Born of Flames

Chapter 28 ~ Parasite and Host

    The tunnel had grown increasingly steeper as Morana, Arlon, and Neeri progressed through it. The slope had been gradual at first, but now, it left each of them huffing for breath and groaning in relief when they paused to take a break.

    Morana's legs wobbled so much each time she sat down that she'd begun dragging out the intervals between breaks, fearing that she might not be able to get up again. The gnawing hunger in her gut and her dry, scratchy throat weren't helping either.

    They'd used up the water she'd collected from the underground stream though they'd done their best to conserve it. She and Neeri didn't have any scraps of food on them and Morana knew the worry that was grating at her friend.

    Arlon might be healed of his wounds, but he remained pale and she occasionally caught a glimpse of his shaking hands. He needed food and rest, but neither were an option yet. She was grateful she'd been able to help Neeri at least.

    Morana had all but forced her to take a few mouthfuls of her blood. Arlon had offered initially, but Neeri refused, not wanting to weaken him further. It was at his behest and Morana's threats to leave her behind that Neeri had digressed and taken some of her blood.

    She had sensed something unspoken between the pair in that moment though. There was an air of tension and confusion between them, leaving her to wonder what had happened when she'd left them alone. Perhaps they'd argued over Neeri coming back for Arlon, or how Arlon had forced Neeri to leave the gravesite?

    Morana had tried to give them some space in the hopes that they'd work out whatever was going on, but either Neeri hurried to catch up with her, or Arlon fell in step directly behind Morana and told her it wasn't wise to separate herself from the group. They seemed determined not to speak privately to each other again.

    Morana straightened as a sudden draft of air ruffled her hair. Arlon and Neeri paused beside her and all three of them exchanged wary glances. "We must be near an exit," Arlon said. "The air smells fresh."

    "And cold," Neeri added. "I think you're right about the mountains, Mor."

    "Let's find out." Morana drew Noxbane and readied herself while Neeri passed her sword to Arlon.

    He shot her a disapproving look. "We all know I'm better at fighting in wolf form," was all Neeri said. Arlon didn't protest and the two of them flanked Morana as she trekked up the last segment of the tunnel.

•༻☽☾༺•

    Tarion was nearing the end of the strange black book they'd found and nearby, Gaelen was sorting through the contents of the last chest. He cleared his throat and Tarion looked up to see him holding a dagger forged of black stone. The Wisp let out a revolted hiss, catching their attention.

    "You know this blade?" Gaelen asked.

    "He used it for his experiments," the Little God spat. "It's what he used to cut himself with when he fed a piece of his body to me. I saw him use it on Fae too. He cut open their chests and placed slivers of himself inside."

    Tarion's eyes widened. "That's what Neeri said he did to her, and to Rhidian."

    The Wisp bowed its head. "They were male and female. A Shifter and a Fae." It pointed an obsidian talon at the book in Tarion's hands. "He was reading from that before he performed his experiment. That was the last time the dark Lord was down here."

    Tarion hurriedly flipped to the back of the book and began to read its final entries. "Gods," he breathed. "This is it."

    "What does it say?" Gaelen urged.