Crais(21)

“Crais has two sides. The dark side, where there are no suns, is where the sacred priests make our homes. We survive only on the good will of our people, since nothing lives without the suns’ light. It is both deadly and essential to us. To traverse between the two sides you must use the sacred waters. It runs through the centre of Crais and is our life-giving savior.”

“What would have happened if the water hadn’t accepted our intentions?” Talina spoke up for the first time, her voice harsher than usual.

Jordan shrugged, his skin rippling again. “You would never have made it to the other side.”

Talina looked at us. “I take it back. Spurns are downright hospitable.”

Lucas let the smallest smile grace his cold features. He liked Talina, but unfortunately not enough to leave me alone.

“Your journey will be shorter and less uncomfortable on return. Channa will help you. Tell her you’re looking for Fury and that she is to assist you in any way.”

With that said, Jordan got to his feet and led the way to the water. Struggling out of the hammock seat, I followed, not at all excited to travel back. I could probably have traced or used a doorway, but I was pretty sure that would create mistrust and fear and we still needed their assistance.

“Hold my hand, Abbs. I don’t think I can go through that again. Wait, how was your claustrophobia?” Lucy tugged me to a halt.

I thought about it for a beat. “Honestly, I was so busy trying to free myself that I never even gave it moment’s attention.” Weird. Usually if I’d been surrounded by that cloying water fear would have consumed me. “Maybe I’m getting over it.”

Yeah, just like that I’d move past a life-long phobia.

She snorted. “Abbs, I was there when you screamed yourself hoarse because the bed sheets wrapped around you and you couldn’t get your arms out. Don’t tell me it’s just disappeared.”

“I remember. You laughed until you cried, and at no point made any attempt to free me. Remind me why we’re friends again?”

She laughed. “It was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. And you like the friendship perks.”

I raised my eyebrows.

“You know: quirky wit, fashion advice ... free shirts.”

“Maybe the shirts,” I acknowledged.

We were at the edge of the water now. Lucy was holding my right hand so I reached with my left for Talina’s. Lucas didn’t bother, simply stepping off into the darkness. I breathed a little easier when he wasn’t so close.

“Ready, girls?” Lucy said, barely a stutter in her voice. She’d put on her brave-girl panties.

I gave each of their hands a hard squeeze, and then we stepped off together.



Jordan hadn’t lied. The journey back was not as bad. The girls were torn from my grasp, but it took us less time to reach the original bank again. When we surfaced we found we had drawn a crowd of curious Crais inhabitants. They kept their distance. Only Channa crouched close to us on the rock floor.

“Come. It’s dining time. We will replenish your strength and then you may explain the story so I can assist.”

With a heavy sigh I pulled myself up. These worlds required delicate handling. Sometimes I wished I could simply walk in, knock the girl out and drag her back to First World. I hated politics and I just wasn’t great with the small talk and creating amicable bonds. But of course if you don’t make these efforts people are far less inclined to help you.

“Calm yourself, Abby. We’ll find your girl soon enough.” Lucas, the ass, was apparently also a mind reader – okay, yes technically he was a mind reader, but you know what I mean.

“I’m perfectly calm,” I ground out between gritted teeth.

Talina placed one of her cool hands onto my shoulder, and I have no idea why but peace flowed through me. Since Brace’s possession I’d been on edge, which until that moment I hadn’t even realized.

“You’re not alone, Abby,” Talina reminded me softly. “Don’t try and take on the burden of the world by yourself. You will not survive it. And I don’t want to see you crushed.”

I nodded once, shrugging off her hand, but not in an angry gesture.

Channa stood there, waiting patiently, and behind her were fifty or so others. We followed the group as they began to cross the great cavern before leading us into another set of tunnels. The entire underground on Crais was a rats’ maze. You could easily get lost forever in the depths.

We ended up in another large room, although it was miniscule compared to that first space. There were long bench tables and chairs which were carved from the rock. They rose out of the floor and hundreds of the dark-skinned people were seated around. Channa led us to an empty section. I slid my legs over one side and sat facing the flat table.