26. Faye

26

FAYE

I wander through the dimly lit corridors of the vrakken base, my new senses overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of magic pulsing around me. The stone walls shimmer with an otherworldly energy, veins of pulsating light running through them like living arteries. I brush my fingers against the cool surface, gasping as I feel the raw power thrumming beneath my touch.

"This is incredible," I whisper, my voice echoing softly in the cavernous space.

Every step I take sends ripples of magical energy through the floor, and I can sense the ebb and flow of power all around me. It's as if the entire base is alive, breathing with an ancient, arcane force I never knew existed.

I pause at an intersection, closing my eyes and letting my heightened awareness guide me. The air itself seems charged with potential, tiny sparks of magic dancing across my skin. I can smell the rich, earthy scent of the underground mixed with something else – a crisp, clean aroma that I can only assume is pure magic.

As I continue my exploration, I come across a large chamber filled with swirling, iridescent pools. The liquid within them defies gravity, floating in mesmerizing patterns that shift and change before my eyes.

I'm drawn to one particular pool, its surface a deep, midnight blue. As I lean closer, I see fleeting images dancing across its surface – glimpses of far-off places and times I can't comprehend.

"Careful," a voice behind me warns, and I turn to see Cassius watching me. "Those scrying pools can be addictive to the newly turned."

I grin as I walk toward him, already eager to be back into his arms. He must feel the same because he wraps an arm around my waist, tugging me against him and dropping a head on my kiss.

Even my emotions feel more explosive down here. Everything feels more vivid, more alive than I ever thought possible. It's as if I've been living in a world of muted colors and dull sensations, and suddenly someone's turned up the intensity to its maximum.

I lean into Cassius's embrace, savoring the warmth of his body against mine. His scent envelops me, a heady mix of magic and something uniquely him that sets my new senses ablaze.

"So, what did the Council say?" I ask, tilting my head to meet his dark eyes.

Cassius's lips quirk into a small smile. "We've been assigned to an above-ground base. It'll give us time to recover and for you to adjust to your new... situation."

My heart sinks a little at the news. "We're leaving? But I've barely had a chance to explore all this." I gesture around us at the pulsing, magical caverns. "It's so incredible down here."

Cassius chuckles, the sound reverberating through his chest. "I know it seems overwhelming now, but trust me, you'll be glad for some peace and quiet soon enough."

I frown, unconvinced. "But the magic here... it's everywhere. I can feel it in the air, in the walls. How can anywhere above ground compare to this?"

"Ah, sweetheart," Cassius says, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You underestimate the vrakken. Our above-ground bases aren't just ordinary buildings, you know."

My curiosity piques. "What do you mean?"

Cassius leans in close, his breath tickling my ear as he whispers, "They're built in wildsponts of their own."

I pull back, eyes wide with excitement. "Really? You mean we'll still be surrounded by magic?"

He nods, grinning at my enthusiasm. "The magic might not be as concentrated as it is down here, but it'll be just as potent. Maybe even more so in some ways. Wildsponts above ground have their own unique... flavor."

I can hardly contain my excitement at the prospect. "What are they like? The above-ground wildsponts?"

"They're... alive," Cassius says, his eyes growing distant as if recalling a memory. "The trees, the grass, even the air itself seems to breathe with magic. With the plants reacting to you, it feels even more magical than here."

"So the base will be good." I bite my lip, a flicker of anxiety cutting through my excitement. "But what did the Council say about me? If I'm going with you to a base, does that mean they forgive me being Changed?"

Cassius's expression softens, his hand coming up to cup my cheek. "Sweetheart, you don't need to worry about that. I've handled everything."

I lean into his touch, but uncertainty still gnaws at me. "Are you sure? I mean, I know Changing someone without permission is a big deal. I don't want to cause trouble for you or-"

"Faye," Cassius interrupts gently, his dark eyes holding mine. "Trust me. The Council understands the situation. They know you're valuable to us, to me. Your knowledge of Liiandor and the dark elves alone makes you an asset."

I nod slowly, processing his words. "So they're not... angry?"

Cassius chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Oh, they were plenty angry at first. But I managed to convince them. You've already proven yourself by helping with the tablet and the gate. Plus, you've essentially passed a trial by fire with everything we've been through."

Relief washes over me, but a small part of me still worries. "What about the other vrakken? Will they accept me?"

"It's more common than you think," Cassius assures me, his thumb tracing my cheekbone.

I feel a wave of relief wash over me at Cassius's reassurance, but a new curiosity takes its place. "So, what exactly are these above-ground bases like? Will it just be us there?"

Cassius shakes his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Not quite, sweetheart. These bases were actually set up for humans."

My eyes widen in surprise. "Humans? But I thought..."

"We've been recruiting them," Cassius explains, his voice low and serious. "Rescuing humans from the dark elves and offering them shelter in exchange for their help in the war."

I lean back, processing this information. "So there will be humans at the base? What kind of help do they provide?"

Cassius nods, his dark eyes meeting mine. "Some are learning to fight. Others help keep the base in order. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement." A smile pulls at his lips as he grins at me. "And if needed, some are Made, so you won't be the only one. There are others like you, humans who have been Changed. You'll have people who understand exactly what you're going through."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. The idea of not being alone in this new existence is comforting. "That's... that's good to know. I guess I have a lot to learn about vrakken society."

"Don't you worry." He pulls me close. "Anyone who doesn't will answer to me. You're under my protection now, Faye. More than that, you're my partner in this."

His words send a thrill through me, both comforting and exhilarating. "Partner, huh?" I tease, trying to lighten the mood. "Does that mean I get a say in our missions now?"

Cassius grins, a rare sight that makes my heart skip. "Don't push your luck, sweetheart. But yes, your input will be valuable. We're in this together now."

I can't help but smile back, feeling truly safe and accepted for the first time in years. "Together," I repeat, liking the sound of it. "I think I can get used to that."

I buzz with excitement as we prepare for our move to the above-ground base. Cassius helps me pack a few essentials, mostly clothing and some weapons he's able to scrounge up for us. He says there will be more supplies up there but just in case.

My fingers trace the intricate designs on a beautifully crafted dagger he hands me.

"You'll need to learn how to use these properly now," he says, his dark eyes twinkling. "Your new strength means you could accidentally snap a regular blade in half."

I can't help but grin at the thought. "Sounds like fun."

Cassius chuckles, the sound warming me from the inside out. It's still a novelty to hear him laugh so freely. "You say that now, sweetheart. But you'll learn there's quite an adjustment to these things."

As we move through the underground corridors, I notice other vrakken watching us curiously. Their eyes widen as they take in Cassius's relaxed demeanor and the easy way he interacts with me. One older vrakken nearly drops the stack of books he's carrying when Cassius cracks a joke, his laughter echoing off the stone walls.

"What's got them so shocked?" I whisper to Cassius as we pass a group of wide-eyed vrakken.

He leans in close, his breath tickling my ear. "Let's just say I wasn't known for my sparkling personality before."

I snort, nudging him playfully. "You mean you weren't always this charming?"

"Hardly," he replies with a wry smile. "I think you might be the first person to ever call me charming, sweetheart."

As we continue our preparations, I can't help but feel a swell of pride. I might be new to this world of vrakken and magic, but somehow, I've managed to bring out a side of Cassius that no one else has seen before. It's a heady feeling, knowing I've had such an impact on this powerful, centuries-old being.