Arcanae [Book 1]

Chpt. 26 // Lake Serenity

The remainder of the discussion became a great blur that clouded my memory. Theos' words had become nought but a haunting chime that continued to echo through my mind evermore. 

And here I sat now, teetering along the precipices of uncertainty and self-doubt, forced to ponder the validity of my past encounter. The anguish in my body - and the goosebumps - that repeatedly rose to the surface whenever I thought back to that cursed meeting were pleading a desperate case for me not to omit what I had seen.

The Crow perished two decades ago.

Those blasted words sent me tumbling down a slanted staircase of doubt.

The further I succumbed, the more prominent the idea of dismissing the verity of my adventure accompanying the Elder. 

I bellowed a sigh laced with the essence of my confusion, muttering out a disbelieving comment, "It- it cannot be true."

It felt as though my sense had betrayed me - for there was no possibility the Elder had left behind the mortal plain - was there?

I reclined up against the water barrels out at the front of the Silver Tempest, I lowered my shoulders, continuing to reflect on one of Theos' comments.

"Both beginner and adept Magick-users akin are well capable of sensing the presence of other mages. I, myself, felt the Elder's presence fade from this world many, many moons ago. I daresay, only once have I been deceived through an expertly crafted false aura. However, I ill believe Lady Astrid Elrich is remotely skilled enough to attain such mastery. Unless . .  ."

At the time, Theos' thoughts had drifted off, succumbing to untold thoughts.

The prospect scared me beyond comprehension, for I feared I could not fathom the Elder's nature if she was truly able to deceive both Theos and Undinae despite their incredible abilities.

I squeezed my eyes shut, the mere memory inciting a looming dread.

Once I would return to Crescent Isle, I knew with utmost certainty I was bound for Crow's Perch to solve the mystery at hand.

I shook my head, dismissing the notion as I spotted the outline of a landmass out on the horizon - the sighting of World's End was a welcomed one. I beamed an eager smile out into the ocean's vast reaches, then only half a moment later, the edges of my lips plummeted down as a frown rose to the forefront. 

My eyes widened, flickering with a hesitant amazement. 

At first, I believed it was a dormant storm that lied in wait - for there were bright-blue bolts of lightning striking down from behind it.

Alas, it was not something I had ever seen before - no, it was frankly bizarre.

The skies behind World's End were twisting and deforming. Skyborne clouds descended from the heavens to kiss the tidal waves, creating an opaque curtain that sustained itself along the entire horizon—as far as the eye could see. 

The lower stairs to the main deck creaked, and up came Adelaide, excitedly roaring at the top of her lungs, "World's End! Here we are at last!" Her voice drowned out the overhead seagulls that danced around the crow's nest. 

Though an inkling of worry yet remained, I could not help but chuckle seeing her so profoundly happy. 

Walking up to me, Theos spotted the likely hint of wonder in my eyes, mustering a quiet smile before gesturing me to join Adelaide, commenting, "Pray, I believe your heart has craved landfall for a while now."

Indeed, I had. 

Though pleased with all my accomplishments on the ship, I was ecstatic to finally lay down in the middle of some wheatfield - listening to whoever was nigh's chit-chatter. I was starting to shake, my nerves overtaken by the joyous realisation that we were bound to have solid ground below our feet once more, finally.