Deborah's POV
Matthew's appearance was entirely unexpected.
Seeing him in Ablach was both shocking and complicated. I was happy—relieved, even—to see him, but the risks accompanying his presence cast shadows over my joy. Our reunion was bittersweet, a stolen moment in a world that had no place for it.
Fortunately, Chad agreed to assist. His sole condition was that Matthew stay inside the apartment, neither leaving nor drawing attention to himself. As long as Matthew adhered to his rules, Chad promised to keep his secret, ensuring Lugh wouldn't find out.
It was the best I could hope for under the circumstances.
I trusted Chad's judgment more than I cared to admit. During the time I'd spent with him, I realized that while he wasn't entirely forthcoming, he was principled in his own way. He spoke his mind when he chose to, and when he didn't, it wasn't out of manipulation or deceit. He simply remained silent. His guarded demeanor and sharp mind were tempered by an honesty I'd come to rely on. At the very least, I believed him when he said Matthew would be safe there.
But his warning about the tightened border security gnawed at me. Yesterday, he mentioned that after attending the Tri-City administrative meeting, ordered the checkpoints at Ablach's gates to be heavily fortified. The news stirred a quiet unease within me, one I couldn't quite ignore.
I thought back to my own experience passing through those gates. The guards had been few, their checks perfunctory. No one expected any real danger. The underground cities lacked the means to reach Sky Cities, and the gates were more symbolic than practical. They weren't meant to keep anyone out; they were meant to remind those within of their isolation.
So why had the guards suddenly multiplied? What had changed? Had something happened on the surface that I wasn't aware of?
Lost in thought, I barely noticed the sound of footsteps approaching behind me until Barron's familiar voice cut through the night. "Deb, you're daydreaming again."
I looked up to see him strolling through the garden, his usual easygoing demeanor on full display. He didn't wait for an invitation, dropping onto the bench beside me without hesitation.
"It's already dark," I said, raising an eyebrow at him. My tone carried an edge of accusation. "I didn't see you all day. I even knocked on your door, but no answer. Where were you?"
Barron smirked, tilting his head with exaggerated pride. "I was out gathering intel for you, of course."
His words immediately caught my attention, and I straightened in my seat. My gaze locked onto his. "What did you find out?"
But he didn't answer right away, dragging out the moment with a deliberate pause. "Don't you care about how much I ran around today? The effort I put in? The last time Chad pulled an all-nighter for you, your concern practically radiated off you."
I blinked, caught off guard, before narrowing my eyes at him. "What are you talking about? Why would I care about Chad? Stop stalling and tell me what you found out!"
"Alright, alright." Barron's grin widened as if he were thoroughly enjoying himself. But then his expression shifted, becoming more serious. "I overheard my father and brothers talking about the increased border security. Do you want to know why?"
I leaned forward, my heart already pounding. "Stop teasing and just tell me."
Barron let the suspense build for a second longer, clearly savoring my impatience. Then he said, "It's because the remaining three underground cities have successfully relocated all their residents to…" He trailed off, frowning as though struggling to recall the name.
"To where?" I urged, my voice rising with urgency.
"To… that place," he muttered, snapping his fingers as if the answer was just out of reach.
"Tirfothuinn!" I exclaimed.
His eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands together. "That's it! Tirfothuinn."
Hearing the name felt like a weight lifting off my chest. Relief swept through me, bringing a flicker of joy I hadn't felt in days. "That's amazing news!" But my relief was short-lived. Frowning, I asked, "What does that have to do with the increased security?"
Barron leaned back, looking thoroughly pleased with himself as though waiting for praise. Then he said, "Because a few days ago, the Vandran family sent forces to attack Tirfothuinn."
"What?" The word came out in a sharp gasp, my shock and disbelief mirrored in my wide eyes.
He nodded grimly. "The Vandran family controls the mining operations in the underground cities. With all the residents, especially the werewolves they enslaved to mine Falshi, gone, their operations have ground to a halt. It's a massive blow to their power."
My thoughts immediately turned to the Vandrans' influence. They held sway over one of the most critical resources for Sky Cities, and Falshi was indispensable to the ruling class. Without the werewolves' labor, their mines were paralyzed. It was a vulnerability the Vandrans couldn't afford.
"So they attacked Tirfothuinn as retaliation?" I asked quietly, my voice laced with unease. "Are the residents there safe?"
Barron hesitated before nodding. "Mostly. Tirfothuinn took some damage, but the werewolves fought back fiercely. And…" He paused, glancing at me. "It seems they've restored some kind of protective barrier around the city."
A barrier? My mind immediately leapt to Sanctuarium. Could the witches in Tirfothuinn have repaired it? If so, it was a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
Barron shrugged. "Still, I don't think this was just about revenge. The Vandrans probably want to reclaim their resources, maybe even re-enslave the werewolves."
