38. Allarick
Chapter 38
Allarick
I can still hear her screams echo through these empty halls. See and feel the hurt and betrayal in her expression as I pushed her into Delmare’s arms so he could carry her out of the castle, away to safety. My girl fought to stay, which only solidified my decision to send her away. No matter how much it hurt me to do so.
Erin is strong. She’s a fighter, and our people need that. They also need her to keep them safe from the Leviathan’s song. If this goes south, I need to know Tetria is in good hands. Even if that means breaking the heart of the woman I love most in this world.
I plan to make it up to her. I plan to survive. But if I don’t…
“King Allarick,” Nori’s voice booms behind me, grounding me back in the present.
When everyone left for safety, Nori stayed behind. He’s our best bet on tracking down the Leviathan’s prison and eliminating the threat once and for all.
“Are we set to leave?” I ask, anxious to start our journey while the waters are quiet. It’s only a matter of time before the Leviathan’s song starts up again, putting us at a disadvantage. Like sirens, they can’t sing for prolonged periods of time, so once they rest, their deadly song will reach us again. We’ll have the noise cancelers Nori brought, but who can tell if they will be effective the closer we get?
“We are. It will be a few days’ journey, give or take,” he says and then hesitates. “Allarick, sealing the prison isn’t going to be an easy task.”
“I figured.”
“There is a good chance you won’t survive. You’re alone without family to help you.”
My jaw clenches. “I’m aware.” It was the whole reason I sent Erin away. Only those born into the Eldridge line can close the gate. Which is why it was important to send her with our people.
“But what other choice do we have, Nori?” I ask when the man looks like he wants to argue. “We knew it would come to this. The gate needs my bloodline in order to be sealed shut. I’m the only person who can do that.”
It’s not entirely true. There’s one other person who could assist, but my sister has not set fin in the ocean for decades. I’m uncertain if she could even take on her mermaid form anymore if she tried.
No, it has to be me.
And I’m ready.
“Prepare the hippocamps. Pack provisions. Each guard needs to have their noise cancelers,” I instruct.
“All of that has been done. Your steed is awaiting you. I’m here on behalf of your sister and to make sure you understand that we could all be walking toward our death,” Nori says.
“And doing nothing is also a death sentence. Not for us but for the entirety of Mescos. If the Leviathan are free, the Nephilim will have free passage of the seas. We have to try.” My only regret is that innocent men accompanying me might meet their end. I don't say that though because they know. It’s written across their faces.
Nori sighs, resigned to his unknown fate. “Then we best be off. And pray the sea goddess is on our side.”
I nod and follow Nori down the hall, leading to the front of the castle where our steeds await us. The other guards are already mounted, waiting for further instructions. The mood is pensive, though not completely hopeless. A sliver of hope pulses through our troop.
Good.
We need to hold on tight to that hope. The moment it flickers out of existence is the moment our cause is dead. The moment we are dead.
I approach the group and stare at the men still with me. This is the part where I should give them a speech of heroism and the importance of our victory. But everyone already knows what’s at stake. They know what happens if we fail.
So, instead I say the only thing that might breed purpose and inspiration.
“Remember who we are fighting for.” I leave my words vague for a reason. Everyone here is fighting for our people, but they have loved ones they want to keep safe. It could be their mates. Their children. Their parents.
Sweet hazel-colored eyes come to mind. The melodic laughter. The softness of her skin against mine. I feel Erin with me. I keep her locked deep in my heart to give me the strength I need to battle our enemies.
Nori comes up beside me and dips his head. He grabs the reins of his hippocamp and commands the beast to go. I’m on his heels with the others flanking us.
My last thought before I leave my castle behind for who knows how long is Erin.
I’m coming back to you, sweet girl. Wait for me.