The Crystal Mines

15 Ameer

I was getting anxious as time grew nearer to rescuing those at Salvare University. Rion was supposed to be working with Jakota and Eliza in finalizing the details. According to Jakota, he didn't trust my plan. I didn't care if he was supposed to be good all of a sudden, I still didn't like or trust the man. When we had returned from the meeting with Eliza and Rion, we had filled Volar in with all that we had learned. He didn't trust Rion either, but we had to make do with what we had. The only thing Rion had going for him was that he had been presented to see the murder of King Thorald Varilien. It was a well-kept secret that, if mentioned to the public, would only be conspiracy. Only Cal could speak the truth and be believed, if we could ever free him, Nik, and Faolan.

As I sat in front of Volar in his office going over the blueprint of the university and castle grounds, I felt the pressure of the coming days. I had to keep it together. Too many people and too many kingdoms hinged on rescuing those we loved. I had considered contacting my father, but it was not a route I was willing to put at risk just yet. That would have to be if all hope was indeed lost. Sighing, I moved the pebbles representing our group across the map, near the docks by Jorah's tower. Volar put his hands on his hips, thinking about my idea.

"Is there no other way?" He asked with defeat.

I shook my head. "I don't see another one. The cells in the basement under the university are only accessed through the stairs in Erix office. His office is too exposed, and I won't put any of the students at risk. If we try to climb, the guards will see, especially the Auramancy masters. The only way I see us getting in and out is through the docks."

My thoughts were interrupted as Taury walked into the office and placed two cups of tea on the desk for us. Garren followed, sipping his own cup. I grabbed mine and took a piping hot sip as we all stared at the shitty plan laid out before us.

"What does Jakota think?" Taury asked.

I laughed at the face my old friend made. He was appalled and wasn't afraid to tell me it was terrible. "He laughed in my face." Taury snorted into her cup, the sound echoing. "Rion thinks it's a terrible idea too." She swallowed and rolled her eyes, before placing her cup on the desk in front of her.

"I'm not surprised. I—"

Something exploded in the main area. People were screaming as more crashes sounded. I armed myself with my dagger and a ball of fire in the other hand and followed the noise. Taury and Garren took off after me, armed and ready. There. A crash in the kitchen. I sprinted, my heart pounding. It was too soon. They couldn't have found us yet. Unless. Gods. If Rion betrayed us, I would flay him. Jaixin and Rayze ran after us, arming themselves as well. When we passed the rooms, the girls emerged, hands full of magic at the ready. With my friends at my heal, we all entered the kitchen.

Zarah was huddled in the corner with Zayden peaking out from under her arms, his magic sputtering in his hands. Around the kitchen something popped in and out of existence, crashing into the cupboards and through the sink water. Any glimpses I got was a black blur. What in the Hells? I stepped forward cautiously. Something popped above the counter and skidded across the surface, rolling as it went. Something fury and soaking wet. Zayden pushed away from Zarah and scrambled to the counter. I moved to stop him, but he picked the thing up and cradled it in his arms.

"It's so cute!" He crooned.

I went over to him and saw that he was holding what looked like a tiny flying monkey. This wasn't a good sign.

"Can we keep him?"

"You can't." I said flatly.

Zayden looked at me, ready to whine. "What? Why not?"