Empyreal, Book 1

Chapter 28

Malachi stalked down the shadowy hallway, his footsteps echoing off the cold stone walls. The flickering candlelight cast his tall, dark figure in an ominous glow as he approached the heavy oak door of his private study. With a glance behind him, he produced an intricate iron key from his coat and unlocked the door.

Inside, the study was dimly lit by a few candles ensconced along the walls. Malachi swiftly crossed the room to his massive desk of carved ebony wood. He unlocked the bottom drawer and pulled it open slowly, the old wood creaking. Nestled inside were two items - a large silver moonstone that pulsed with pale light, and an ancient leather-bound tome titled The Earthsong.

Malachi's beautiful baby blues turned black as he gazed at the two powerful artifacts. His thin lips curled into a satisfied smile. The moonstone and the book were just as he had left them, still safely under his control. He ran a long, pale finger over the moonstone, feeling its energy thrumming under his touch. Yes, the power was still his to command.

With great care, Malachi replaced the artifacts in the drawer and locked it securely once more. He stood motionless for a moment, his hands on the desk, dreaming of the moment when his plan finally fell into place.

Malachi's plotting was interrupted by a sharp knock at the study door. He let out an irritated huff and called out, "Enter."

The door creaked open and Roan stepped hesitantly into the room.

"Well? What is it?" Malachi snapped impatiently.

Roan shifted his weight from one foot to the other nervously. "My lord, I'm afraid Sarah has wandered off again."

Malachi's eyes flashed dangerously. "What? With whom?" he demanded.

"I'm not sure, my lord," Roan replied, keeping his gaze lowered submissively. "One of the kitchen girls saw her leaving through the postern gate with a man. His face was hidden by a hood."

Malachi grabbed his face in anguish. "Are you kidding me?" he exclaimed angrily. He began to pace back and forth behind his desk. "Let me guess...it was Dorian, wasn't it?"

Roan gave a small nod.

Malachi cursed under his breath.

"That impudent whelp!" Malachi spat. He swept his arm across his desk in fury, sending papers and quills flying. "I want her found and brought back here at once, do you understand?"

"Yes, my lord," Roan replied quickly. "Right away."

Malachi waved a hand dismissively. As Roan retreated from the study, Malachi sank down into his high-backed chair, seething with rage. His fists were clenched so tightly they shook. Somehow, he would make that naive girl and the pestilent Dorian pay for defying him.

Malachi sat brooding in silence for several long moments after Roan's departure. The only sound was the ticking of the antique clock on the wall and the crackling of the fire in the hearth. His mind turned over possibilities for tracking down and punishing Sarah and Dorian. Perhaps he would bind their powers permanently, or banish them to the shadow realms. A cruel smile curled his lips at the thought.

Abruptly, Malachi stood. He could not waste time dwelling on vengeance now. Securing

Sarahs powers had to be his priority.

Malachi focused as his voice echoed unexpectedly in Kai's mind, the psychic link forming between them. "Kai, I need your help. Sarah is in danger, we must find her."

Kai tensed, unsure whether to trust the sinister man's plea. Yet something in Malachi's tone gave him pause. It lacked the usual mocking edge, sounding almost desperate. Against his better judgment, Kai opened his thoughts to accept the link.