25. Cassius
25
CASSIUS
I guide Faye through the winding tunnels of the vrakken base, watching her face light up with wonder as she takes in the pulsing magic around us. The stone walls shimmer with veins of energy, casting an ethereal glow that dances across her features.
It's been so long since I've seen someone react to this place with such awe. Most of us have grown apathetic to its beauty, but seeing it through her eyes reminds me of my own first time here.
"This is incredible," she breathes, reaching out to touch the sparkling rock. "I guess I can forgive you for making me come here instead of taking me back to the beach and the gate."
I'm about to retort, reminding her that I can't fight those monsters again while I'm healing and she doesn't have a control on her magic, when a jolt of magic leaps from the stone to her fingertips, and she jerks back with a startled laugh. The sound echoes through the tunnel, light and carefree, so at odds with the usual somber atmosphere down here.
"Careful," I warn, but I can't help the smile that tugs at my lips. "The wildsponts are alive with magic. It responds to our kind." I feel a strange urge to reach out and touch her, to see if her skin tingles with the same energy that courses through the stone.
Faye turns to me, her eyes wide with excitement. "Our kind," she repeats, savoring the words. "I still can't believe I'm one of you now."
There's a hint of wonder in her voice, mixed with something else. Pride, maybe? Or perhaps a touch of fear at the enormity of what she's become.
I nod, feeling an unexpected warmth spread through my chest at her enthusiasm. For a moment, I allow myself to see the magic-infused caverns as Faye does, marveling at the shimmering veins of energy that pulse through the stone walls.
"The tunnels go on for miles," I explain as we continue walking, my voice echoing softly in the vast space. "Each chamber holds its own unique properties. Some are used for training, where the magic enhances our abilities. Others are perfect for meditation or rituals, the energy amplifying our connection to Akeldama.
"And there are countless rooms, though most are empty now." I pause, running my hand along the cool, vibrating stone. "It's a shame, really. These halls used to bustle with life, but now..." I trail off, surprised by the hint of melancholy in my own voice. I never minded before, but now, I'm realizing how split our race has really become.
I keep walking, passing through the massive cavern where Faye tilts her head up to watch the fledglings fly. As we approach the Council chambers, I feel a knot of tension form in my gut. I've broken protocol by Changing Faye without permission, and I'm not sure how the Council will react.
"Remember," I say, pausing outside the ornate doors. "Let me do the talking. The Council can be... unpredictable."
Faye nods, squaring her shoulders. "I'm ready."
I push open the doors, and we step into the cavernous room. The Council members sit in a semicircle, their faces impassive as they watch us approach. Brinda, the Matriarch, sits at the center, her fiery hair a stark contrast to her pale skin.
As we draw closer, Brinda's eyes narrow, focusing on Faye. Before I can speak, she rises from her seat, her massive wings unfurling behind her.
"What have you done, Cassius?" she demands, her voice echoing through the chamber.
I open my mouth to explain, but Brinda cuts me off with a sharp gesture.
"Get her out," she hisses, pointing at Faye. "Now."
I stand my ground as two guards flank Faye, escorting her out of the chamber. Her eyes meet mine, a mix of confusion and worry clouding her features. I give her a subtle nod, silently promising to handle this.
As the doors close behind her, Brinda's attention snaps back to me. Her wings quiver with barely contained rage.
"What were you thinking?" she snarls, her voice low and dangerous. "You Changed a human without Council approval? Have you lost your mind?"
I straighten my spine, meeting her gaze. The Council has been growing more and more irritable about the amount of humans that vrakken have been Changing, mostly because some have been draining them and leading bodies.
I knew this. And yet, I still did it.
"I made a calculated decision based on the circumstances."
Brinda scoffs, her eyes flashing. "Calculated? You weren't sanctioned to take a human or Change her. You were supposed to gather intel, not to be seen."
"I wasn't," I argue, my own anger rising. "Faye has already proven her worth. She's undergone trials that would break most vrakken, let alone a human. And she needed to be Changed."
