From the Ashes

Chapter 56 ~ True Intentions

    Upturned rocks and dirt scraped at Neeri's paws as she skidded to a halt beyond the mouth of Durga's How. Lonan slid off her back and she shifted into herself while they approached the How. Arlon slunk to her other side, still in his panther form.

    He lifted his head, jaws parted as he drank in the air. A low growl rumbled in his throat at whatever he scented. As they passed into the shadowy crypt, the scent reached Neeri too.

    Her lips peeled back in a snarl at the sight of Rhidian. He stood at the opposite end of the crypt, guarding a stone tomb erected almost mockingly in between King Azael and Queen Tissaia's. The Crown Prince entombed between his parents.

    "There you are. I was wondering if anyone would show up," Rhidian said, dropping into a swift bow of greeting. "The Prince and I were beginning to get bored. I thought I was going to have to amuse us myself."

    "I'll be more than happy to provide you with some entertainment," Lonan snapped. "Step away from the Prince."

    "Careful now. Are you sure he's even in there?" He rapped his knuckles against the stone. "I've wondered myself ever since he was sealed away. It's so silent. I couldn't stand it."

    He propped an elbow against the tomb and rested his cheek in his palm, throwing them a lopsided smirk. "You know, I tried to convince my Lord to release him long enough for me to get him screaming again. Just to make sure he's still alive and functioning. He denied my request of course."

    "And he said something else very interesting that I'm sure you'll want to hear too." Rhidian's arm dropped as he straightened, his expression turning grave. "If anyone but my Lord tries to open this tomb, its magic will kill the Prince instantly. We wouldn't want that, would we?"

    "We don't believe you," Neeri hissed. "Astaroth won't kill him until he has what he wants from Morana."

    Rhidian just shrugged. "Do you want to take that chance? I don't imagine the Phoenix would react very well to her father and her friend killing her Prince, but then again, maybe she doesn't care about him after he betrayed her. But if that were the case, you wouldn't be here."

    He spread his arms wide in invitation. "By all means. Test your theory, but don't say I didn't warn you."

    Neeri caught Arlon's eye and the male gave a vague nod. She drew her sword as he slid his claws free. Rhidian moved down the dais, fingers flexing at his sides as crimson magic spread around them. Lonan remained behind, Noxbane firmly in his grasp.

    As one, Neeri and Arlon launched themselves at Rhidian. Neeri's sword bounced off an invisible shield while a blast of magic flung Arlon back into another tomb. Neeri shifted into her wolf and slammed into Rhidian, tackling him further from the Prince's tomb. From the corner of her eye, she saw Lonan sprinting towards it.

    Then Rhidian was flying at her again and she dodged beneath his magic, ramming her head into his gut. He stumbled back into Arlon who raked his claws across the male's back. Rhidian let out a howl and glared between them with seething eyes. They just continued to circle him, keeping him pinned between them and unable to intercept Lonan.

•༻☽☾༺•

    Something was happening around him. He knew that much. His tomb had been quaking for a long while now, proof of some great power rocking the earth beneath it, but where he was, he had no idea. He couldn't hear or scent anything beyond the tomb, and he remained trapped in darkness.

    Tarion flexed his chained hands and wriggled them again. He'd been trying to get them free ever since Astaroth had come for him but was having little luck. The shackles were too tight, even with his skin slickened by blood. But if he could manage to get just one hand free, he might be able to break the other cuffs off.