“And I appreciate that. The morphi need to know of it.” Sarphos motioned to the rag. “You may want to wear that again until we’re out.” Vi nodded, donning the cloth once more. “Right, this way then.”
With her stomach clenching with worry to the point of pain, Vi followed him back onto the streets.
Chapter Nine
They ascendedthe main street of the Twilight Kingdom. On one end was what Vi assumed to be the palace, given its grand gate, overall opulence, and positioning at the center of the city. On the other end, the road sloped upward over the ridge that surrounded the tree-line to a large archway that was the only break in the ominous black trees.
“Take my hand.” Sarphos paused and extended his palm to her. “I’ll need to guide you through the shift. Don’t let go, or you could find yourself trapped in the in-between.”
Vi still didn’t fully understand the shift, but she did as instructed. She didn’t need in-depth knowledge to know she wanted to get through as quickly as possible. Given her last experience, Vi didn’t want to spend any extra time in the space that was neither here nor there.
“And keep quiet as we pass. It looks like Ruie is on duty today. At least it’s not Arwin…”
She nodded, not even daring to speak now as they continued their approach.
A woman lounged at the side of the archway, arms folded, looking board. She had bright golden hair that reminded Vi achingly of Romulin’s, though hers was cut shorter. Billowing fabrics tucked into simple boiled leather armor covered her lanky, lithe form.
“Sarphos… didn’t Arwin want to see you today?” she said dully, by way of greeting. “She’s back at the palace.”
“I realized I was low on a few supplies I’ll likely need for her.”
“Need a few things or…” Ruie pushed off from the stone column of the archway. “Are you ditching my sister to take someone special out for a late-nightstroll?” She grinned wildly. “I don’t think Arwin will take too kindly to playing second-fiddle.”
“Wh-what? Stroll? You mean—no. Me?” Sarphos blubbered. Vi couldn’t tell if he was embarrassed, or worried about what this Arwin may think. Either way, she committed the name to memory.
“Someone special perhaps?” Ruie took a few steps forward. “What’s your name?”
Vi opened her mouth to answer, but Sarphos spoke too fast.
“She’s no one. J-Just an apprentice of mine.”
“I didn’t think you took apprentices. You sure it isn’t something more?”
“I don’t mind if you say something.” Vi gave a grin and a wink to Sarphos, trying to mirror Ellene’s voice and facial expressions when teasing Darrus.
“I-I—”
Ruie roared with laughter. “Oh go on, then, don’t let me keep you. She’s clearly eager.”
Vi gave a tug on his hand, taking a step forward.Let him fall into step, Vi pleaded mentally. She could almost feel the uncomfortable, nervous energy radiating off the healer who was now scarlet from the crown of his head down to his collar.
Luckily, he didn’t actually die of embarrassment, and instead kept moving.
“And good for you Sarphos!” Ruie called after them. “It’s good to see you happy after so long!”
Sarphos shot a glare over his shoulder before turning back to Vi. “I thought I said not to speak.” He had the audacity to sound bothered.
“It got us through, didn’t it?”
“Yeah, but now she’s going to tell all her sisters,” he muttered. “Oh, never mind.” Sarphos sighed. “We’re past it anyway. Now, to get through the shift—stay close.”
Vi did as she was told, and they continued to walk into the darkness.
She squeezed his hand tightly, not caring if she hurt him. Better that, than allow him to feel her tremble. The last thing Vi wanted to do was go back into this void. But Taavin waited on the other side. At least this time she had a guide.
There was a pulse of magic so faint Vi wasn’t sure if she imagined it. Vi took a deep breath and held it, remembering the thin air that came next.
“Not far, now,” Sarphos said, low and steady as another pulse thrummed against her, then another, and another, as the world wobbled back into existence from the darkness, like ripples across a pond.
