"Lyle!" I yelled, fighting against the sand to get to him. He was motionless. My throat tightened, and my stomach squeezed as I feared the worst.
As soon as I reached my brother, the sand closed around him, burying him once more.
"Lyle!" I dug my hands through the whipping sand. The hammering of my heart quickened as I threw handfuls of granules out of the way.
"Don't fret, Adelaide. Your brother is safe with me. However, I have come here to offer you a choice." His voice was calm and comforting, as if consoling a child. But there was something beneath it, tugging at my heart to surrender.
I gritted my teeth against the hard grains in my mouth, straining to keep my thoughts straight. Another trade, another choice. You choose one, you lose the other. Another choice that would affect what happened to me from this point on. It was amazing how such a simple concept controlled the entirety of my eternity.
"What kind of choice?" I growled.
Ophidian's toothy grin remained plastered to his face, almost gleaming against the black sand. "I will give you back your brother, heart and all, on one condition."
The whirring of the sand around me vanished, the rhythmic pounding of my heart the only sound I could hear. After all these years, could I really have Lyle back? Could he really get his heart back and have a chance to relive the past seven years? My own heart began to beat with a flicker of hope.
I opened my mouth to accept when a memory entered my mind's eye. A memory that wasn't mine.
I was standing before Ophidian, just as I did now. Except he looked older and frail. But that couldn't be right. Was this a vision of what was to come?
"No more choices," I replied, my voice sounding strangely like Silas’s. "I've made enough choices."
"Life is all about choices," Ophidian wheezed. "Our choices define our lives and who we are. If we do not choose, we do not live."
I blinked, realizing what the memory was. This was what happened between the young blacksmith and Ophidian.
"If you leave this half of your heart with me, I will spare the one whom you would give it to," Ophidian said.
My mind reached back to the story Claire had told me. Ophidian showed the young blacksmith who his love was. Maybe if I could see who she was, I could figure out what had happened to the blacksmith. Maybe it had all worked out, and they were together. I let that childish thought dissolve. Nothing ever worked out, especially when dealing with the Beast.
The memory began to fade from my mind, and I struggled to keep focused, wanting more than anything to know who this mystery woman was, the woman who bore the mark of the Mender.
As the light dimmed around the memory, old Ophidian revealed who the love of the blacksmith was.
Long dark curls.
Bright blue eyes.
A curious smirk on her lips.
The woman who bore the mark of the Mender wasn't a stranger.
The woman who bore the mark of the Mender was me.
Chapter 22
I gasped as the memory fled, my mind returning to the swirling black desert. Ophidian still loomed over me. Black sand pulled away from his body as the wind whipped around him. Did he know what I had just seen?
"If you give me half of your heart, I will give you your brother," Ophidian continued, apparently unaware of my vision.
Why did he only need half? But then I realized what he was bargaining for. He still only had half of a pure heart from the young blacksmith. I didn't know what would happen if Ophidian gained the power of a wholly pure heart, but I knew it couldn't be good.
My heart ached as I remembered the image of Lyle's lifeless body ascending from the sand. I loved Lyle with all my heart and wished more than ever that I could be with him now, but I couldn't allow Ophidian to become stronger.
I readied myself for the Beast's abuse when I felt the same cool power from the Third Choice coming from beside me. It was strong, radiating toward my heart. Reaching through the coarse sand, I pulled out the sword, its refreshing energy flowing into my veins. It glowed brightly, a halo of pure light beaming from the blade.
The particles that made up Ophidian's body immediately scampered away from the glowing light. The Beast's once-grinning face transformed into a horrible scowl. He let out a roar as I held the sword high, the power of it surging through me.
"No more choices!" I yelled, the emblem radiating brighter as I spoke. "No more trades!"
Ophidian snarled at the light and slithered away, looking more snake-like than before.
"You will die, Adelaide Tye," he growled. "I'll make sure of it. Once I have a pure heart, I will live for eternity and will watch you die a thousand deaths."
