Falling for the Enemy (Sun and Moon Book 1)

Chapter 46 - Crystal Catacombs

I walk through the cavern, looking for a way out and knowing that I won't find one. The green crystals are beautiful, but they're a prison. A prison keeping me from getting to Zuko.

Keeping me from understanding.

They must have figured out that we're Fire Nation. It's the only explanation. And now they could be doing Agni knows what to Zuko and Uncle, and I'm trapped down here! I kick a stone out of the way, and it bounces off the wall.

Then I sit down and rub my foot, trying not to cry.

Where is Zuko?

Where is my husband?

That is my mantra now.

Where is my husband?

I'm so afraid for him! Suddenly I hear a groaning sound from above me, and I stand and stare up at it.

An earthbender, Di Lee by the looks of his clothes, stands at the entrance to a tunnel. Another Di Lee shoves a third person through the tunnel- Zuko!

I don't pay any attention as the Di Lee close the tunnel. I just run to Zuko. He stands and sweeps me into his arms. He holds me so tightly that I don't think he'll ever let me go. I don't want him to let go.

"I don't understand, how did they get you too?!" He clutches both sides of my face, and there is terror in his eyes.

"They took me from the tea shop right after you and Uncle left. I thought they'd done something horrible to you! Where's Uncle?"

"He- he got away." I breath a sigh of relief.

"We will too, don't worry. They can't have proof that we're Fire Nation, so as long as we lay low for awhile it'll blow over and they'll let us go."

Zuko groans. "No. It won't."

"Why not? Don't be so pessimistic, Koko."

He draws me closer, presses his forehead against mine. Sighs against my lips. Every part of us is touching, and Zuko is breathing me in as if he is drowning and I am fresh air.

"Zuko-"

"Don't. Just- don't, Kara. I- I won't ask you to forgive me. I know you won't. Just- just remember that I love you, Kara. No matter what, I will always love you."

"Zuko, what are you talking about?" He is scaring me. "We'll get out of this, we'll be just fine. Everything is going to be oka-"

I'm cut off by laughter. I turn my head to see a tall young woman standing a few feet away from us. She is pale and has amber eyes, just like Zuko. She is dressed like an Earth Kingdom noble, but I know that she is Fire Nation.

There's just something about her.

I don't like her.

"Oh. How sweet. You didn't tell her, did you, Zuzu? How very like Father you are." The girl laughs, and I am frozen. Father?

This is- this is Zuko's sister?

Zuko steps in front of me, between me and her. "Leave her out of this, Azula."

But the girl- Azula- just keeps talking.

"It's so devious, brother. Keeping the Avatar's little waterbender all to yourself, letting him think she died when she fell off that cliff. I couldn't have come up with a better plan myself."