His words weighed heavily on me, and for a moment, I couldn't speak. If his information was accurate, Tirfothuinn was in greater danger than ever. And Matthew's people—the werewolves—were likely caught in a battle for their very survival.
The thought filled me with a suffocating anxiety.
"What are you thinking?" Barron asked, his voice cutting into my spiraling thoughts.
I met his gaze but didn't answer directly. Instead, I said, "I need more information. Can you keep digging for me?"
His eyebrows rose, clearly surprised by the request. But then he nodded, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "Sure, but that's two favors you owe me now."
I didn't rise to his teasing, my mind already racing ahead. Whatever came next, I had to tread carefully. The storm brewing between Sky Cities and Tirfothuinn was inevitable. The Vandrans wouldn't back down, and the powers that ruled Ablach wouldn't tolerate Tirfothuinn's rise. Still, knowing the underground cities' residents had made it to safety brought a fragile sense of relief.
It was a victory, however small, in a battle far from over.
"You're parents didn't question you, suddenly coming home like that?" I asked, glancing at Barron with a trace of concern.
"Of course they did," he replied, his smirk returning. "They're practically planning our wedding. They weren't about to let me off that easily."
"And how did you explain yourself?" I couldn't help but ask.
"I told them I needed to prepare an extravagant gift for you," he said with a playful wag of his eyebrows. "You know, something to surprise you with."
I laughed despite myself, shaking my head. "Extravagant gift? You're ridiculous."
"Of course I am," Barron said with a wink before his tone turned more serious. "Speaking of gifts, how's your ex holding up at Chad's?"
The question caught me off guard. I hesitated, then shook my head. "I don't know. Chad's been in my father's office all day. I haven't had the chance to check in."
"Well, that's a good thing," Barron said, leaning back. "If your father hasn't noticed anything, Matthew's safe for now. Enjoy the peace while it lasts."
"True." I nodded, though a lingering unease gnawed at me. Chad's character might be solid, but Ablach itself was a constant threat—a storm waiting to break.
Barron watched me carefully before leaning closer. "So, you met him underground?"
I nodded slowly. "In Murias."
"He's a werewolf, right? One of those 'slaves' from the mines?"
"Yes," I said, my voice quieter as old memories stirred.
"And you two just… clicked? That's a hell of a story," Barron mused, his eyes bright with curiosity. "Come on, tell me. I need tips on how to win you over."
I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head. "Win me over? You're impossible."
"I'm serious," he said with a grin. "But really, you and a werewolf—it couldn't have been an easy connection to make."
"It wasn't," I admitted, my voice softening. "We met in a bar. I was being harassed by a drunk, and Matthew stepped in to help."
"A hero's entrance?" Barron raised an eyebrow. "Classic. A little cliché, don't you think?"
"Looking back, maybe," I said, smiling faintly. "But it didn't stop there. I ended up working near the mines. Murias was on the brink of collapse, earthquakes happening all the
Reflecting on it, I couldn't help but smile. "It does sound a bit clichéd," I admitted. "Later, due to a job transfer, I had to frequently inspect the Quarry. At that time, Murias was on the brink of collapse, with earthquakes occurring regularly. During one such quake, he saved my life."
Barron nodded, a hint of surprise in his voice. "Well, if it were me, I might have fallen for him too. And when you mentioned going to the surface to find Tirfothuinn, you went with him, right?"
"Yes," I nodded, my voice tinged with nostalgia. "Throughout that journey, we supported each other. It was truly challenging. It was during that journey that we truly understood each other and confirmed our feelings."
"It sounds like you two were quite compatible," Barron remarked, a trace of confusion in his eyes. "So why did you break up? From what you've said, it's hard to imagine you two parting ways."
His question left me momentarily speechless, unsure of how to respond.
I couldn't reveal the real reason—that as a priestess, I had once sacrificed his mother to help the werewolves lift their curse. It was because of this that Matthew harbored an unresolvable resentment towards me.
I lowered my head, silent for a moment.
Seeing my lack of response, Barron's tone softened. "Was it to protect him?"
I looked up, seeing the sincerity and concern in his eyes. Perhaps he didn't need a specific answer, just a desire to understand me. Even so, the question weighed heavily on me.
"Some things are complicated," I said softly, trying to keep my tone calm. "They're not something that can be explained in a few words."
Barron didn't press further, simply nodding, his expression tinged with a hint of regret.
The night was exceptionally quiet, a cold breeze gently rustling the leaves in the garden, creating a faint rustling sound. I looked up at the distant horizon, my heart as deep as the night.
Matthew's appearance had added complexity to my already chaotic life. But no matter what, I had to find a solution. Not just for him, but for myself as well.
Leaning back in his chair, Barron's tone was light. "Well, in any case, he's safe at Chad's place for now. Don't worry too much; I'm here for you."