"You will never have my heart!" Acting on instinct, I gripped the sword with both hands and plunged it into the black sand in front of Ophidian, causing the black particles to freeze in midair.
The light from the blade washed over the entire desert of black sand, transforming it from darkness to light.
Ophidian roared again, his body turning to pure white granules before crumbling to pieces and colliding with the brilliant ground. A final gust of wind blew the last grains away, erasing any mark the Beast had left. And all was silent.
Panting, I pushed on the hilt and hoisted myself out of the white sand. Exhausted, I lay still on my back, feeling the strength of the sword leave my body as it retreated back into the metal. The chill of the frosted granules relaxed my racing heart as I ran over Ophidian's words: Once I have a pure heart, I will live for eternity. That was why he needed a pure heart: to become immortal.
"That was incredible!" Claire yelled from a distance.
I turned my head to see her racing down the calm white dunes.
"I can't believe you did that," she said, gasping for air with a grin on her face, eyes sparkling with joy.
"I didn't really," I replied, pushing myself into a sitting position before studying the sword again. "It was all the sword."
She placed her hands on her hips and leaned to one side, the lantern she held squeaking with the motion. "You're saying the sword just stabbed itself into the sand and got rid of Ophidian?"
I frowned. "Well, no, I did that."
"Don't be stupid, Addie. That sword came to you for a reason! I mean, look!" She motioned to the clean, white sand with another giant grin. I followed her arms, taking in the crisp dunes stretching beyond sight. The pearly grains sparkled as Claire moved the lantern, reminding me of the nightly snowfalls in Barracks. It was amazing, knowing that the area had been a void of darkness but had transformed into a beacon of light. “Things like that don't just happen.”
I stood and brushed remnants of white sand from Lyle's sweater. "I know." I didn't want to think about why this sword came to me and what I had to do with it. I just needed to focus on a way to save Lyle and keep my heart away from Ophidian.
What pressed my mind even more was the image from the memory. Ophidian had known all this time who I was. Had he lured Lyle here to get me here, too? I ran my thumb against the emblem on the hilt, thinking about the rest of the memory. I had the mark of the Mender. I wasn't sure how that could be true, because I didn't have a visible mark. There was also the fact that a young blacksmith was out there, missing half a heart, all for me. Why would anyone do such a thing? He didn't even know who I was, yet he was willing to sacrifice half of himself to the darkness so I could be safe.
A nagging thought pulled at the back of my mind, one I was surprised to acknowledge. While I saw the young blacksmith’s memory, the familiarity of his voice had struck me. I almost thought it could have been Silas talking. My heart fluttered at the thought, and I frowned. That couldn’t be right. The young blacksmith’s memory was full of life, emotion, and passion—all things Steady Silas didn’t possess.
I shook the thought away as I looked down at the satchel. The darkness invading its edges had faded, replaced with a pure white. A crisp, invigorating chill spiraled through my arm as I placed my hand over my heart. It was transforming into so
mething else. Something powerful. Swallowing, I made a promise to myself. When I got out of here, and when Lyle was safe, I would find the young blacksmith, whoever he was, and I would help him get his heart back, no matter what.
My own heart beat in excitement. There was still another adventure that waited for us after this one finished. And I was ready for this one to end.
Chapter 23
I opened my mouth to ask Claire whether we should keep moving when a royal blue door appeared amidst the white sand. I groaned, tilting my head back in frustration. I had forgotten there were still four doors left.
Claire let out a laugh. "Well, that's the first time I've ever heard that response." She pulled out her keys, pinching the one with the head of a snake on it.
Dread filled my heart as I focused on the rusted key. I didn't like snakes. Especially after Ophidian. I had hoped I wouldn't have to deal with that key so soon.
As she placed the key in the lock, she turned around and faced me. "Now, please take note when I say don't be stupid."
I gave her a wary smile. "I'll try not to be."
