[Hindrick’s POV]I sit alone, staring out into the distance, while letting the sounds of crickets and cicadas comfort my whirling emotions. Even though I had thought that leaving Langley and Fallon would help me sort out my feelings and calm my mind, I was finding that it was leaving me more on edge than ever before.Despite knowing that Fallon was safe with that bastard Fineon and her father, I still found myself wanting to be the one beside her, protecting her. It was a ridiculous hope, but one that I just couldn’t seem to shake.‘Weak,’ Apollo huffs, not bothering to hide his disgust. ‘You’re always going to be too weak.’‘Maybe,’ I chuckle, letting out a sigh and shifting my position. ‘But at least I won’t be a burden to anyone ever again.’After leaving Langley, I made up my mind to never look back. It was something that no one else who was currently joining me on my mission knew, but it was a decision I made myself.Once things were settled, I would become a mercenary and travel
[Hindrick’s POV]Continuing to let the images come, I watch as Anika lets out a laugh while Mateo watches her."That’s right," Mateo chuckles. "Let that hatred take over and consume you."Cursing, I immediately realized what was going on. Just like me, Anika must have had a dark side that was constantly attempting to overpower her light. However, I couldn’t quite understand why, of all times, this was happening, but I had a feeling it was important.Turning my focus back to the scene in front of me, I watch as Anika throws an orb of black light at Mateo, who easily dodges it."Missed," Mateo chuckles. "Don’t let your emotions overpower your judgment.""You’re letting him manipulate you," I hiss, knowing damn well they couldn’t hear me. "You need to get it together."Biting back the urge to give in, I move, trying to reach Anika, though with each step I take, it's almost like I’m taking two steps back.‘This is just an illusion,’ Apollo reminds me. ‘The true inner struggle is in Fallon
[Fineon’s POV]I stare down at Fallon’s pain-filled face and find myself doubting whether or not what Tyson suggested would work. Wouldn’t it be better to remove that other mark on her skin?"Are you just going to stand there and look dumb?" The big brute snaps, drawing my attention toward himself. "She’s suffering, and as Tyson has said, you’re the only one who can do something about it.""But…" I stammer. "I still haven’t...""Does that matter?" The big brute growls, cutting me off. "I thought you were serious about my daughter and willing to do whatever it took to be with her.""I…"That was right. I had promised her and everyone around us that I would do whatever it took to show my sincerity, but when I thought of marking her without her permission, my heart hurt."Don’t attack him."Jerking, I snapped my gaze back to Fallon and took in her crimson gaze. Deep within in it I could see understanding, but I could also see a deep-rooted pain that left me feeling like the biggest piece
[Hindrick’s POV]I wait as Utica continues to stare me down with those damned eyes that seem to see deep into the very depths of my soul. Something about them is so unnerving, but I refuse to break our stare down."Well?" I repeat in frustration. "Are you afraid that I’m going to bite?""Maybe," Utica responds, causing Andria to break into a fit of giggles. "Could you not encourage her?""Don’t take your frustration out on Andria," Elleric warns. "Don’t you think if you were less harsh, the girl would be more willing to oblige your request?"Less harsh? I wasn’t being harsh to begin with, now was I? This was my usual way of speaking."It’s fine," Utica finally says, beginning to come forward. "I’ll do as you say since I’m feeling thankful for your helping me."Nodding, I watch until she is standing right beside me. Only when she stops moving entirely do I reach out and grab her hand.Immediately, a wave of warmth and comfort crashed into me, pushing aside the darkness that was threate
[Anika’s POV]I stare into Mateo’s dark eyes and find that I don’t feel an ounce of love for him. Instead, all I can feel is a deep-rooted hatred that leaves me wanting to kill the man in front of me."Go on then," he taunts when I don’t move. "Are you really going to hesitate to attack?"‘Kill him,’ the voice growls. ‘He was the one that allowed Alton to kill you and your baby.’That was right. He allowed Alton to take our lives and then tried to play it off as if he was devastated. From the start, he was never the kind Mateo that I thought I knew.Letting out a snarl of rage, I let all the darkness that is growing within me erupt, slamming into Mateo and sending him stumbling backwards."So this was the power you were always capable of," he laughs. "You’re still too weak."Surging forward, he lets his own energy erupt. Dodging the first blow, I attack with my own.Together, we dance around the space, fighting blow for blow and trying to gain dominance over each other. However, it be
[Fallon’s POV]"Yeah."The words leave my lips before I am able to fully process what is happening. The marks were gone, as was the connection between Mateo and Anika. Was this really happening, or were we counting our chickens before they hatched?"Really?"The hope in Fineon’s voice makes me want to believe that this is true, but I still can’t quite bring myself to believe it."I think so."In my mind, I can feel Anika’s warring emotions. Gone was her helpless devotion to Mateo, and in its place was a cold determination. She was different; that was one thing that was certain, but just how different was still to be discovered.‘Are you okay?’ I push, unable to hide my worry for her. ‘You don’t have to try to play strong with me.’‘Better than okay,’ Anika responds simply. ‘I feel free for the first time in so many centuries.’Despite her hopeful response, I still feel that coldness. It reminds me of the darkness I felt earlier on—was all of that coming from her? If so, did this mean
[Hindrick’s POV]I stood alone, staring out at the horizon, taking in the pluming smoke from Mount Malum. The closer we grew to Fulgor Island, the more I saw just how bad things truly were becoming."It’s something, isn’t it?" Gavin announces, appearing beside me.Nodding, I continue to stare. I couldn’t explain why, but something felt off. I hoped it was just my imagination, but usually my hunches were correct."How long until we arrive at Ave Island?"Ave was the first of the islands we would be making our way to, as it was furthest from Fulgor. I could only hope that those who inhabited it would be willing to help. However, if they initially refused, I had ways of convincing them."We should reach by nightfall."Satisfied, I prepare to respond but stop as a low rumbling sound reaches my ears.Tensing, I watch as a large plume of smoke bursts from Mount Malum, followed by a wall of fire.Cursing, I watch as the smoke begins to spread all around Fulgor and make its way toward our des
[Hindrick’s POV]Ah, this feeling. It was the same thing I felt every time the darkness wanted to take over. I felt this dark sense of hopelessness and unease, but I couldn’t let it take me. If I were to allow that, then I wouldn’t be able to see her smile again, would I?Closing my eyes, I let the world around me that was filled with chaos and death disappear while a warm world began to appear."This is why," I breathe as Fallon slowly appears before me. "This is why I can’t let it win."Feeling my body begin to fill with warmth, I watch as Fallon’s eyes light up and a large smile begins to spread across her face."Hindrick," she calls, holding out a hand to me. "Are you coming?"As she speaks, I turn my attention to the distance where she is heading. Standing there waiting for me is everyone that I have learned to hold near and dear, even if I never dared to say so."Weak."The single world threatens to shatter the world that I am slowly trying to create around me so I don’t get suc