Shadows and The Sea - The Darkling

The Fold & Volcra

Percy's POV

The next morning, Mal and I headed over to the cartographer's tent to spend time with Alina before we headed to the Fold. We were in the middle of conversation when a galloping and commotion outside drew us out of the pitched fabric. A black fancy carriage made its way through the camp.

"Is it him?" asked Alina.

Mal stood further in front of her and I and crossed his arms, "General Kirigan."

When he said that name I felt a shiver run through my body. That was weird. I'm not afraid nor nervous of him, so why the reaction?

"The leader of the Second Army here to grace us with his presence?" asked one of the cartographers. "He must believe the shiny new skiff will be a success."

"Or a spectacular failure," Alexei said as the carriage rode out of view.

Thank god none of those horses saw me. Gods knows what would have happened if they realized who I was.

Alina and Mal looked back at his comment. "Alexei," Alina chastised.

"What?" he asked, not realizing what he said until Alina tilted her head towards Mal then me.

"Sorry Mal, Persephone," he apologized.

We both brushed it off and turned back to face where the skiff sat.

"Do you think he's coming with us," Mal asked.

"If he does, then you know what he believes," Alexei said once again. You annoying little thing. I wonder how Alina puts up with you.

Lieutenant Bohdan walked through the camps with purpose, "Are we children or are we soldiers? Get to your posts and pack your gear. Skiff launches in 20." He turned to face behind him. "Sergeant, get your crew ready!"

Sergeant Teplov came up to Mal and I. "Mal, you're with me son. Chin up. You too Persephone," he handed Mal a rifle and held his arm up. He moved his sleeve down to reveal three horizontal scars on his forearm. "I've crossed it three times without incident. You'll both get your first soon enough." And with those pleasant words, he walked towards the skiff.

Mal and I looked at each other before turning back to Alina.

"Don't worry Alina," I started.

"We'll be back before you know it," Mal finished and we both turned to follow the sergeant.

We were settling on the skiff before Mal wanted to check something with the Sergeant. He walked off and I stayed near the front of the skiff and stared out into the Fold. When I first arrived here, this thing scared the Hades out of me. It reminded me too much of the pit but after a couple of weeks it didn't seem to bug me as much. I remembered that Mrs. O'Leary was there, so that brought some comfort.

With her being a hellhound and all, she didn't mind the dark and apparently had fun hunting some of the volcra in there. When I first learned she was still there, I ventured to the edge of the Fold late at night to see her.

The Shadow Fold wasn't as scary as it was before. Not only because of my hellhound but the shadows started to feel familiar. Every time I made my way to the edge of the Fold, they seemed to reach out to me and I couldn't figure out why. Maybe it was Hades' mark? He said it would protect me from darkness that meant harm, maybe this darkness doesn't? Does that even make any sense or am I having a Seaweed Brain moment?

I was pulled out of my thoughts when Sergeant Teplov called for the gate of the skiff to be raised. I turned my head to face him when a familiar head of dark hair caught my attention. I briskly walked over to where Mal and Alina were standing.