Necromancer For Hire- Arc 8

Arc 8, Chapter 35

The Concern

Icy slush crumbled under Umbra’s dress shoes, his path made clearer by following in Aunora’s much larger footsteps. Aunora led the party, closely followed by Morena and Seraph. Esper stuck to the middle, while Matthew guarded the rear. Umbra let himself fall behind, coming to Matthew’s side.

Matthew had been uncharacteristically sullen for the past several days, only putting on a cheerful face to Seraph or Esper. He and Umbra had barely even had a serious conversation since Victor left.

Umbra laid a hand on Matthew’s bicep, keeping his gaze locked forward. “Are you alright?”

Matthew forced a smile. “I'm fine.”

“Don't lie to me,” Umbra murmured, cutting his sharp eyes at Matthew, “We've known each other for almost ten years. I know when you're not yourself.”

Umbra saw something dark flicker across Matthew's eyes. He remained silent.

“Fine, then who's Morena? Who is she really?”

Matthew’s grin became more pained. Umbra felt his arm quiver. “Don't worry about it. I'm not interested in her. She's like a sister to me.” His voice cracked.

Umbra’s upper lip rose in a snarl. “You know that's not what I mean.”

“I knew her as a child, okay?” he murmured, his smile fading, “That's all I want to say. I don't want to talk about my childhood.” Matthew lifted his head, grey eyes flashing behind his glasses, his stern gaze cutting through Umbra like a knife, “I'm sure you would understand that.”

Umbra became tense, head dipping between his shoulders. He tried to erase the image of Apastron from his mind.

Matthew shook his head, staring at Umbra in sudden shock. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...to bring that up… I've just been thinking a lot, that's all. I don't want you to worry yourself sick over me. I'll be fine. We have bigger things to worry about now.”

Umbra wrapped his hands tighter around Matthew's arm, taking in his sweet smell. “Speaking of bigger problems, what do we do with Morena? She’s proved herself as a traitor, but we need her firepower.”

“‘Traitor?’ Don't act so innocent, Umbry.”

“What are you talking about?”

“If Victor was the one that had been ripped from your arms, you'd do anything in your power to get him back...even what she did. You're just as devoted to him as Morena was to Salvador,” Matthew replied, shrugging, “I'm even guilty in this regard. I'd do anything to protect you.”

Umbra paused, a bitter frown twisting his lips as he processed Matthew's words. “She was still despicable.”

Matthew responded without missing a beat. “Love can make you do despicable things.”

“Hey, you two,” Aunora barked, turning her head, “Buck up. Look where we are.”

Umbra’s throat became tight as he recognized the alleyways spiraling around them. This was the same place they had searched for the Circle of Life.

Umbra dug his nails into Matthew’s torso, a wave of pain hitting the scars on his face. “Matthew, I don't want to be here.”

Matthew placed his arm around Umbra, pulling him close. “I'm afraid we don't have a choice.”

Aunora led them further, taking an unexpected turn, bringing them into a more open part of the area. Abandoned and ransacked buildings surrounded them, broken glass and garbage littering the tattered streets. Cool winter air sliced through open windows, sending a chill down Umbra’s back.

“I think we got our target,” Aunora muttered, crossing her arms.

She stood before the tallest of all the buildings, a multi-story structure with boarded up windows and doors. It seemed all but lively.

“I sense living creatures within,” Esper whispered, clutching the satchel that hung on his shoulder.

Umbra wiped the sweat from his hands, joining Aunora’s side. “We're gonna raid every floor until we find Victor and Salvador. I want us to stay together, but we're going to have to fight in units. Morena and Matthew, you're with me. Aunora will take Esper and Seraph.”

Umbra held out palm, a flash of magic turning into his war scythe. In the blade’s reflection, he saw his own face, determined and worn.

This was it. It was now or never.

Author's Note- hey guys! id really like to thank yall for reading this!! :) remember to vote and comment ♡♡♡