The Crystal Mines

23 Nik

I wasn't sure how long I had been unconscious. Faolan and Sorin passed out a while ago while Callion and I labored to reach Ameer. Callion had his eyes closed, but after many months living in the same cell as him, I knew he was awake. My head and back ached where the crystal dug into my body at all angles. My wrists bled more as my feet and legs got weaker, trying and failing at remaining standing. I rolled my head to the other side, searching the cavern. The Siblings sat by the entrance like good little soldiers and Reed sat on a nearby crystal, cutting an apple and eating the pieces off the tip of his dagger. The only sound was the dripping of water, echoing off the walls of the cavern.

The Siblings are trained to only obey.

I flicked my gaze to Callion, who was looking at me. Though his body was draining of color, his eyes were giant sapphires, strong and sharp.

What are they? And I thought they could hear us speak this way.

I retaliated, angry he didn't speak to me more freely before now.

They can if they are close enough. And the crystal magnifies our magical strength, even as it saps us of our blood. What they are, I'm not sure. They are The Crystalists. They are employed by Erix to study Crystals. I believe there is a Master at the university that is a Crystalist as well. Though he was outcast from The Siblings.

Jorah. You speak of Jorah. Saying his name brought bile to my throat. I had thought he was a simple man, even in his constant crazed state.

Yes, Jorah. He is a genius, though his mind turns in on itself every now and then.

We were both avoiding talking about Ameer and the way he acted with both of us. A conversation that couldn't be had just yet.

He doesn't look like the other Siblings. His hair has color, and he doesn't carry that strange presence.

No. I think that is why he is outcast.

With the conversation ending, I wasn't sure what to say next. My throat was parched, my entire body hurt, and my mind was on its last thread.

On me, Nik. Focus on me.

I found his eyes again and allowed myself to get lost in them.

If you hate me so much, why are you nice to me?

Callion scoffed out loud, a quiet puff of air at his arrogance.

I don't hate you. He looked down. Not really. But don't make the mistake that kindness and I ever exist at the same time.

You're dramatic. I let my eyes close, only for a second.

He ignored my poor attempt at goading him. You're slipping. Focus on me, Nik. Only a little longer and they will take us to the labs.

I blinked. I had forgotten Erix mentioned the labs. That was what Sorin and Callion truly feared. I saw it on their faces. Reed tossed his apple core to the ground and stood, walking up to the Siblings, poking one in the chest. His movements halting our conversation.

"You guys really don't move unless you're told, do you? Gods you don't even blink."

The Sibling, Mohan, if I was remembering the braid correctly, didn't even flinch. Bored, Reed walked to us, twirling his dagger with skill. Callion and I watched as he sat closer than before, leaning forward on his knees.