

Too good, my mind echoes. It was too powerful, too consuming, as though the line between my magic and his blurred in the heat of that moment.

Now, in the thin sunlight, I feel exposed.

My brand twinges, as if scolding me for letting my guard slip so completely.

I push myself upright, wincing at the soreness in my shoulder.

The bandage there has stiffened with dried blood.

My ribs protest every movement. It’s hardly surprising, given the feral way we fought, the savage battles with Drayveth’s rogues, and then…

the storm of passion that followed. I’m battered, inside and out.

Drawing a shaky breath, I look around. A makeshift ring of pine needles circles our sleeping spot. Kaelith must’ve tidied up some wards last night. My chest clenches; he’s so meticulous about protecting me. Or is it just survival, given our tether forces us to share fates?

Shoving the thought aside, I shuffle out from under the tree’s drooping boughs.

Morning sunlight fights through a swirl of gray clouds overhead, casting pale beams onto the ravine’s rocky floor.

Hints of frost cling to the ground, shimmering faintly.

The hush that blankets this place feels uneasy, as though the world holds its breath.

We’re not safe, I remind myself, hugging my cloak tighter.

Drayveth could be anywhere. Or worse, that monstrous threat Kaelith once sealed away.

I find him a short distance away, crouched beside a small trickle of water that cuts through the rocks.

His onyx-toned back is partially exposed, the runes carved into his skin catching the stray sunlight.

He’s trying to rinse dried blood from a tear in his leathers, jaw set in a tight line.

My heart pangs at the sight of his injuries: fresh bruises purpling the skin near his shoulder, scarring from old battles marking his ribs. The beast and the guardian, all in one.

He hears me approach. His molten gaze flicks up, intense as ever. I can’t tell if he’s angry or merely guarded. My pulse quickens. My mind whirls with regrets and half-formed apologies, uncertain how to begin. We can’t just pretend last night didn’t happen.

I clear my throat. “You’re up early.”

He grunts, returning his attention to the tear in his side. “Couldn’t sleep. Thought I’d see if I could stop this from getting worse.” His voice holds that rough edge I’ve come to recognize—part fatigue, part suppressed emotion.

I hesitate, hugging my arms. “Does it hurt?”

Kaelith glances at me, runes flickering faintly. “We’re gargoyles. We heal slow, but we handle pain.” He pauses, then adds more softly, “I’m all right.” I sense the unspoken tension: But are you? Are we?

My gaze drops to the water, the slow drip forming tiny ripples that distort our reflections. “You left before I woke,” I say quietly, not sure if I sound accusatory or just sad.

His shoulders tighten. “I needed space… to think.” Another brief pause. “It was a lot.”

I nod, a lump swelling in my throat. We’re in the same boat, then—both reeling from how easy it was to drown in each other. I chew my lower lip. “It’s all right. I get it.” But do I? My brand stings, an uncomfortable reminder of the power we unleashed.

He wipes water from his hands, stands slowly, wings folding with restless energy.

“We should get moving soon,” he says, voice laced with a hint of briskness.

“Our rations are low. The land around here seems picked clean by whatever travelers pass through. Drayveth could find us if we linger. Or other threats.”

I blow out a breath, frustration welling.

Always the practical concerns. “Yes, you’re right.

” My gaze sweeps the ravines. “But do we even know which direction is safe anymore?” My mind conjures the image of a war-torn field behind us, Drayveth lurking somewhere in the shadows, and looming over everything…

the possibility that Nerezza truly stirs —the monstrous Nyxari who once nearly destroyed Kaelith’s entire race.

He exhales, tail flicking. “We aim for Snowfall Glen, remember? That was the plan. The purnas there might know how to sever or stabilize this tether, or at least give us insight.” He avoids meeting my eyes when he mentions the tether, as though it embarrasses him now. After we used that bond so intimately.

I muster courage. “We… we can do that.” My voice wavers. “Are we… good?” The question is small, uncertain, a reflection of the swirling fear in my chest.

