“I know. And I haven’t forgotten. And that is why it is Wyatt’s choice,” replied Nev before looking to Wyatt.
“Promised what… to leave me behind while you face your fate? You do know I can’t let that happen? That I have already made my choice, right? I am coming with you. Crazy is kind of our thing,” Wyatt said, chuckling softly to himself.
“Wyatt! How can you laugh at a time like this? Love or not, this isn’t just crazy. It’s… it’s impossible. You are going to get yourself killed!” Addi yelled as her voice and body trembled.
“Addi, you have protected me my whole life, and I love you. But you must let me do this. I can do this, and Nev can do this. But only if we’re together,” Wyatt reasoned. He looked at Addi and lovingly smiled at her.
“You two have got to be the two most stubborn people in all of Obsidia,” Addi countered. She stood up and walked to the window. Visibly agitated, she stared out at Nev and gripped the window ledge tightly.
Wyatt turned to Nellis and nodded. “I know she is a pain, but take care of her for me,” he implored, smiling and looking over at Addi.
Nellis nodded and replied, “Of course. Always.”
As Wyatt went to move past Addi and Nellis, he felt a hand on his arm.
“Here. Take this. I know you have your Tink skills, but I would feel better if you had some sort of weapon with you,” Addi sighed heavily as she handed Sagrine’s dagger to her brother.
Wyatt nodded and took the dagger from her hand. He slid the blade between his belt and purple sash before replying, “Thanks, sis.” Having said his goodbyes, he headed outside.
Nev took a deep breath and walked several feet out under the night sky. The moon was shining, but scattered clouds spawned gentle sprinkles. The rain was light and refreshing on her skin.
She stared up at the moon and let the rain wash over her face. Nev was reminded of those moments she stood looking down on Serenity Falls and sighed. She’d been through so much since then, and now she was about to take the final steps. This time though, she wouldn’t be going alone. Nev just hoped they would still be together when it was all over.
Wyatt joined Nev a few moments later. “Well, she doesn’t hate me. You, on the other hand,” he said, playfully nudging Nev.
Nev let out a small laugh. “Well, then I guess we should hurry,” she suggested.
Wyatt turned to face her and took her hands in his. He could feel the ring warming under their embrace. “I am so in love with you,” he stated sincerely.
“I am so in love with you too,” Nev responded, smiling warmly at him.
Nellis stood, arms wrapped around Addi, as they both watched Nev and Wyatt disappear in a puff of purple smoke. He felt Addi collapse into him and begin to cry. Nellis held her and whispered, “It will be alright, my love. They are both stronger than any of us realize. And more stubborn too.”
Addi, let out a small laugh as tears streamed down her face. “I hope so,” she sobbed. “If not, then they are both going to owe me big.”
Chapter 44
The hour was late, but General Razine was feeling more determined than ever to face the Oracle. Minutes before, he’d forced his way into the emperor’s bed-chamber. He’d wanted to confront Malicus over the Oracle and everything else. Instead, he made a grisly discovery.
Razine was furious, but not surprised to see Malicus dead in his bed. He was, however, shocked to see how long he’d been in that state. Malicus had likely met his fate not long after Razine had last seen him, and that was around five years ago. Razine needed answers, and he knew just who he would be getting them from.
Shoving the attendant forcefully out of the way, Razine came tearing into the throne room. He heard the door close behind him and saw the Oracle standing beside the throne. “You and I are going to have a chat,” Razine insisted, the fury in his voice evident.
“I do not have time for you. The heiress is coming,” the Oracle sneered, with frustration. He was pacing in front of the throne, refusing to raise his eyes in acknowledgment of Razine’s entrance.
“She? You and your damned prophecy,” Razine laughed, marching up to the Oracle. He was flabbergasted at the Oracle’s desperate need to cling to his delusional prophecy. “Even your prized prowler couldn’t produce her. I suspect the reason for his continued failure is quite simple. She does not exist,” surmised Razine.
“You have no inkling as to what is really happening here… or what has happened here. You really think this was all to help some man take the throne?” the Oracle growled, staring with unbridled disgust at Razine. “You have been so busy seizing power that isn’t yours to take, that you have failed to see the truth.”
Razine felt suddenly confused, and his head began to spin. “What are you talking about?” he questioned, forcing himself to regain his composure.
“To have such power and still be beholden to the likes of men like Malicus and you. You have no idea what I have had to endure,” the Oracle replied, pausing his pacing and stepping slowly towards the general.
Razine shook his head. “Beholden?” he doubted dumbfounded.
“Fine. Let me indulge your naivety for a few minutes while I wait for my prophecy to finally unfold. My hand is the one that has shaped Obsidia, not that of men or women. I cannot directly influence events, but minds and energy are much easier to manipulate.
“The first Colfax sought me out, and we eagerly made a deal. Their blood already coursed with raw, untamed power. Still, they desired more. So, I would help them amplify their strength. In return, they would let me consume theirs. Their