Shaking her head, Claire patted me on mine. "Good girl. This one's going to be tough."
Before I could ask what she meant, Claire opened the door. Swirls of shadows spiraled out, contaminating the pure sand. My breath caught as thick, warm strands snaked around my body, enticing me to fight another Choice. I went without a struggle, reminding myself I was one step closer to finding Lyle.
After they had pulled me through, the door closed softly, and the shadows released me from their grasp. Surprisingly, my heart pulsed calmly, no longer fearful of the night.
Raising the sword, I took a step, and a long hallway etched with golden markings appeared before me. My muscles tensed at the quick change.
The teal carpet muffled my footsteps as I strode cautiously, anticipation rising in my heart. My shoulders scraped along the gilded walls, barely clearing the narrow width.
Suddenly, the hallway opened into a red-tinted room filled with smoky haze. Holding my breath, I strained my eyes, hoping the haze wasn't like the First Choice. A variety of different shapes moved within the smoke. The longer I looked, the more I recognized the shapes as people dancing. I exhaled and inhaled, allowing the scent of jasmine to tickle my nose. I couldn’t remember the last time I had smelled something so fragrant. A soft melody wove throughout the room, beckoning me to loosen my tight grip on the sword as I watched the couples sway rhythmically to the tune, holding each other close.
It seemed harmless enough, like the dance halls that used to be in Barracks. Only then, there wasn't nearly as much smoke. Or hugging, for that matter.
As I took my first step toward the marble dance floor, a tingling sensation slipped from the top of my shoulders down to my ankles. No longer was I wearing Claire's shirt and pants beneath Lyle's sweater. Instead, a shimmering evening gown draped my frame, blue as the color of the door. The material was cool on my skin, slinking against my curves.
I gasped as I looked down at the dress. I could see straight down my chest, almost to my stomach, the neckline plunged so deep. And it stretched so wide, it left me almost fully exposed.
My elbow bumped against a chilled gold chain that twisted around one side of my chest. It then crossed my body around to my back, creating goosebumps as it brushed against my bare skin.
I reached my hand to my back to discover there was no back to the dress at all. The fabric covered so little, I might as well have been wearing nothing at all.
The chain snaked back up my shoulder and repeated its pattern on the other side of my body, clasped between my almost-exposed breasts. When I looked down again, a small snake of gold stared up at me with two yellow eyes.
I felt like vomiting. If this disgusting display of my body was Ophidian's idea of a sick joke, I wasn't laughing.
A small, golden purse dangled from my right shoulder, and as I shifted, it fluttered against my side. I breathed a sigh of relief. I still had my heart, and my sword now hung from my left hip in an ornate sheath. I had a feeling I would need it. The sword felt warm against my side, strengthening me as I covered myself with my arms.
I would never wear something like this. In Barracks, I would have frozen to death, but it also just wasn't me. There were many people here who had traded their hearts for a different body or hair. But I had never considered it.
I watched the surrounding couples dancing to the beat when a glow of golden hair framing a familiar face caught my eye. My heart jumped, a jolt of electricity searing through my veins, making my knees weak. It couldn't be. I moved to another area of the room to get a better look. My stomach fluttered as my heart hammered in my chest. It was him.
In the center of the dance floor was Silas, dancing with a beautiful woman with flowing, blonde hair. A red silk dress hugged her voluptuous body as Silas crushed her against him. A silver necklace with a yellow stone melded into it glittered as she swayed with the soothing music.
I swallowed the knot in my throat as I laced my hands together. The room grew hot, closing in around me as I squeezed my fingers tightly, allowing the fear to creep back in. How could I have ever thought Silas would want someone like me?
Unweaving my hands, I gripped the hilt of the sword for stability while turning to flee from the wretched Choice when a soft clacking of shoes echoed across the marble floor.
