Page 57 of Fallen: Darkness Ascending, Vol.1

“Oh, indeed. We each have vested interests in the Davrin.” A rush of dry wind filled the brief silence as the Infernal narrowed his eyes in suspicion. “How did this come up?”

Oros sighed, resigned. “Uradri was also speaking to him. Through me.”

“What?!” A first surprise made way for a second. “Wait, she gave you that name?”

“No. Mazdek did. I met her as Pennilil.”

“Unusual for her to repeat a name, though given the location she fled to…” Sly thoughts spun behind ivory eyes. “Did she name the child?”

“No.”

“Did you ?”

“I wasn’t tasked so.”

“Not what I asked. Come, my wild son. Not even a pet name?”

Oros grimaced. “Yes.”

“What is it?”

“Only to help me remember your name once I woke up.”

“My name?”

“Indra. I’ve been calling her Indra.”

The devil stared at him. “You… named her Indra.”

They each glanced at the child. She had covered the Wilder’s shoulder in slobber.

She will need water soon…

“But that’s not her formal name,” Oros pressed. “I assume you’ll want that honor.”

Indrath’s expression was hard to read before it settled in resentment. “You intend to fly away with her but offer me that ‘honor’?”

“Don’t search for offense where there is none, grandfather. You know why we’re even speaking like this.”

“Oo, the desert wolf has hackles.” The Infernal smiled. “About time. You mentioned my daughter’s thirst. There’s a waterfall nearby.” He beckoned. “Let me lead you there.”

Oros stepped forward, showing his willingness to follow. Instead of flying, however, Indrath summoned a second door of freezing air, sweeping them through it before the wild Elf could hesitate.

The contrast between his arid home and wherever Oros had stood for a split instant took his breath away and jerked Indra awake with shock. Her cries and the splashing of a waterfall filled his ears while his vision struggled to confirm where his feet landed.

“The unassuming heart of Koorul,” said the Infernal like an introduction. “Where Uradri last manifested. Safe for any traveler to drink and rest, but also a potent crossroad in the Ley through which the powerful may pass.”

Oros frowned despite the gentle hypnotic welcome of the flowing water. “The Ley?”

“The unseen rivers of magic embracing this world.” Indrath grinned. “Which you happen to be following on your ‘mission,’ whether you realize it or not. Another of her ‘gifts.’”

Was that why Oros couldn’t seem to deviate from an invisible current?

“Drink. You and my daughter.” Indrath watched him. “It’s just water. Your upbringing can easily confirm that.”

The Wilder took his time to confirm before giving it to the baby. He accepted that Indra’s sire did not wish to see her suffer such basic lack so soon in her life, but he could also feel the intensity of the Infernal’s covetous aura.

Threatening power hovered over his back, ready to slash Oros deep and snatch her away, leaving him to bleed out. Uradri’s protection appeared strong enough to hold Indrath back.

For now.

“Grandfather?” he began after slaking their thirst. He stared at the rippling pool at the base of the waterfall with his back to the Ice Lord, letting the Infernal gather his anger before responding.

“Yes?”

“Did you have a choice between tracking Uradri and tracking Indra, and chose the latter?”

A subtle swipe, like a tail skidding the stone. “Not exactly. I knew when and where the birthing started but not where it ended. Then my daughter appeared in the Ley, dim though she was in your arms.”

Still hiding.

“Who would you have chosen first,” the Wilder asked, “if you saw them diverging in the Ley?”

“That sounds like opening a trade to me.”

“I suppose it would.” Oros stood and turned around, cradling Indra comfortably and shielding her from the sun with his wings. “I would have chosen my tribe, but I went after the Tilabil.”

Indrath chuckled, folding his arms. “Had I seen both, I would meet my daughter properly and see her somewhere safe. Then I would take the dangerous path.”

Oros made certain he could see the child’s wellbeing to his cold heart’s content. “Same.”

“Indeed, the unfairness to us both lies in the lack of option to choose.”

The Wilder’s heart beat harder. “Mazdek said the Davrin were about face a break in their path, and a fight for their nature. And the only way to overcome it was for those with the most to lose to go through it.”

Indrath shrugged, possibly feigning his calm. “So it is, sometimes.”

“You agree with this? ”

The devil lifted his nostrils in disgust. “I have seen the alternatives, the same as others with far vision. So it must be.”

“Far vision? I assume the Seer Ishuna is one of those?”

“Her father, actually. His daughter was too mired in the mother’s hall of mirrors to see beyond the nightmares.” The devil tilted his crown of horns. “What brought up Ishuna?”

Oros swallowed. “I’d like a trade, grandfather, right now. One action for another with no obligation beyond that.”

He was intrigued. “What action do you want?”

“Use your chill-step trick to put me and Indra within material view of my tribe. She will be safe while you make your second choice, I swear it.”

Fangs on gleeful display. “Ah. And in exchange, her servant will tell me where my sister has gone?”

Oros shuddered, feeling sick. “I already have.”

“How so—?” Indrath’s challenge faded.

Oros witnessed the moment he made the connection but never imagined the devil could look… haunted .

Indrath whispered a name, turning toward V’Gedra. “ Avel .”

Avel? Oros resisted every urge to abandon this confrontation. “We have a deal , grandfather.”

The Infernal’s attention snapped back, glimmering eyes dropping to the infant, as if he just recalled her. His next fanged smile was feral.

“A deal, blessed grandson. Brace yourself. Try not to fall.”