Page 32 of Bound In Stone, Claimed In Fire

His shoulders tighten. “I needed space… to think.” Another brief pause. “It was a lot.”

I nod, a lump swelling in my throat.We’re in the same boat, then—both reeling from how easy it was to drown in each other.I chew my lower lip. “It’s all right. I get it.”But do I?My brand stings, an uncomfortable reminder of the power we unleashed.

He wipes water from his hands, stands slowly, wings folding with restless energy. “We should get moving soon,” he says, voice laced with a hint of briskness. “Our rations are low. The land around here seems picked clean by whatever travelers pass through. Drayveth could find us if we linger. Or other threats.”

I blow out a breath, frustration welling.Always the practical concerns.“Yes, you’re right.” My gaze sweeps the ravines. “But do we even know which direction is safe anymore?” My mind conjures the image of a war-torn field behind us, Drayveth lurking somewhere in the shadows, and looming over everything…the possibility that Nerezza truly stirs—the monstrous Nyxari who once nearly destroyed Kaelith’s entire race.

He exhales, tail flicking. “We aim for Snowfall Glen, remember? That was the plan. The purnas there might know how to sever or stabilize this tether, or at least give us insight.” He avoids meeting my eyes when he mentions the tether, as though it embarrasses him now.After we used that bond so intimately.

I muster courage. “We… we can do that.” My voice wavers. “Are we… good?” The question is small, uncertain, a reflection of the swirling fear in my chest.

Kaelith finally meets my gaze, golden irises tinged with something I can’t name. “Sariah, last night—” He breaks off, jaw working. “It isn’t that I regret it. But we face too many dangers. If Nerezza is truly?—”

A sudden sound interrupts him: the faint scuff of footsteps against gravel. We both whirl. My heart leaps, conjuring Drayveth’s face. Kaelith tenses, wings half-flaring in a protective stance. Then, from behind a rocky outcrop, a figure staggers into view, clutching their side. The shape is smallish, cloaked, hunched in obvious pain. As they approach, I spot a familiar brand on their wrist—a purna mark.Another rogue?My stomach clenches.

Kaelith growls, stepping forward. “Who’s there?”

The stranger rasps, “Wait—don’t attack.” Then they crumple to their knees. Shock ripples through me; beneath the hood, I catch a glimpse of a sallow complexion, eyes wide with terror. Blood stains their cloak. They can’t be more than a youth, older than me by a handful of years, but still somewhat young for a purna. My brand tingles, resonance flaring.

Kaelith glances at me, uncertain. I swallow, stepping closer, magic crackling at my fingertips just in case. “Who are you?”

They lift their head, breath ragged. “Please… help… ran from Drayveth. He’s hunting anyone who won’t follow his cause.” Their voice cracks, heavy with desperation.

A chill seizes my spine.Even among rogues, Drayveth fosters no mercy.I exchange a look with Kaelith. He’s tense, but a flicker of pity crosses his features. “We can’t trust them,” he mutters. “They could be bait.”

The stranger coughs violently, slumping forward. Blood spatters the ground. “No… no trap. Drayveth… not far… but I escaped… to warn… to warn that—” Their words cut off with a ragged gasp.

I step forward, ignoring Kaelith’s restraining hand. My heart almost stops at the sight of so much blood.No one deserves to die like this.“Easy,” I whisper, crouching. A tang of iron stings my nose. “What do you need to tell us?”

They clutch my sleeve, eyes fevered. “Nerezza,” they choke out, voice trembling. “The Nyxari. She’s… awakened. The seal… it’s shattered.” They cough again, flecks of blood staining their lips. “Drayveth raves that… you… you’re… Sariah’s the cause.” Their gaze flicks to me, terror gleaming. “He says Nerezza can sense your magic… wants you taken or killed… oh gods…”

My pulse pounds so loudly I barely register the continued pleas.Nerezza. Awake.Ice floods my veins.The unthinkable is happening.Kaelith’s sacrifice was undone when I broke that ancient ward, and now the worst nightmares come to life. My brand throbs in protest, as if scorning my stupidity.I did this. Did I truly?

Kaelith growls, stepping around us. His runes flare a moment, darkness sharpening his face. “Impossible,” he hisses, though desperation weaves through his tone. “She can’t be fully active. The wards would require more time?—”

The wounded purna coughs a wet laugh, eyes rolling. “She’s… she’s… unstoppable now. Drayveth’s band… cowering. Some have joined her… oh gods, oh gods.” Their voice cracks, ending in a choking sob. “She destroyed a coven. They say… she left no survivors. The darkness consumed them.” Tears glisten in their eyes, echoing pure horror. “A few refused to bow, so she… turned them to stone, or something worse. We fled.” Their gaze meets mine, raw with fear. “You must run… she wants you. She wants the one who awakened the gargoyle. She wants… the power she senses in you. Drayveth was… so determined to find you first.”

Terror grips my chest like a vise.Nerezza is truly out there.That monstrous threat Kaelith sealed centuries ago. My heart stutters, guilt raging.Is it truly my fault? My accidental unsealing led to Kaelith’s freedom—and hers.Kaelith curses, tail lashing the ground. The bond hums with his dread. I try to swallow the mounting panic.

The purna’s eyes flutter, breath rattling. Blood trickles from their mouth. “Pl-please… help me…” they whisper, voice breaking.

I glance at Kaelith, reading the same turmoil in his expression: we can’t just let them die. My brand flares with twisted guilt—this is a fellow purna, possibly manipulated by Drayveth. “Hold on,” I murmur, pressing my palm to their chest. My magic flickers, hesitating.Healing spells are not my forte.But I can at least staunch some bleeding. The air crackles as I channel a wave of purna energy into them, focusing on the wound in their side.

They whimper, body arching, but the bleeding slows. Sweat drips down my forehead. I grit my teeth, trying to recall the simpler healing incantations my coven taught me.Focus, Sariah. Don’t let your fear of losing control hamper you.Gradually, the purna’s breathing steadies, though they remain ghost-pale.

Kaelith stands guard, glancing around warily. “We can’t stay here,” he mutters. “If Drayveth is near, or if Nerezza’s minions are prowling, we’re easy targets.”

I nod, heartsick.This is the “shocking news” you dreaded.“We’ll carry them somewhere safer,” I say, mind racing. “Maybe find a small shelter, let them recover.”

Kaelith’s jaw tightens, runes flickering. “One wounded purna is too big a liability.”

I bristle. “They came to warn us.”

He exhales, tension sliding from his shoulders. “Fine. But be quick. If they can walk, good. If not, we move carefully.”

I help the purna sit up, explaining that we need to move. They groan, half-conscious. My magic alleviated some immediate danger, but their face still gleams with sweat. “I can… manage,” they whisper, trembling. “Just… not fast.”

Kaelith extends a reluctant arm. “Lean on me.” He addresses them curtly, ignoring their fearful reaction to his gargoyle features. The purna flinches, but ultimately accepts the support when they realize they have no choice. My heart aches seeing the terror in their eyes.I used to feel that same dread about gargoyles… until Kaelith showed me there’s more to them.

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