Ariah turned around and stared at her. He crossed his arms and then looked around to ensure no one else was in the room. “Fine words and threat by Princess Sabrina. I’m actually shaking. You are something special, aren’t you?”
“Shut up,” Sabrina said. “Don’t mock me.”
“When someone asks a question they expect an answer,” Ariah said. “And that’s what I gave you.”
“They expect an answer, not someone to be rude about it,” Sabrina replied.
Ariah laughed and walked up to Sabrina. “Do you think any of us play nice?” Sabrina forced herself not to take steps backward. “We are preparing to take down one of the most powerful cities Narque has ever had, and we are going to do it with ease and no second thoughts. If you’re looking for nice people, you are on the wrong side.”
“Do you doubt the Queen’s intentions?” Sabrina questioned, spite clear in her voice.
The next thing Sabrina knew was that she was flying across the table and slamming into the wall behind before crumpling to the floor. Painfully, she looked up and saw Ariah walking towards her. He lashed out his hand and a wave of fire flew towards her. Sabrina rolled out of the way, the flame narrowly missing her.
“Do not question my loyalty,” he growled. Ariah stared down at her. “Next time this will hurt a lot more, I promise you that.”
“You think you can threaten me?” Sabrina asked, breathing heavily. She spread her hand out like a fan and sent her nails out like blades towards Ariah’s ankles.
A momentary look of pain flashed on Ariah’s face before he set his legs on fire, burning the blades that had stuck into his skin. The fire died when it had done its job. He then looked at Sabrina with such hatred he could see her fear grow in her eyes.
“You’re scared of me,” he said. He then kicked her across the face, causing her body to flip around and leaving a slight burn on her cheek.
“You’re a pathetic asset to the Queen,” he said. “I don’t trust you, and I will be there to take you down when you let her down the most.” He walked away.
“I will not let you get away with this,” she called out.
Ariah didn’t turn back but laughed. “What are you going to do? Cry to mommy?”
With that, he left the room.
9
Voices of the Shrine
Tyson wasn’t very happy with Katie. He didn’t talk or look at her their whole way back to the hotel but led the way at a quick pace. Katie knew that he was upset, but walked on as if she hadn’t done anything, which she hadn’t. When they got back to the hotel, Tyson slowed down. Cyrus walked passed him and went up the stairs. Katie followed, stealing a glance at Tyson, who didn’t return it.
When Katie got to her room, she had barely opened the door and walked in before Tyson barged in, slamming the door shut behind him.
“What the hell are you thinking?” he asked her, raising his voice so loud Katie swore she could feel the nightstand shake. “You can’t promise some random dude to go on a suicide mission to go find some, s-stupid ghost—and—bring her back or something!”
Katie glared at him. It was her turn to yell. “Well, I just did! And you’re welcome for helping us get what we came for! So now there’s nothing you can do about it.”
“Oh yeah?” Tyson asked, jerking his head and raising an eyebrow. “Maybe so. But you can break your promise, that’s what you can do. Break your promise.” He said his last sentence calmly as if he were out of breath.
The door opened and closed behind Cyrus as he entered the room.
“So sorry to interrupt,” he said. “I didn’t want to bother you two, but I thought I heard some talking.”
“Not a problem,” Katie said. “We’re done here. Close the door on your way out.”
Tyson stared at Katie with contempt before leaving back to his room. Cyrus didn’t follow him.
When the door closed, Katie collapsed on her bed and began to cry. Cyrus exhaled through his nose and sat on the edge of the bed.
“I know I can’t—can’t find Hammond’s daughter, or even if I could it would probably be dangerous, but I thought the right thing to do was p-promise.” She sniffed for a rather long time, compared to other sniffs. “Tyson is all mad at me now and—and I don’t even t-think I can d-do it.” She kept speaking through several more sniffs.
Cyrus nodded. “You’re right,” he said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You did do the right thing. What we know now is invaluable. We know what Nayara is up to and we can stay one step ahead of her. We just have to reach Oasi before she does, and this whole thing can be over.”
“What does it matter?” Katie cried out. “I’ve been here for, what, maybe three days? And now I’m supposed to magically be some powerful wizard or something and defeat this Queen everyone fears? I’m sure there’s a reason you haven’t mentioned how powerful she is.”
“I understand,” Cyrus said slowly.
“Do you?” Katie asked. She no longer let out tears but streaks were running down her face. “I’ve been trying to keep this together but I still can’t believe I’m here, or that this place even exists. I still can’t believe that my mom is d-dead!” she started to sob again.
Cyrus pulled her into a hug and gave her some time to cry into his shoulder. When she was done, she pulled away and stood up. Katie wiped her eyes dry.
“I can’t even fight,” she said.
“You will learn to.”
Katie shook her head. “No, not fast enough. This whole dream I’ve been having, it’s
