Chapter 1215: Too Long

Six hours had passed when I finally stumbled into the Citadel of Fate, shivering with Oblivion’s chill. Six hours of Enusia, but on the edge of eternity, it felt more like days. Maybe weeks. The cold clung to me. My teeth chattered, and I hugged myself in vain, unable to shake the lingering shadow.

Fate was gone, as she often was, somewhere in Oblivion. She and Magic delved much deeper into the darkness than I dared to go. I barely even left Enusia, looking only to take advantage of the time dilation and not the strange, twisted reality of the fringes.

"You risk much," said Arantius, his lips curved in a disapproving frown.

I flinched, hunching my shoulders. I hadn’t even noticed his aura; I was too exhausted.

"I...I must. There isn’t time," I mumbled.

"I didn’t say it wasn’t worth it, only that you push yourself hard. Mortals are meant to bear the burdens of fate and oblivion like that. Even gods must tread carefully there. Did you find what you sought?’

A small, tired smile made its way onto my face. "I did."

He gave a short nod. "Then that is all that matters. But be careful. Every time you visit, you absorb more power, and the forces in your soul grow more unstable. The Soul Binder can only do so much. I sense you’re on the threshold of ninth-level."

"I’m counting on it. It’s the only way to defeat Fate."

"Only?" He chuckled wryly, shaking his head. "If there is one path, there are more. But again, I do not chastise you, but provide a voice of caution. Be careful of the end of the paths you choose to walk. Sooner or later, you’ll reach them."

"Thank you." I gave him a slight curtsy, and another tired smile. "Arantius? If I call, will you still answer?"

"Of course. My place is here, defending Haven, but if you have need, I will be there. Not that I can fight a Divine Avatar in my current state, but if you were to break through..." He let the sentence hang, gazing at me with those still, unnerving eyes that seemed to stare right through me.

I nodded my thanks, and with a yawn, left the cathedral. Haven had quieted in my absence. Checking in with demons revealed the battle had come to an end outside, and the Fatesworn and Infernal Horde had no longer engaged on any front.

Upon hearing that, I had Haven whisk me away to the entrance island, and hurriedly left the realm. Enusia’s weight was oppressive as I stepped onto the broken valley floor, surrounded by several thousand Fatesworn. To my delight, Luxxa, Kahlen, Gith, and Jenna had returned to their posts, looking tired but vigilant. I gave them all hugs, even Gith and Kahlen, keeping my eyes lowered meekly as they berated me for needless risks I’d taken without them.

"I’m just glad you’re okay," I said, nuzzling up against Luxxa.

She let out a resigned sigh, loosely ruffling my hair. "There will be danger everywhere until this war is over. Expecting you, of all people, to stay out of it until then is probably too much."

"I try to be careful," I said, blushing as the others gave me incredulous looks. They didn’t even know half of it.

"Well, where to next?" Jenna asked.

I turned, looking eastward to where the first hints of dawn glowed on the horizon, and suppressed another yawn. That was the direction my heart pulled me. I glanced back at my guard. "The battle is really over?"

"The last shockwave struck us about a half hour ago. Commander Bethiv has us on high alert, but also ready to march when the order is given. I think they’re waiting to see if the church has any follow-up plans," Luxxa answered.

"Then I’m going to find Luke. He must be tired," I said.

"You could use a nap yourself," Jenna said, raising an eyebrow. "Did you even sleep last night?"

Absently, I shook my head and called Fable. He appeared through a rift, and I climbed on his back, letting him carry me across the mountains. The Star Guard flew in a tight formation around us, using their auras to keep the demons back as we penetrated the Infernal Hordes.

Luke was easy to find. He stood in a series of chasms and craters no less impressive than the ones our fight against the elemental had created. Several high-level demons, including Firemane and the Demon Lord of Death, surrounded him, deep in silent discussion. His tail flicked as we breached the edge of his senses, a glint coming to his violet eyes.

Jenna giggled as Fable touched down. "You two are adorable, the way your tails twitch whenever you see each other."

I blushed, sweeping my tail in my lap and hugging it to my chest. "It doesn’t!"

