CASTYR'S POV
I lean against the bars of the cage for support as I clench my heart. I steady my breath as a sudden surge of energy rushes through me. I have been feeling my body changing for a couple of days. I will get a few small surges and immediately use them to heal Erin and Orion. But today is different. It is the night before the blood sun, and the surges are more often and much stronger.
To say it hurts is an understatement. You would think it would be nice to get some extra energy, but it hurts like hell. My heart pounds, and my body grows weak. My vision blurs until my body can adapt to the new energy. It also does not help that the energy I am gaining was from those who were slain. I do not want this energy. It repulses me, but I need it to heal Erin.
Erin was on the brink of death when I came back to consciousness. That was when I felt the first, strong surge. I did not know what it was, but it saved Erin's life. Later, Orion explained the blood sun and the surges that come with it. He also revealed the king's plans. Orion left something out, though. I can feel it. There is something he is not telling me.
The three of us have remained silent since this evening. The blood sun is tomorrow, and the moon is already high in the sky. Erin has hardly said a word since he was beaten to punish his lover. He has merely leaned against the cage with closed eyes, his breathing faint.
Orion has grown more anxious since he has heard nothing from Aklys. I, too, have heard nothing from Kilo since the nightmare. He must not be sleeping as we have not met in our dreams. What is keeping him from resting? Is he on his way? My heart skips with the possibility of seeing Kilo again. A cough from Erin pulls me from my thoughts. I immediately go to the demon and check on him. His eyes remain shut, but a small moan escapes his lips. I quickly slip a ball of light into Erin's mouth. His breathing eases, and his pained expression lessens. I have found that ingestion of the light is more affective for healing internal injuries, and it seems that some of Erin's ribs were bruised.
"How is he?" Orion asks in a low voice.
I turn to look at the actaeon. His silver-blue hair hangs in his face, framing his honey-golden eyes. "He is better, though he's still in a lot of pain," I answer with a sigh.
Orion lowers his head and nods. "He'll pull through."
I nod. I have to nod. I have to agree. I cannot allow myself to give up on Erin. I will not give up on Erin. I have to save him.
Orion and I whip our heads to the stairs as the sound of the heavy door opening reaches our ears. What is it this time? I step in front of Erin who struggles to stand. Using the wall for support, he is able to stand with his back to the slick stone. Orion also stands, his jaw clenched as he sees the same set of guards who beat Erin.
"What do you want?" Orion addresses the four demons.
"You," the lead demon smirks. "It's finally time to put you down."
Orion lets out a gasp as he hears the demon's words. This can only mean one thing. Aklys failed. The angel sinks to his knees and clutches his heart. "Aklys..." This is the most pain I have ever heard in Orion's voice.
"The general is dead. He failed to capture Ilios and was slain. His lieutenant survived and relayed the news," a second demon reveals.
Orion's body pulses as he cries silently, his hands fisted as tears stream down his cheeks.
"How pathetic," the lead demon spits as he watches the angel morn. He motions for his subordinates to open Orion's cell with a tilt of his head.
Orion quickly stifles his cries and looks up to face the demons entering his cell. Before Orion can resist, they quickly render him unconscious with several blows to the head.
"Careful! We need him alive. The king needs his power before he dies," the lead demon warns the two as the unchain the angel.
I open my lips to call out Orion's name, but Erin puts his hand over my mouth. He shakes his head when I look at him. Helpless, we watch as Orion is dragged up the stairs to be drained for the king's greed.