My knuckles turned white, tightly wrapping around the hilt as I kept my back turned. I refused to watch as the figure approached. Two strong hands reached out to me, cupping my shoulders and spinning me around. I let out a small gasp before looking up into a familiar set of brown eyes. Eyes I had yearned for since I entered Ophidian's Realm.
"Addie," Silas murmured, drawing closer to me. "You look amazing."
My heart pounded with an intensity I'd never experienced before. There was no way my Steady Silas would ever say that. I looked at the creamy complexion and tousled locks, then back into the chestnut eyes gleaming down at me. I wasn't sure I minded the desire I saw within them. But I was still in Ophidian's Realm. This couldn't be real. I took a step away, but Silas reached out, grabbing my wrist.
Before I could break his hold, a cool surface rose up behind me, and I froze. Looking over my shoulder, I saw another wall had blocked my escape. My hair stood on end as my limbs refused to move. But the light touch of Silas’s fingers on my wrist was enough to bring relaxation to my tense body.
Silas took a step closer and ran his fingers up my bare arms, sending pleasant chills up my spine. Standing so close to him, I could smell the cold air of Barracks on him. This had to be him. But how did he get into Ophidian's Realm?
"Don't cover up," he whispered, his hot breath tickling my ear. "You're so beautiful." His hands slid from my arms to my bare back, his fingers beginning to twirl the gold chain, sending my heart into a frenzy.
"Silas . . ." I barely whispered, my breath escaping my lungs.
"Too long you've kept me waiting, Addie," he said. "You're all I've ever wanted, for so long." He took a step back, holding his hand out to me.
Entranced, I laced my fingers through his, allowing him to lead me to the dance floor, where the other couples still swayed. I felt oddly light as we glided across the polished floorboards.
He pulled me close to his firm chest and whispered, "Dance with me."
My heart almost stopped, it was beating so fast. I sucked in a breath and nodded quickly before my rational side could catch up with me again. Silas grinned, and I paused. Silas never smiled. He couldn't.
But before I could think, his calloused hand hugged the small of my back, making my skin tremble beneath his touch and flushing away my suspicions. I took a small step closer.
My heart pulsed harshly, banging against my leg in warning. But for it to feel this good, I didn't know what to think. Could something this wonderful really be that bad?
"Addie," Silas whispered again. "I'm not going to hurt you."
Holding my breath, I took another step.
He drew me closer until my body was pressed against his. The smooth fabric of his soft shirt tickled my chest as we swayed back and forth.
The music continued to hum in the background as I tried to keep my mind alert to all that was happening around me. But the melody was so soothing and, with Silas holding me, my thoughts of danger slipped away.
There had been a small part of me that wished for Silas to see me as more than the little girl he looked after. I thought it was too late when he didn't show up for my Heart Reign, but I was wrong. Silas had come back. He had changed, and I liked it.
The tempo of the music picked up slightly, causing the dancers to sway faster. I could feel Silas's hand press harder into my back, pushing me closer into him. The touch of his rough skin against my bare back ignited the nerves beneath. A pleasant shiver coiled down my spine as I allowed him to bring me close.
Suddenly, my left hip felt lighter. Glancing down, I saw that the sword had disappeared. I shrugged it off, and I leaned into Silas. If the sword was gone, it had to know that I was safe now. I didn't need it anymore.
Soon our bodies were swaying against one another in perfect time to the music. I knew I shouldn't be enjoying this. My heart knew it wasn't real. But I let my body react otherwise.
The music started to play faster, adding a harsher tone to its tune. Silas let go of my hand, placing both of his hands on my back. I immediately wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled myself closer to him.
As my body swayed harder and faster, I pulled myself closer, my breaths quickening with each movement of his body against mine. My fingers ran up and down his neck, feeling the smooth strands of his silky hair. He was an intoxicating poison I couldn't wait to drink.
His breath heated my neck, making my heart forget everything my head was thinking. And when his lips caressed my neck, a burning sensation followed, but I ignored it.
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