Chapter Forty-Eight

***Rhodes***

The White Pearl darts through the castle like a streak of moonlight, and Kallias and I are right on its heels. My shadows whisper to me, guiding my path, while Kallias's presence at my side is a steady, comforting force.

“Which essence do you think it is?” Kallias asks, his voice breathless but eager.

“Most likely the White,” I reply, eyes fixed on the elusive glow ahead. “Keiran would be drawn to his own magic.”

We race through the grand hallways, the intricate carvings on the walls blurring as we speed past. The Pearl is cunning, weaving through the corridors with an almost sentient awareness of its surroundings. It slips through a narrow archway, leading us out into the maze garden.

The garden is a labyrinth of hedges and statues, designed to confuse and disorient intruders. But we are skilled hunters, and no maze can deter us. I pause for a moment, analyzing the Pearl's path. My shadows whisper again, giving me a sense of direction.

“This way,” I say, veering left.

Kallias follows without question, his trust in me unwavering. The Pearl's light flickers ahead, and we quicken our pace, the thrill of the hunt coursing through our veins.
As we run, thoughts of what would happen if either of us claimed the White Pearl cross my mind. We are already powerful, nearly equal to Xaden and Keiran. But with the Pearl, we could surpass them both. The temptation is there, but it is fleeting. My loyalty is to my brother, and to the mission.

Kallias and I were Cauldron-made, molded in the darkness and cruelty of the Witches who raised us. Kallias was always sad as a child, preoccupied with finding a mother in those twisted souls. It's always been his crutch, seeking out someone to care for him the way our mothers were supposed to. From an early age, I developed a fierce desire to protect him from the cruelty of these worlds, and to allow him to grow and develop into a funny, loving man. Or the best he could, for we all have our demons.

The Pearl darts into a greenhouse at the heart of the maze. The air inside is warm and humid, filled with the scent of blooming flowers. Shadows dance across the glass walls, casting eerie shapes on the floor.

“We’ve got it cornered,” Kallias says, a grin spreading across his face. “Let’s catch it.”

“You go after it,” I say, stepping aside. I’m all too conscious of another presence in the greenhouse, someone I also want to protect. “You owe me for that time on First Isle.”

Kallias sighs, but there is a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Fine. But you’d better be ready to back me up.”

I nod, watching as he moves forward, his movements precise and calculated. The Pearl hovers near the center of the greenhouse, its light reflecting off the petals of rare flowers.

Suddenly, a sharp sound echoes through the greenhouse. I turn just in time to see a heavy beam falling from the ceiling, its supports weakened by age and disrepair.
“Kallias, look out!” I shouted, lunging forward.

But I am too late. The beam crashes down, striking Kallias and sending him sprawling to the ground. The Pearl darts away in the chaos, slipping through the cracks and disappearing into the night.

“Kallias!” I drop to my knees beside him, my heart pounding in my chest.

He groans, clutching his side where the beam has struck. Blood seeps through his fingers, and I can see the pain etched on his face.

“Forget me,” he gasps. “Go after the Pearl.”

“Not a chance,” I say fiercely. “I’m not leaving you.”

I made a vow long ago to never let my brother die, and I intend to keep it. Power means nothing compared to his life. I will not sacrifice him for any amount of magic.
“Hold on,” I say, pressing my hands against his wound to staunch the bleeding. “You’re going to be okay.”

Kallias's eyes flicker with gratitude and pain. “You always were the stubborn one.”

“And you were always the reckless one,” I retort, forcing a smile.

I call out into the shadows, my voice carrying through the night. “Remi, I know you’re there. We need your help.”

She steps out from the darkness, her eyes wide with concern. Of course, I knew she was following us. I am a skilled hunter, after all.

“Rhodes…” she begins, her voice trembling.

“Help me carry him,” I say, my voice steady. “Please.”

I’d only ever use manners for my brother.

And maybe for the girl that cares for us as if she were our mother.

Remi nods, rushing to Kallias's side. I look back at my brother, my hand still pressed against his wound.

“Hold on,” I whisper, my heart aching with fear. “Just hold on.”
The Midnight King
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