Whispers of Magic

Chapter 6 : Search and Rescue

As we prepare for this urgent mission, the weight of responsibility and fear for my sister propel me forward — a fierce determination at the forefront of my mind. Leaving the council chambers behind, we rush into the night, moving down the streets. The stones echo our harsh steps in the now silent streets.

The brisk night air brushes against my skin, cooling the beads of sweat beginning to form."We should go to the Cadre barracks," huffs Garrick, attempting to get ahead. The streets are too narrow, and I quickly take the lead.

"There's not enough time," I counter in annoyance. "They would have to wake up and get ready. We need to reach the forest fast." My steps hasten as I say the words. "We should head directly to the city gates. We can corral anyone not actively guarding to go with us and have one of them sent back to the barracks for backup. If we take too long, it could already be too late." The words escape my lips before I even have a chance to think, but the truth and logic resonate clearly. I don't hear any argument from Garrick as we redirect toward the city gates.

The moon is on our side tonight, shining strongly, illuminating our winding path through narrow stone streets. I don't have time to feel fear, only adrenaline coursing through me, pumping my heart faster. The thumping of our hurried footsteps reverberates against the city walls.

"I still don't understand why the council would allow someone without a magical alignment to join a mission like this," Garrick mutters. It's hard to tell if it's skepticism or sarcasm, but it doesn't sit well with me.

Perhaps he'll never see beyond my lack of magical alignment. But I'll prove him wrong, just as I did in training.

"My lack of alignment doesn't mean I'm incapable," I retort, the words escaping in angered breaths. "I beat you, so I don't understand why you're still going on about this."

We're nearly at the city gates when he decides to reply sarcastically, rolling his eyes. "Oh, right, your victory over me was quite the display. But facing a real threat is different. Magic is our primary weapon, and you don't have a connection to it. This little experiment the council is doing is going to leave you dead."

Dead? No, I won't let it happen. The determination within me flares, overshadowing the doubts he tries to instill. Garrick's words hang in the air, but I can't let them distract me. The familiar landmarks of the stone city blur as we race by, my mind pacing just as fast with thoughts of Seraphine's safety.

My frustration from his words manifests in the clenching of my fists and my jaw tightening as we move forward. I want to punch his face just once. I curse mentally.

As we navigate the winding streets, my gaze remains fiercely focused on the moonlit path ahead. I can feel the warmth rising in my body, a surge of energy propelling me forward. Our travel from the council chambers to the city gates takes an eternity in my mind but in reality is only mere moments.

"My lack of connection didn't stop me from putting you to the ground, Garrick, so go fuck yourself," I say as we reach our destination. "Actions speak louder than words. And maybe after this mission, you'll understand a Sentinel's worth, anyone's worth, goes beyond magical alignment."

Garrick chuckles emptily, his tone ominous. "A Plunge survivor without magic. Quite the anomaly. I wonder what the Immoralis will make of you."