Now, we had to be sure that we couldn’t be spotted. Our cloaks would have made us invisible to any other Lumerian nearby. But magic didn’t work on akadim. And I knew they could see in the dark far better than we could. Still, the cloaks were made of a material that naturally camouflaged with the terrain. I prayed that that would give us enough cover to approach, and catch them off-guard.
Whatever happened, I wanted Rhyan to scramble when I arrived—I wanted to catch him unaware. I was sure he expected me to return. He knew me after all. And the fact that none of the akadim had come looking for us, seemed enough proof of his mindset. But we still needed the element of surprise to ensure Auriel remained hidden. That was key.
We both ducked low as we moved down the hill, moving slow and taking breaks behind trees, looking out for scouts or any sign of akadim.
The Wall of the Prince was close, its mountain peaks only a faint outline in the starlit sky. A small woodland lay ahead, the silver leaves of the moontrees glimmering. Auriel took my hand, and together we dashed from our hiding spot, our boots racing over the ground until we were covered once more by trees. I could see the hidden opening of the cave— the one we hadn’t been able to find—until my escape. Two akadim stood before it on guard.
My stomach knotted seeing their red eyes glow against the dark.
Auriel peered around the tree trunk. “Damn,” he said. “Not daywalkers.”
“No. Those are definitely originals.” They were huge. At least ten feet tall, their faces grotesque with large fangs protruding from their mouths. “Fuck.” I frowned. “Do you think Rhyan put them out there for a reason? Because of all his akadim—those are the least likely to follow orders.”
Auriel’s eyebrows furrowed as he continued watching. “They might be a deterrent,” he said. “He’d know that’s the case. He might expect you to come to the same conclusion.”
“You think he’d really try to keep me away?” I asked.
Auriel sighed. “No. But he saw I was with you. Maybe they’re for me.”
“Or it’s a trap. I don’t know if I trust them to follow orders.”
Auriel leaned his head back against the tree, deep in thought. “I’d say it was a trap, too—but there isn’t one inch of that cave that isn’t.”
“So, what do we do? Stick with the plan?” My stomach turned at the idea of handing myself over to those monsters.
Auriel blew air out of his lips and shook his head. “Yes. But I think we need to kill them first.”
“Are you sure? I mean, what if there’s a chance I can?—”
He shook his head. “No. Trust me when I tell you that I hate this. But you can’t save everyone. And you won’t save anyone at all unless we get the red shard, and the green before it falls into Moriel’s hands.”
I frowned but nodded, my stomach twisting. “Then what?”
“Same plan as before. But I don’t think you need to knock. Last time, the doors were closed—all the akadim were inside, except for the handful I fought when Rhyan took you. After that, I spent an hour searching the mountainside, climbing up and down—looking for any way in. It wasn’t until one came out that I had any luck. If they’re there now—then the door is open. We’ll take them out, then slip inside. If the way is clear, you’ll move through the cave unseen until you find him. Until you can cure him. But if someone finds you, then the first plan is a go. You tell them your name, and you demand to be brought before Arkturion Rhyan.”
I took a deep breath. “Okay.”
I’d barely taken a step when Auriel grabbed my waist and pulled me against him, crushing me in a hug. I could feel his heart beating even through all of our armor. Feel his pulse in his aura.
“Do not give up,” he said, his voice fierce and commanding, but under it all was a wave of emotion. “No matter what. Whatever happens in there, you are stronger than you know. You are strong enough to do this, strong enough to finish this.To save him.” He released me, his hands on my face, his gaze intense. He pressed his forehead against mine, and then stepped back, his jaw clenched. “Do not give up,” he said again.
“I won’t.”
“I know.” His nostrils flared.
“Auriel,” I said, my heart pounding. “Thank you. For everything.” I tried to put as much feeling as I could into my words. Because there was so much he’d done for me. It was so much more than helping me get here, helping me find the cure and learn how to wield it. He’d kept me going, kept me from giving up. If he hadn’t come to me when I was lost in the initial despair of losing Rhyan—I didn’t even want to think what I would have done.
He shook his head. “No need for any of that.” And like always, he seemed able to put words to my thoughts. “You would have found a way on your own. You always do. Now go. I’ll be right behind you,” he said.
Our eyes met, one final blazing meeting. Then I made my move, pushing away from the tree, and ducking low. I moved slowly and silently across the valley, keeping my senses on high alert—making sure I never got the sensation of being watched, or the awful feeling I got when akadim were near. I was aware of the two at the door—but if any others came, I had to know immediately. And, I had to make sure that the two on guard remained none the wiser.
Luckily there was a soft breeze in the air—one coming in my direction from down the mountain. It would keep my scent hidden—just a little longer.
The grass was high and wild and I was able to easily keep my head low, but I was nearly within a dozen feet of the beasts. I glanced back, and saw what appeared to be a very tiny mound of dirt that hadn’t been there a moment before. Auriel.
I took a deep breath, remembering my training. My fingers tightened around the hilt of my sword. And I heard Rhyan in my mind again.
If you need to defend yourself—strike first, think later.
