Page 38 of Fated to the Damned

“You have to understand…” I block out the sound of his voice as I finally wrestle his tunic over my head. The soft fabric envelops my smaller frame, his earthy scent surrounding me.

A few stray tears escape, dripping down my cheeks as I furiously scrub them away. I refuse to show any more weakness in front of him.

Behind me, I hear Nikolai curse loudly before addressing me again in a tighter, restrained voice. "Jessa, just wait!”

Again I deny him any response, taking bitter satisfaction in the frustration I'm causing him after his callous dismissal. Let him finally understand even a fraction of the hurt he's inflicted. This is what I get for letting foolish hope into my heart

Squaring my shoulders, I storm toward the door on still shaky legs, flinging it open with more force than necessary. The heavy wood bangs loudly against the stone wall.

I stride out into the empty corridor without looking back, letting the door swing violently shut behind me, the echoing bang providing grim punctuation to our argument.

If Nikolai doesn’t want to Make me a vrakken, then fine.

I’ll find someone who will.

21

JESSA

There is little thought in my head as I storm outside. It’s still early in the morning, though the sun has already risen. Morning sermon will happen soon, and the courtyard is bustling.

“I’m a fucking idiot,” I mumble under my breath as I trudge into my room, relieved to find it empty.

Quickly, I shower and dress, trying to keep my mind off Nikolai the whole time. It’s hard to when my body is still deliciously sore, though. I’m partly disappointed by the way my bite marks are already healed, though I shove that away as soon as I register it.

Slipping out of my room, I try to decide what I’m going to do. I want to be a vrakken, to have a place, and I will be damned if I let Nikolai stop me. I refuse to be treated as weak and unimportant any longer.

And if it’s the Council that makes all the decisions…

“Then I go before them,” I murmur under my breath as I dart outside.

I skirt along the edge of the base, keeping to the early morning shadows. Most are gathered for the daily sermon, leaving the grounds largely deserted. Perfect cover for me.

Voices carry to me from near the tree line and I spot a group of leather-clad scouts checking their weapons and packs. I slide behind a wagon, peering between the slats.

"...time we checked in with the Council," one says gruffly, strapping a shortsword to his belt. "It's been nearly a full cycle since the last report."

Another nods, frowning. "Things are changing rapidly up here. The Council will want a full update before deciding our next steps against the dark elves."

My eyes widen and pulse quickens. They're venturing below to meet with this mysterious Council! This is my chance to plead my case.

I trail the scouts through the shadowy woods, keeping a cautious distance. They move swiftly and soundlessly, long accustomed to these covert journeys underground. I have to push myself to keep up while remaining unseen, gritting my teeth against the ache in my legs.

Up ahead, I watch as they each slink into a cave mouth, seemingly blending in with the surroundings. I’d consider it nothing special from the outward looks,

I trail close behind the last scout into the yawning cave mouth, pausing in awe as the tunnel opens up into a vast underground cavern.

I pause as I stare at the opening, partly to let the scouts get farther ahead, but also because doubt is leaking into my veins. Is this the best idea? Or am I rushing this because of last night and this morning?

I do want to be a vrakken, but maybe going behind Nikolai’s back isn’t in my best interest. What if the Council just agrees with him? I doubt they would treat me the same way he has if they consider me not worth their time.

No, I tell myself. I’m meant for this. I force down my nerves, determined not to lose my resolve now that I'm so close.

Sucking in a deep breath, I edge into the cavern. I can’t see anything once I pass over the threshold. It’s completely pitch black. Something tingles across my skin, so potent that it feels like a tangible thing is being dragged across my flesh.

I feel forward a few more steps, and then there is a massive downsloping tunnel before me. It’s like I’ve been transported somewhere else – one of the wildspont’s tricks.

As I walk down into the caverns, I search for any sign of the departed scouts, wondering which of the many twisting passages might lead me to the Council. But before I can decide my next move, a bruising grip snatches my arm from behind.

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