"Trials?" Brinda sneers. "What could a human possibly endure that would warrant such a rash action?"
I clench my fists, fighting to keep my voice steady. "She survived years of enslavement by dark elves. In Liiandor." I pause letting that sink in. "She has firsthand experience, and was living on her own. No one will know. It will be just as Raziel's mate was."
Brinda waves her hand dismissively. "Pretty words for a pet you've grown fond of."
"She's not a pet," I growl, taking a step forward. "Faye is a valuable asset to our community. She has knowledge and skills we can use, not to mention she helped me uncover valuable intel."
"And what knowledge might that be?" Brinda challenges, her eyes narrowing.
I take a deep breath, knowing I'm about to play my trump card. "I have critical information about Liiandor and beyond. Information that could change everything for us. And I couldn't have obtained it without Faye's help."
Brinda's wings twitch, a flicker of interest crossing her face before she schools her expression. "What information?"
I shake my head. "I won't discuss it until you acknowledge Faye's place among us. She's earned it, Brinda. More than you know."
I clench my jaw, weighing my options. Brinda's not going to budge, and I need her support if Faye's going to have any chance here. Fuck.
"Fine," I growl, my wings twitching with irritation. "But I want your word that you'll consider everything before making a decision."
Brinda's lips curl into a smirk. "You have it. Now talk."
I take a deep breath, pushing down my anger. "There's an underwater gate off the coast, protected by powerful magic. It leads to a volcanic island that's not on any map we have."
Brinda's eyes widen slightly, but she remains silent.
"The gate was guarded by some kind of sea monster," I continue. "Massive tentacles, unlike anything I've seen before. It nearly killed me." I gesture to the wounds along my face and arm that still haven't recovered, which speaks to their severity. It's draining my magic, too, which means I haven't been back.
"And how did you discover this gate?" Brinda asks, her voice sharp.
"An ancient tablet," I reply. "Half was hidden in the forest, the other half Faye had obtained during her escape from Liiandor."
Brinda's eyebrows shoot up at this, but I press on before she can interrupt.
"As for Liiandor itself, Faye provided crucial intelligence. She knows how the dark elves function, especially these dark elves. She used to live in a lord's house."
I fall silent, watching Brinda process the information. Her face remains impassive, but I can see the gears turning behind her eyes.
"This is... significant," she admits finally. "But it doesn't change the fact that you acted without authorization."
I bite back a retort, knowing I need to tread carefully. "I made a judgment call in the field. Faye's knowledge was too valuable to lose, and her life was in danger. I stand by my decision."
"A decision you had no right to make."
I take a deep breath, steadying myself for what's to come. "Brinda, I propose a compromise. Let me take Faye as my mate. It'll legitimize her position among us and ensure her loyalty."
Brinda's eyes narrow. "A mate? You've known her for how long?"
"Long enough to know she's worthy," I counter. "She's proven herself time and again. And you know as well as I do that finding a compatible mate is rare for our kind."
The Matriarch studies me for a long moment, her wings twitching slightly. "And what does she think of this arrangement?"
"She'll agree," I say with more confidence than I feel.
Brinda sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Fine. If she agrees to be your mate, we won't punish her for the unauthorized Change. But Cassius," she leans forward, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, "if this backfires, it's on your head."
I nod, relief washing over me. "Understood."
"Now," Brinda continues, leaning back in her seat. "You need time to recover from your injuries and bond with your new... mate." She says the word like it leaves a bad taste in her mouth. "You can use one of the aboveground bases for now."
"Thank you," I say, bowing my head slightly. "But there's one more thing. We need someone to continue investigating the underwater gate while I'm recovering. I'm worried I woke something with me going down there."
Brinda raises an eyebrow. "And who would you suggest for such a delicate mission?"
I straighten up, meeting her gaze. "There's only one vrakken I would trust to send in my place."