Guiding Light (GxGxG)

13. Seraphina!

Rhea's POV

There was an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach as Cora walked out of the chamber room. I could feel how much my actions had hurt her, keeping the knowledge about her mother a secret. I'm sorry I did. At the time, I saw no reason that would benefit her, to share this knowledge until after the war was over. And by then, perhaps her mother would survive and be inclined to let it be known. But now, I'm realising just how much keeping this from Cora was just as hindering as if she'd known.

At the moment, she didn't trust me as much and I couldn't blame her. Therefore, despite my unease, I let her go without following her, giving her the space she requested to regroup.

In the meantime, I remained in the council chamber as the kingdom's defences were organised. Since we got back to the Underworld, Corissa and Amy's presence has been drawing attacks on the Kingdom. Amy's blood is sending the bloodsuckers into a frenzy. As if it wasn't already enough to be fighting off the vampires, the Grey Bloods started flooding in waves. I guess I should still be grateful we didn't have to deal with the witches or werefolks yet. I don't think Vivienne would take attacking her own very well, nor would Sera. 

I could hear the distant sounds of battle echoing through the palace walls. My heart pounded with urgency. It's been half an hour since Corissa left and the attacks were only getting worse by the minute. I needed her ready now.

"Hold the line!" Selene shouted to the soldiers, her voice carrying through the chaos. "We can't let them breach the walls!"

I turned to Thalia, who was coordinating the defensive efforts. "Who is with Amy?"

"There are some guards with her. I made sure they arrived before I left."

I nodded in approval. "Okay. She should be fine then. We need every available soldier at the front. Keep them organised and focused."

Thalia nodded. "Understood, Rhea."

I took a deep breath, my mind racing as I tried to remind myself that Corissa needed time. The time that I had promised to give to her. But the situation was dire now, and we couldn't afford to wait much longer.

After giving instructions to the soldiers and making the command for them to get Sera, I made my way back into the palace and to Corissa's quarters. Unlike Thalia said, there were no guards outside or anywhere in the hallway of this wing of the palace. The desolation stirred a thought within my head and I let it faster for a moment. Where had all the guards gone and why? Why did they leave without coming to let me know?

I was furious but then, the fury gave way to something else and unease twisted in my gut as I pushed through the opened door. My eyes scanned the room. The bed was perfectly made, with only a single book lying on it. Everything else in the room was undisturbed. It was unoccupied, empty. 

Panic surged through me and the worst thoughts began to flood my mind.

My heart raced as I left the room again, the weight of her and Amy's absence pressing down on me. Where were they? I had to find them. Cora was essential to our mission, and the kingdom needed her now more than ever. I needed her now more than ever. I hurried through the castle halls, my mind racing with worry so much so that I could barely think.

I found Selene coordinating the defence efforts with Thalia, and I rushed up to them. "I can't find Corissa!" I said, my voice tight with urgency. "She's not in her quarters."

Selene's eyes widened with concern. "What about Amy? Have you checked the premises?"

"I will now, but Amy is gone too."

"They must be together," Thalia suggested, and I knew she was right. Corissa wouldn't ever leave Amy. Ever.

"We need to find them," I declared, desperately.