Page 45 of He Who Ignites The Flame
“Sadly, many of them died during their captivity, but we were able to save one, along with countless other fae and even a few humans who now live among us,” Damien explained. “The Pit Master was brought down, and the survivors who served under him scattered. Most of the victims were reunited with their families. Our mission is to ensure that this organization is destroyed once and for all.”
Another hand rose. “Will Erebus be assisting us in this mission, as it’s within his territory?”
Lucia glanced at Damien before he answered. “Erebus cooperated with us in the past, allowing us passage. He sent some of his warriors to assist us last time, but he will not be involved in this mission.”
“Does anyone have any questions beyond what we’ve gone over?” Lucia asked.
The room remained silent.
Lucia lifted her head, her voice solid as stone. “You were provided with maps of the surrounding area and what we have on the interior, as well as any additional details you may need to prepare. Everything you have is everything we know. We leave this evening at sundown for Selene’s Temple, where we will pass to Tenebria.”
I looked down at the piece of parchment clutched in my hand, fearing what exactly we were going to find in this place.
“You’re dismissed,” Damien said, and everyone began to file out of the room.
“You good?” I asked, glancing at Micah as he lingered, leaning against the wall.
“Just ready to destroy this place,” he said, his voice ice cold.
“Lucia!” We both froze at the sound of Thalia’s voice, Micah’s eyes darting to her as she forced her way through the departing warriors.
Lucia and Damien stiffened as they looked at one another before turning to her.
“What’s wrong?” Lucia asked.
“I’m going with you,” Thalia said, and Micah’s body tensed.
He stormed forward. “You said you would stay behind.”
She shook her head. “I can’t do that.”
Lucia lifted her hand. “I swore I would never ask you go back there and?—”
“You aren’t asking,” Thalia said. “I’m volunteering.”
They didn’t speak, and Damien drew in a heavy breath.
Thalia continued. “Don’t ask me to stay behind. I’m the only one who knows how that shithole works, how to navigate the tunnels.”
I frowned before realization dawned on me, my chest constricting.
We were able to save one.
Micah looked pained. “Thalia?—"
“Let me help you destroy that place, Lucia,” she said. “Don’t make me stay when I can help.”
The room went silent.
“I want to see that place burn as much as you do, Thalia,” Lucia said hesitantly. “Are you sure?”
The promise of death danced within Thalia’s stormy eyes. “I will do whatever it takes to destroy anything that remains of that vile place.”
16
THE GIRL WITH STORMY EYES
60 YEARS PRIOR
