Page 22 of A Kingdom so Crimson

I stood, watching momentarily, holding my breath as if I could give it to the beautiful beast, hoping it would somehow make it out of these wretched lands and be free. My heart wilted before I slowly limped away.

I trudged on in a deep limp, not knowing what way to go but forward.

Only one more step.

Only one more—

A blistering pain pulsed through my head, ringing like canon from a warship. Across from me, Darius' men lounged against the gate, their laughter contrasting against my agony. I tried to call out, but my voice emerged hoarse and feeble. Every step Itook worsened the swelling in my leg, and each movement sent a sharp sting through my body.

My eyes were beginning to stick closed from the blood that was now drying, leaving me looking like something straight out of a horror book Calum and I used to read as children.

"Look!" I heard someone say as my head continued to ring.

Only a few more steps.

My breathing and heart pounded harder, drowning out everything else and clouding my mind in a haze of noise. My legs gave out, and I collapsed onto the ground, my bow skittering away from me. I heard Darius shouting orders when warm, strong arms lifted me up.

The world around me was a blur of sound and motion, but I focused on the soft repetition of my name, whispered urgently in my ear.

And, for the second time today, I let the darkness pull me under.

9

Aradiant light materialized before me, urging me to pursue its luminous path. It danced with a kaleidoscope of golds, violets, and orange hues, weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of colors. Its gentle whispers carried sweet melodies, soothing the turmoil within my heart. As the light intensified, it pierced through the darkness, forming a shimmering doorway. Its core gleamed with such brilliance and purity that I had to shield my eyes from its radiant glow.

Eliah.

It whispered, softly enveloping me in its ethereal embrace. I reached out, gently touching its radiance as it spun around me, spiraling into infinity, illuminating everything in its path like a spiral of gold. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I basked in its comforting warmth, feeling the hope and longing I had always sought.

I allowed the light to envelop me, its graceful movements intertwining with my own as I danced with it, my hands trailing through its tangible essence. Abruptly, searing pain stabbed me, unbearable and consuming. I crumpled to the ground, thewarmth and light draining from my body, leaving me cold and empty. The once-gentle light now trembled violently, its radiant hues twisting into a dark, cruel shade of red, staining everything it touched.

My scream echoed into the void as I reached desperately for the flickering brightness, battling against the destructive darkness. Haunting wails and screams pierced through the air, their chilling presence intensifying as I tumbled downward into a new doorway overflowing with nightmares and malevolent energies that thrashed. Its abyssal jaws consumed me, dragging me deeper into its depths, far, far away from the gentle light. A static, wailing noise consumed me entirely, scraping my own light from me until my anguished cries faded into the dark abyss.

I bolted upright, instinctively reaching for the dagger at my thigh, but found nothing except a tight bandage. Panic surged through me as I stumbled over something, sending me sprawling to the ground with a thud. My head smacked on the wood floor, causing a sharp groan to escape my lips. A moment later, the door flung open, rattling its frame, as quick footsteps clipped close.

"Eliah!" Aoife yelped, seeing me in a heap on the ground.

I sighed deeply, another groan escaping my lips as I felt the stiffness and soreness ache within my body.

I'm safe and in my room.

With a grunt, I attempted to sit up, only to find my foot tangled in the bedsheets. Aoife hurried over, swiftly loosening the fabric and gently guiding me back into bed.

"Please, don't tell me you were considering getting up likethis," she urged, gently settling my legs onto the bed, prompting me to slump into the welcoming embrace of my pillow. My head churned with a dense fog, but I clung to the reassurance that I was back in the safety of my room.

"I...I had a nightmare, I think," I murmured, my voice uncertain. The dream lingered in my mind, its reality hauntingly vivid and leaving me overwhelmed and confused.

"Let me take a look at your leg," Aoife insisted, casting a frustrated sigh that hinted at her irritation towards Jesri for allowing me to do such an evaluation. Wrinkling her brow with concern, she unwrapped the cloth tightly wound around my calf, extending to my lower thigh. I hadn't realized the wound had reached so high. Another bandage was wrapped around my arm, wrist, and head.

"How long have I been out?" I asked, sensing a slight throbbing in my head where the bandage covered the cut above my brow.

"Almost two days, my dear," Aoife answered softly.

"Two days?Did…" I hesitated, my words faltering. "Did I complete the task in time? Is the golden beast—" she hushed me, carefully rewrapping the bandage and tucking the bedding around me.

"Let's begin with getting you some food, shall we? You've lost a considerable amount of blood, Eliah," Aoife advised, with a concerned expression. "A healer will return around noon to administer more blood if necessary." She fixed me with a stern gaze. "And for my peace of mind,pleasetake things slowly!"

She gave me a soft kiss on my cheek. "I'm very relieved you're awake." She ran out the door, fetching me food. The mere mention of it rumbled my stomach.

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