Page 27 of Darkness Consuming
Chapter Fifteen
Forever
Violence
“Daddy,” Amandria copies notes from the King’s journal, dotting her I’s with little inky hearts, “The Strengthening of Souls, have you tried that one yet? If you make the soul more powerful it seems they nearly become a solid structure. And this Bound by Power line here, does that mean they’re something like a servant?” Her index finger glides along the text.
My eyes narrow on her ass-kissing ways. As much as I hate being here with my father, I hate that it’s a family event even more. As if she cares at all what any of this means.
I waited with anxiety knotting my stomach all through breakfast for my father to mention Cameron’s absence. It was never brought up. Just like when I tried to use his own sedative against him, it was simply ignored.
I have one day at the most before he notices Cameron’s missing. One day to put a plan into action. It’s now or never. I’ve learned all I can of what he’s done, who he’s harmed, and what will happen if he’s no longer there to sort through his stolen souls. The ones he hasn’t devoured, they can be put back … I’ll just have to figure out where they belong.
A prickling feeling crawls down my arm, interrupting my plotting. It’s a knowing sensation. It’s familiar even. The under the skin feeling is that of the Wild Hunt. It’s something I haven’t felt for nearly a month.
Not even when Nollix is near.
I glance to Jeriko to see if he feels it too. With wide eyes, he nods after every single thing my father says. Sometimes I wonder what they discuss when I’m not here. They’re closer now. More of a father-son duo than I’ve ever seen.
It’s insufferable.
Another wave of the prickling washes through my body, and I take a quiet step back from their table. Both of them continue to discuss the swirling handwriting in my father’s journal. Some of his notes are word for word what’s detailed in the book of Severed Souls.
Another three steps back and then I turn and slip away from the room entirely.
I walk on hesitant steps aimlessly through the dark building. It’s set up like a home and a war bunker all at the same time. Thick sheets of metal lead me down a long hall and as I near the end, the prickling feeling starts to become piercing.
It’s more intense than I’ve ever felt.
My hand pushes across a metal door knob. Nerves buzz all through my body.
The door swings open under my touch and there, standing in the corner, is Nollix Forester. There’s no godly glow around his image. Smooth skin and a tilted smile make up the man before me. I can’t explain it, but I just know.
He’s really here.
My gaze sweeps back and forth across the room. A shining desk sits in the far corner. The stack of papers my father was working on last night are toppled over and muddy.
The mud caking Nollix’s dark boots catches my attention.
The high ceilings are smooth, dark and entirely ordinary.
“How did you get here?” The door pushes closed behind me and I turn the lock firmly in place. I lean there against the warm door for several moments just admiring the sharp details of his gorgeous features.
I can’t help but remember how his lips felt against mine last night. Tingling and warm. Soft and caressing, so gentle it made me ache for more.
Stalking steps bring him an inch from me. His gaze darts between mine eyes before he finally pushes his big palms beneath my shirt to grip my hips. The light touch against my back digs in and he pulls me to his chest. The smooth feel of his hands on my body causes a twirling effect within my core.
His head tilts closer as he whispers against my lips.
“That spot just above your father’s desk is a veiled entrance. It’s an exit of sorts too, but it’ll be hell to climb out of.”
“How did you—where are we?”
The way he smiles isn’t comforting. It’s a manic smile that makes me wonder how stable his mind really is.
“It’s funny you should ask that.” His thumb brushes over my lower lip as his palm cups my jaw. “We’re just below the bell tower. I’d say we’re a few miles beneath the earth’s surface but a part of my soul was able to come here and Link’s couldn’t. So …”
My eyes widen slightly.