They all chuckled at that, leaving my cheeks burning. But, at the same time, warmth blossomed in my chest at the thought of Luke being excited to see me.

We waited less than a minute before he waved his hand, cutting off whatever soulspeak the three were engaged in. Gathering his mana, he flew to us. I held out my arms, and his lips quirked in a half-smile. He flew close, stealing me off of Fable’s back and spinning away, holding me in a fierce embrace. I giggled and squirmed, managing to free my arms and lace them around his neck.

"What’s gotten into you, coming at me like that?" he asked, kissing my cheek. "The battle’s only just ended, and we’ll be moving soon. Shouldn’t you be getting some rest?"

I blushed slightly. "I missed you."

"It’s only been a few hours."

"No, it’s been...too long."

He alighted on the ground some distance from my wolf and guard. His violet eyes roamed my face, searching. "What happened? I felt you engage that monster. Just what were you thinking?’

"It’s alright," I whispered, surrendering to his grip, content to let him hold me. "We managed to see through the church’s plans. The monster they released wasn’t much of a monster at all."

"So you weren’t in danger?" he asked, staring at me firmly.

My gaze strayed, and I bit my lip.

"I didn’t think so. But don’t tell me nothing happened. You feel...different. More confident, I think. Or maybe it’s just your aura."

"Um, yeah. I was just...you told me to find a way to defeat Fate. I’ve been working on that."

"Good, good," he mused, nodding slowly. "I’m glad. The next time we fight, it will be against him and his forces."

"No pressure," I muttered.

He chuckled, running his hand through my hair. His fingers curled against the back of my head, and this time, I rose to meet him. Our kiss was long and sweet, leaving me breathless when he finally pulled away.

"Thank you for coming," he whispered, resting his forehead against mine, his expression tender. "I was so worried."

"I’m not helpless," I said, a touch more defensive than I intended. "Everyone was there. We were a team."

He made a face. "I know. That’s the problem. I want you all to myself. Why should I have to share you with them?"

I giggled, ducking beneath his next attempt at a kiss. "Don’t tell me you’re jealous?"

He smiled faintly. "Is that so hard to believe? I can barely stand watching anyone else talk to you, and never mind when you let them hug you. If you need hugs, come to me, alright? I’ll hold you as long as you want."

"Then you’d better start making time in your busy schedule. I’m not sure we’ll ever get around to fighting this war," I murmured, snuggling against him.

He chuckled, a low thrum against my cheek, and smoothed my hair down my back. "I just might."

We stood there for a moment, deep in an embrace. I closed my eyes, breathing slow and deep, luxuriating in his familiar scent. Oddly enough, our playful banter was strangely soothing. Was that why Gayron and Korra always bickered? Was there some secret meaning behind it?

"One day," he whispered, absently stroking my hair. "One day, when there’s no war or obligation, I really will be able to hold you as much as you’d like. I promise. Just wait for me, okay?"

Multiple presences approached, and I peeked out from Luke’s shadow to see Fyren with the two demon lords. They kept a respectful distance away, but I could see the impatience in their infernal expressions.

"They’re waiting for you," I whispered, gently nudging Luke’s chest.

He didn’t budge. "Let them wait. Just for a little longer."

True to his word, he drew me closer, exhaled softly in my hair, before reluctantly relinquishing me. I didn’t let go, entwining my arm through his and lacing our fingers.

"An apostle and hero. Quite a strange pair," The death demon said, a hint of amusement in its voice.

Luke spared it a sharp glance. "Enough. Have you gathered the reports I asked."

The demon lord clicked its tongue. "You bring many strange traditions to this war. The number of your army doesn’t matter, only that there are scions to throw at your enemies."

Luke’s frown deepened, and the demon sighed, folding its arms against its scaly chest. "Fine," it said, "I did as you requested. The last contact with the church was nearly an hour ago. The apostles are prepared to march."

"Good. Then give the Order," Luke said, turning to Firemane. "Move us onto the Plains of Radia. By the time the sun rises, I want Roann blockaded, and their supplies choked off. Kill whatever gets in our way. This time, may it be the gods who taste defeat."