20. Chapter 19
Chapter 19
I tried to stay awake as best I could. It took all of the energy I had not to collapse. A soulless stood me on my feet and pulled me toward the cavern’s door. The memory of Emma’s hand in mine the night I drove her home from the school dance still felt real. I tried to remain conscious as I noticed my surroundings, focusing on the present. What was happening? Where was I?
I didn’t understand what was happening to us as we reached the other side of the cave. The guard disappeared, and the door closed behind us.
“What is happening?” I asked as I slumped against the wall. Slowly, the memories of the past faded away, giving way to the dread of the present, and I heard Emma’s soul in pain. I wanted to know where she was, where Cadian was. Flashes of memories of being kicked over and over until I blacked out came to me. I shook my head, trying to regain myself. I was so disoriented.
“Emma and Shad are inside with Cadian. They made a plan to appease him in order to get him to set us free.”
I looked at Keil with anger in my eyes. “What did you let them do? They are of the Ancient line. Are you insane? I am nothing in comparison to both of them." I spit out blood and coughed, surprising myself that I could even yell anymore. I spit out blood for a while as the cough became even worse. Keil moved over to my side and felt my skin—I assumed to assess my physical state. I was cold and numb. At least, I felt very little. He moved over to my chest and side, and I winced from pain that I hadn't realized was there.
“We have to go; I think you punctured a lung with your broken ribs or something,” Keil said as he stood over me.
“I cannot leave without her.” I wondered why I wasn’t stronger. Where was the ancient magic? I wondered why I wasn’t able to charge in there and take Emma away. I knew the answer, and it pained me too much to dwell on it: I had offended my vows, and the Ancients didn't think I was fit any longer to be a knight.
“Look, Ryker—I am not your biggest fan. I have half a mind to kill you for getting Shad and Emma into the situation that they are in, but regardless of what I want, you are important—Emma says you are, so I will carry you if I have to, but I will take care of you.”
“Emma is the one who needs taking care of. Just let me die. Go save her!”
“Shad will help her. I assure you, my prince knows what he is doing, and Emma will be well.”
I tried to speak again but found that the words would not leave my lips. I was surprised as Keil lifted me from under my arms to stand me up.
“Can you walk?” he asked me, as I leaned there against the damp cave wall. I nodded, noticing the soulless guard had been ever so kind to leave a light for us. Keil picked it up, and I slowly but surely trailed after him, wanting with everything in me to run to Emma, but no matter how much I wanted it, I knew she didn’t need me. Right then, she only needed—and wanted—one person by her side. As her guardian knight, I knew that. I knew that she wanted Shad above all else, and it pained me, but not as much as it should have, because of the one person I just could never let go.