Kaelith finally meets my gaze, golden irises tinged with something I can’t name. “Sariah, last night—” He breaks off, jaw working. “It isn’t that I regret it. But we face too many dangers. If Nerezza is truly?—”

A sudden sound interrupts him: the faint scuff of footsteps against gravel.

We both whirl. My heart leaps, conjuring Drayveth’s face.

Kaelith tenses, wings half-flaring in a protective stance.

Then, from behind a rocky outcrop, a figure staggers into view, clutching their side.

The shape is smallish, cloaked, hunched in obvious pain.

As they approach, I spot a familiar brand on their wrist—a purna mark. Another rogue? My stomach clenches.

Kaelith growls, stepping forward. “Who’s there?”

The stranger rasps, “Wait—don’t attack.” Then they crumple to their knees.

Shock ripples through me; beneath the hood, I catch a glimpse of a sallow complexion, eyes wide with terror.

Blood stains their cloak. They can’t be more than a youth, older than me by a handful of years, but still somewhat young for a purna. My brand tingles, resonance flaring.

Kaelith glances at me, uncertain. I swallow, stepping closer, magic crackling at my fingertips just in case. “Who are you?”

They lift their head, breath ragged. “Please… help… ran from Drayveth. He’s hunting anyone who won’t follow his cause.” Their voice cracks, heavy with desperation.

A chill seizes my spine. Even among rogues, Drayveth fosters no mercy. I exchange a look with Kaelith. He’s tense, but a flicker of pity crosses his features. “We can’t trust them,” he mutters. “They could be bait.”

The stranger coughs violently, slumping forward. Blood spatters the ground. “No… no trap. Drayveth… not far… but I escaped… to warn… to warn that—” Their words cut off with a ragged gasp.

I step forward, ignoring Kaelith’s restraining hand. My heart almost stops at the sight of so much blood. No one deserves to die like this. “Easy,” I whisper, crouching. A tang of iron stings my nose. “What do you need to tell us?”

They clutch my sleeve, eyes fevered. “Nerezza,” they choke out, voice trembling.

“The Nyxari. She’s… awakened. The seal… it’s shattered.

” They cough again, flecks of blood staining their lips.

“Drayveth raves that… you… you’re… Sariah’s the cause.

” Their gaze flicks to me, terror gleaming.

“He says Nerezza can sense your magic… wants you taken or killed… oh gods…”

My pulse pounds so loudly I barely register the continued pleas.

Nerezza. Awake. Ice floods my veins. The unthinkable is happening.

Kaelith’s sacrifice was undone when I broke that ancient ward, and now the worst nightmares come to life.

My brand throbs in protest, as if scorning my stupidity. I did this. Did I truly?

Kaelith growls, stepping around us. His runes flare a moment, darkness sharpening his face. “Impossible,” he hisses, though desperation weaves through his tone. “She can’t be fully active. The wards would require more time?—”

The wounded purna coughs a wet laugh, eyes rolling.

“She’s… she’s… unstoppable now. Drayveth’s band…

cowering. Some have joined her… oh gods, oh gods.

” Their voice cracks, ending in a choking sob.

“She destroyed a coven. They say… she left no survivors. The darkness consumed them.” Tears glisten in their eyes, echoing pure horror.

“A few refused to bow, so she… turned them to stone, or something worse. We fled.” Their gaze meets mine, raw with fear.

“You must run… she wants you. She wants the one who awakened the gargoyle. She wants… the power she senses in you. Drayveth was… so determined to find you first.”

Terror grips my chest like a vise. Nerezza is truly out there.

That monstrous threat Kaelith sealed centuries ago.

My heart stutters, guilt raging. Is it truly my fault?

My accidental unsealing led to Kaelith’s freedom—and hers.

Kaelith curses, tail lashing the ground.

The bond hums with his dread. I try to swallow the mounting panic.