“They are a form of anointment, yes. Once the sacrifice was gone, a new one could be marked.”
“Which gave you passage to the Abyss.” My earlier suspicions are confirmed. “I can’t believe you sacrificed yourself.”
“I can’t believe I sacrificed you.” His fingers slide against mine. “My songmate.”
That stills me. I meet his eyes. I can almost feel our hearts beat in tandem through the pulses in our fingers.
“The duet we sang down there…” I start softly, abandoning the thought.
He finishes it for me. “It was the song of our souls, harmonizing as one.”
“You, me, we were destined to be together?” I realize I’ve spent so much time learning about the old gods that I’ve learned very little of what “songmate” means. Though, falling in love hadn’t been my concern.
“It is not destiny.” Ilryth begins moving again, reminding us we have little time. I help find the way as he continues to speak. “True, there are stories that say the songs of some souls might be more naturally compatible than others—destiny, if it pleases you. But our songs evolve as we do. They are learned and taught, shifted and changed with our choices and experiences. We make our own song—the song doesn’t make us.”
I smile faintly. All my memories have returned and I can see the full scope of everything that has brought me here like a dazzling canvas unfurled. “I never thought I’d love again.”
“Do you resent me for it?” He seems genuinely concerned.
“Not in the slightest.” I squeeze his fingers. “Though it is terrifying. Terror is a matter of perspective and right now I have other, far greater matters to fear.” I nearly tell him about Charles. But this is not the time or place. That is a conversation I want to have when it can be focused upon and settled once and for all.
We emerge out of the deep gloom, continuing to ascend from the depths. In my soul, I can feel Lady Lellia’s song. The small warbles that are guiding me from the Abyss just as Krokan’s song led me to him. As we head for the boat on the lava river, a silvery outline catches my eye.
Even though I wasn't myself, I remember this man from my descent. Something had made him stick out to me beyond simply being a spirit trying to ascend out of the Abyss and into what is no doubt the Gray Trench. The memories of the angry wraiths that filled the trench rush back to me. I cannot escape the feeling of guilt that followed as I ended their entire existence. Even if it is just one man, one soul, I will not let him become one of those creatures of hate and rage. I am Victoria, and I leave no man behind.
“A moment.”
“Victoria—”
“I’ll be quick about it. But one less wraith is better for us all.” I start for the man, Ilryth following.
My movement is faster than the escaping soul. I’m not as encumbered as he is; I’m free to move around this Abyss. I make it across the distance and up to him in the same amount of time that it takes him to clear one boulder. Thanks to the fog, and the meager ambient light, it isn’t until I am completely upon him that I recognize the coat he wears. It is plainer than his usual finery, but still betrays his wealth and material and craftsmanship. Perhaps that’s why he stuck out to me so clearly in the first place…
He mumbles to himself, not aware of my presence. It’s odd to see someone using their mouth to speak. It seems in this place either form of communication is possible.
“I have to get back. They need me. Katria needs me. I never told her the truth. She should know the truth. Damn ship, damn monster, damn them all.”
The words are harsh and cold. I’ve never heard him speak with such hatred. He is already losing the warmth and compassion he once held in the struggle just to make it to the Gray Trench. He won’t make it all the way back to the Natural World. And even if he did, he would burn away with the sunlight, little more than a memory. He will never see his daughters again.
“Do you know this man?” Ilryth asks softly, bringing me back to the present. It’s then I realize that I’ve released his hand, covering my mouth with my fingertips in shock.
“I do,” I reply with my mind only to Ilryth. “Lord Kevhan Applegate. He was my employer. No, he was my friend and like a second father to me. He was on the ship when it went down. Ilryth, I can’t let him become a wraith.”
Part of me expects Ilryth to say no. But, time and again, the way he cares for me astounds me. “If he is important to you then he is important to me. Let’s guide him away from the trench.”
“Thank you.”
“Victoria, anything for you,” Ilryth says it so plainly, leaving no room for hesitation or doubt.
I kneel next to Kevhan and place my hand on his shoulder. He flinches, head turning, and his eyes go wide with recollection. I try to give an encouraging smile despite my immeasurable guilt. It is my fault he is here. Helping prevent him from becoming a wraith is the least I can do for now—until I settle the matter with Krokan and he can cross the Veil when he is ready.
I speak as gently as possible, making it a point to shape the words with my mouth so it’s more familiar for him. “Lord Applegate, let go of your struggles. It is all going to be okay.”
“V—Victoria?” he stammers. Kevhan’s face crumples. He leans back, sits on his heels, and begins to howl with an unbridled outpouring of grief. My own eyes sting, seeing the man as I have always known him, rather than the corpse in the depths. “The siren have sent their monsters upon us. They have taken us. We are trapped here in this wretched domain of nightmares.”
“No… It’s not…” I don’t know how to explain to him what’s happened. How can I tell him he’s died when he doesn’t seem to realize that himself?
His gaze shifts, landing on Ilryth. “That—thatmonster! I won’t let you keep me,” he continues with fervor. “Iwillescape this place and get back to my daughters.”
