The Tears • Book Three

Chapter 23- The Armor

Author's Note: I hope you like my story! Feel free to voice your opinion, ask any questions and point out any mistakes I make.

Ivy's POV

I pace in my room, nervously awaiting the time when I will have to talk to my advisors about Nia. This has gone too far already, something needs to be done. But I feel so torn, so conflicted. My thoughts are everywhere. I can't think straight, I can't concentrate on anything except the little voice in my head chanting,

"This is wrong, this is wrong, this is wrong..."

It's irritating.

Sighing, I decide what to do to help myself calm down. I calmly walk through the castle halls, wanting to look strong to anyone that passes me while inside all I want to do is curl into a ball, cry, scream, and never go outside. I push past my fear and descend the cold, stone steps into the lowest levels of the dungeon.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I see Cerin in his cage and it breaks my heart all over again. It always does. I stand in front of the door, looking down at him sitting down, leaning against a wall with his eyes closed. I wonder if he's sleeping.

"What do you want now, Ivy?" He asks, sounding tired. I guess he's not sleeping after all.

"Well, I just wanted to talk. Serious stuff just happened, forcing me to do something I'd rather not do." I tell him, putting my back to the wall in my usual position and sliding down to sit on the floor next to Cerin with only golden, enchanted bars between us.

"You smell like death." Cerin creepily states, "Did people die?" Sighing, I answer,

"Yes." Cerin sniffs the air and his eyes widen in surprise. He confidently smirks and says,

"It was Lauren. I recognise that stench of hers. However, it's mixed with something new. It seems like she has finally been able to create those Dark Scorpions she was planning. I wonder if she has a proper name for them yet." I stare dumbfounded at him, surprised that he knows so much about this attack.

"How do you..."

"Know about the Scorpions? I spent some time with Lauren while I was at the castle, she told me about some of her projects. This was one of them." Cerin shrugs nonchalantly like it's no big deal. But, it's a huge deal. If I can get Cerin back to his normal self soon, then he will be a huge advantage in the war. He will be able to tell me the weaknesses of any beasts they decide to throw our way.

"But you know what this attack will cause."

"I know. I also know that you don't want to do it, but you have to. There's nothing you can do to stop this from happening.

"I know."

Nia's POV

"Open it."

"No, not yet. I'll do it later."

"Why not do it now?"

"I just want to spend time with you without stressing about anything."

"We will always find time to be together, but for now the letter is of a higher priority than us."

"But we just got back together, we're not even official yet!"