Chapter 12 – Andros
ANDROS
When I’d gone back to make the deal with the demon, I’d asked many questions. But through the course of those questions, I’d learned something I never expected. The loophole that would allow me to return to earth...it might be a one-time shot.
And I’d already had one shot.
Hecate had already guided me through the tunnels once, and then she’d been caught before coming to the surface, and we’d both been dragged back down. The demon wasn’t certain if it was that only one person could lead a soul out once, or if each soul only got one chance.
So when I made the deal with the demon, I didn’t know if just Hecate and our child would be able to escape, or if I would be able to also. But any price is worth paying to ensure my wife and baby are safe.
Even if I have to lose everyone I love.
But as I look at where Orion, the phoenix, and my mate have just disappeared behind the illusionary rock, I have no idea what will happen when I enter the tunnel too.
I also know that none of them will know if I’m following them or not until they reach the surface.
If they get there, and I’m not with them, then it’ll break their hearts.
It’ll kill a part of me, but it’ll also be wonderful. I have no doubt Orion and Hecate will fall in love. I have no doubt that if my brother brought a phoenix into our Brotherhood, he must be a good man. Even if I can never be there for the woman I love and our child, they will be.
And that’s more than I could’ve ever asked for.
The gate, wall, and shore are filled with the sounds of fighting. I look downriver and see many of the monsters and prisoners escaping toward the tunnels. My stomach flips. If I had just waited a little longer, I wouldn't have had to unleash such evil on the world.
I’ll have to live with what I did forever.
A strange tugging comes and I realize I have to enter the tunnel. I have no idea if that means I’ll be able to follow them to the surface, but I hold my breath and step into the secret passage, praying that this will all lead to our happily ever after, whatever that might be.
With my love and my brother happy on the surface.
Or me with them.
Either way, my child and wife will be free.
I just hope they can forgive me for my deception, because I’ll never regret keeping this information to myself. Even if I can’t tell them goodbye properly.
Darkness closes around me and the sounds of fighting fade away. But where I am, I have no idea.