SECRETS OF EVERCREST (BOOK 2)

Chapter 31: Shattered Silence

"True strength lies not in the power of one, but in the courage to face the unknown together."

December 26, 2024 - 3:00 pm

Despite Sol and Gregory’s warnings, Captain Ravenna Steele's troops dismissed their cautions about the gymnasium gate. They leaned back, chatting idly among themselves, skeptical of any so-called “threat.”

While Sol waited, Logan approached, carrying a few sandwiches and bottled water. Sol was surprised at his gesture—she hadn’t known him to be so thoughtful.

“Thanks, Logan,” she said, accepting the food. She studied him, puzzled. “You’re different… Since when did you start being nice?”

Logan chuckled, scratching his head. “Guess I owe you, after all. You saved my life back there, remember?”

Sol smiled and took a bite, letting the silence settle between them. But curiosity got the best of her, and she finally asked, “Why are you here, though? I mean, really here.”

Logan turned to her, locking eyes. His gaze was intense, unbroken, and Sol felt herself flush under the attention. “It’s complicated,” he said quietly, then added, “My father—Elias Nightshade—was a friend of Ravenna Steele. They go back… far back. And Ravenna has a daughter too, if you didn’t know. Her name’s Mara Steele.”

Sol raised an eyebrow. “So, your dad’s involved in all of this?”

Logan nodded. “He has some connections in the military around here. When Ravenna needed backup, she asked for his help. That’s how I ended up here.”

Sol couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “The mighty Captain Steele, needing help? That’s something I didn’t expect.”

Logan tilted his head, curious. “What’s so funny?”

“Oh, nothing,” she replied, hiding a smirk. But Logan wouldn’t let it go. He leaned in, closing the space between them. Sol’s heart raced as she felt his eyes searching her face.

“Come on, Sol,” he said in a teasing voice, his face just inches from hers. “Tell me.”

Before she could respond, Gregory’s voice cut through the air, snapping them out of the moment. “Sol! Ravenna Steele is heading our way—and she brought her whole entourage.”

Sol and Logan stepped back, clearing their throats and regaining composure just as Ravenna arrived, her presence commanding and fierce. She glanced at Logan, her face hardening. “Logan, what are you doing here with them?”

Logan held his ground. “I’m here because they’re telling the truth. There’s something dangerous behind that gate.”

Ravenna scoffed, dismissing him with a wave. “Enough of this nonsense. You’re letting these stories get to you.”

But before anyone could respond, the ground beneath them started to tremble. The tremor grew stronger, and a deep rumble filled the air. Ravenna’s eyes widened as she barked, “Everyone, stay alert!”

The quake subsided, leaving an eerie silence in its wake. Suddenly, the gymnasium doors burst open, shattering as something massive forced its way through—a monstrous, spider-like creature, towering and covered in grotesque, armored scales. Its eyes glowed red, and it let out a piercing shriek that made everyone’s blood run cold.

Ravenna’s face went pale, and she hesitated for a split second before shouting, “Open fire! Take it down!”

The soldiers obeyed, firing a hail of bullets at the creature. But it was resilient; the rounds barely left scratches on its thick hide.

Logan grabbed Sol’s arm, urgency in his voice. “We have to go, now.”

Sol shook her head, her gaze fixed on the creature. “No. I’m done running.”

“Sol, no!” Gregory shouted, fear flashing in his eyes. But Sol was already moving toward the creature, her hands raised, determination etched on her face.

The creature turned its attention to her, letting out a blood-curdling screech. Sol felt a surge of rage and unleashed her power, her voice echoing in a fierce yell as energy erupted from her hands. The blast tore through the creature’s body, ripping at its limbs and sending it skidding backward, wounded but not defeated.

“Sol, get back!” Gregory called, trying to pull her away. Logan stood frozen, his mouth agape as he watched her.

Amidst the chaos, Logan mumbled to himself, almost inaudibly, “I love her…”

Gregory glanced at him, raising an eyebrow but pretending not to have heard. Sol noticed Logan’s wide-eyed stare but kept her focus. “We need to leave. This thing’s going to heal.”

With one last, wary look at the monster’s fallen form, Sol, Gregory, and Logan turned and retreated from the gymnasium, Logan staying close by her side. They regrouped with the remaining troops and quickly left the area.

As they reached safety, Sol took a deep breath, her heart pounding. Logan placed a hand on her shoulder, looking at her with awe.

She glanced at him, a hint of a smile on her lips. “We make a good team, don’t we?”

Logan grinned back. “The best.”

"In the darkest moments, strength doesn’t come from power alone—it comes from those who stand with you in the storm."