Bride of Alvar (Redemption Saga, Book 1)

Chapter 31

By the time we're done feasting I feel as if my stomach has expanded to maximum capacity, but, holy crap, had that food been delicious! On that positive note, I can't shake the devastation creeping into my soul.

Three days until Saul returns.

Three days left to spend with Alvar as himself.

We are seated next to each other at the table and my hand covers his. He's almost cold to the touch, his skin is so pale and there is no light in his eyes.

My heart breaks for him. I can't imagine what he's thinking and feeling.

Yal and Sola rise from their seats. "We shall retire to the nest," Yal says. "There is much to meditate on."

"But feel free to ask for anything of the staff, they will accommodate if you are still hungry or in need of drink. You may stay the night here if you wish, but I understand if you decide to take care of other matters," Sola assures. Her expression is sympathetic. "We shall pray and hope for salvation from Saul and the other evil forces at work in Axus."

Alvar leans to whisper in my ear, "Lucy, let's get out of here."

"Huh?" I ask.

"There isn't much time left, I don't want to spend a minute of it away from you." He grips my hand in his. "Is there anything you wish to do?"

"Yes," I manage the words, but I am still numb, too much is happening at once. I can't focus on him. The fate of Axus is up to me. "My mom. I want to send her back to earth. Save her life."

"Of course," Alvar agrees, and stands. "We shall go back to Underlund, to our palace."

"Thank you," I mouth. And he whispers something to one of the staff.

"What was that about?" I ask him as we walk to the ledge of Sola and Yal's home. The night air is warm and the moons glow in the sky casting their light on the us. 

"I would like Leeza, Fletch, and Grey to go home to their families," Alvar answers. "If this truly is the end of a pleasant world, especially for those who live in Underlund first, they need to spend as much time with what matters to them as possible."

"Oh, Alvar," I murmur.

Alvar leaps from the ledge and at first I wonder what on earth he's doing, but I note he's shifting forms. Moments later his Cursed form crawls upon the ledge, it's intimidating face at my level. "Get on my back. I am faster than any uldon."

I didn't dare argue.

*

We soar just below the cloud line, the moons illuminate the landscape below us in white and purple light. The wind from his speed whips my hair and at this altitude it's cold, I lean low and embrace his broad neck, his body is heated underneath me, the Cursed form has fire in its belly. The landscape changes, we leave the floating islands behind and we're in Underlund again, I can see the jungles beneath us. I ache with a longing up until recently I'd been unfamiliar with.

"Can we land?" I shout above the wind, taking matters into my own hands.

"Why?" Alvar asks.

"Do you know a place we can go to be alone?" Whoa, I'm surprising myself at my boldness, but I want something we can remember forever and draw strength from when our world ends.

"Lucy, time is short," Alvar's voice rumbles back as if he's scolding me. 

"But if it really is this short than... You said you wanted to spend every minute of it with me. Let's make our last days together count, you are about to lose everything, your free will is about to be taken," I begin, and I stop myself from picturing what that means. "Where can we go?"