Obsidian's Reign ¹

∷ Chapter 40 ∷

MORNING WAS JUST around the corner when Clara and Jae stumbled out of the portal and onto the Surface at the other end. She could hear birds chirping from the high canopies far above them, drapes of greenery shielded the harsh rays as she surveyed the surrounding forest they'd landed in.

"Where are we?" she asked, glancing at Jae who had his eyes closed as he rested against the trunk of a nearby tree.

"I have no idea," he mumbled in exhaustion. "It's a new portal Celdric crafted for our perusal. The destination might be randomised to throw the king off."

Clara nodded, taking a moment to look around her in wonder. She noted the distinct differences between the two realms—the lightness in the air a huge contrast to the cramped stuffiness of the Underworld she'd grown so used to. Still, a change in the environment was welcoming, especially when she hadn't realised just how much she missed her life on the Surface.

She inhaled the crisp morning air, a genuine smile settling itself on her features as she followed Jae's lead and nestled comfortably against the nearest tree. They were the first to arrive and had to wait for the others before proceeding with their mission, it was only natural to take what little rest they could while they waited. But Clara could not stop herself from worrying about the others, somehow finding her thoughts straying once more to one particular demon.

She glanced at Jae's resting form, tempted to voice her concerns yet unable to bring herself to interrupt his peaceful slumber. She was about to turn away and force herself to forget about the matter when she was startled by his piercing gaze on hers.

"You were awake the whole time?" she asked.

"I could feel you staring at me," Jae responded. "It was unsettling."

"Sorry," Clara mumbled, overtaken with sudden embarrassment.

She turned away for real this time, determined to get some rest when she was interrupted by his distinct huff.

"What's bothering you?"

"What?"

"Come on," he said, gesturing for her to come clean with her troubled thoughts. "Let's talk. I know something's bothering you. What is it?"

"I know it's nothing, but I'm just . . . worried about Zephyr," she finally admitted, chewing on the inside of her cheek as she awaited his response.

Jae stared at her for a few seconds, seemingly waiting for her to continue, but when she said nothing else, he found himself raising his eyebrows at her in genuine surprise.

Instead of acknowledging her concern or refuting it as she'd expected, he said, "And Rylan as well?"

Clara blinked.

"You are worried about Rylan as well, aren't you?" Jae reiterated.

Having recalled her mistake, she immediately moved to amend her fault in words.

"Y-Yes, of course. I'm worried about Rylan too," she said, choosing to ignore the way she'd stuttered.

An amused chuckle escaped him as he shook his head.

"You are so predictable."

Despite having avoided his gaze initially, she couldn't help but sneak a glance in his direction, curious as to the meaning behind his words. Catching her gaze, Jae scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"You're only worried about Zeph, aren't you?"

Clara opened her mouth to refute his claims, but couldn't seem to say a word of denial. Eventually, she sighed, shoulders slumping as she nodded.