Chapter Thirty
"Miles?" Lilith called softly as she stepped into the cabin.
Miles was on the wooden floor, struggling against the chains that bound him. His breathing was uneven, and his frustration palpable. He glared at her, his voice sharp. "Why the hell did you guys chain me up?"
Lilith's eyes widened in surprise as she rushed over to him. "I didn't know Crimson had done this," she said quickly, her voice filled with concern as she worked to undo the chains.
As the final link fell away, Miles rubbed his wrists and muttered, "Typical Crimson." He staggered to his feet, wincing. "That guy doesn't hold back, huh? You sure weren't kidding about his strength."
Lilith gave him a reassuring smile, patting the edge of the cabin's bed. "Come sit with me."
There was something warm, almost irresistible in her tone. Reluctantly, Miles sat beside her, his posture tense.
Lilith reached out and took his hand gently in hers. "Crimson told me everything that happened while I was out. Miles, I'm so sorry about Idris."
Miles stiffened, jerking his hand away. His voice broke as he said, "Do you think a sorry is going to fix anything?" He stood abruptly, pacing the cabin like a caged animal. "Laurel is dead—no, Idris is dead—" He stopped, his breathing heavy, his thoughts spiralling.
Lilith watched him carefully, her gaze soft yet piercing. "This isn't just about Idris, is it?" she said, rising from the bed. "It's about the fact that Idris wore Laurel's face before he was killed."
Miles froze, his jaw tightening.
Lilith closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms around him in a firm yet comforting hug. She leaned close, her voice a whisper in his ear. "Laurel is fine, Miles. That wasn't her. That was Idris. Your friend. And Grey, he will pay."
For a moment, Miles didn't move. Then, slowly, his arms came up, clutching Lilith as if she were his last tether to reality. His voice cracked as he spoke. "It felt so real... I couldn't tell the difference. He didn't sound like Laurel, but... everything else. Her face. Her eyes."
Lilith pulled back slightly, looking him in the eye. "It's going to be okay. I promise. Grey will pay for what he's done—just not today."
Before she could finish, Miles released her, stepping back and wiping his eyes with the back of his arm. His voice was quieter now but determined. "Willow Haven that's where we headed for before your incident."
Lilith nodded. "Yes. The place of the greatest mages. We have a friend there—a mage named Gale. He can help us find Laurel. As soon as possible."
Miles let out a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
Lilith grinned, pointing at him. "Now there's the smile I know."
Suddenly, Crimson burst into the cabin, his voice filled with urgency. "We've finally reached Willow Haven!"
Miles jolted to his feet, excitement sparking in his eyes. Without a word, he darted up the narrow staircase to the top deck.
Crimson blinked after him, eyebrows raised. "What's he so excited about?"
Lilith smiled, brushing past Crimson. "I got through to him."
Crimson chuckled. "If not you, then who else?"
"Stop flattering me," Lilith quipped, though her tone carried a hint of amusement.
"I'm not flattering you," Crimson shot back with a grin. "You're literally the only other person on this ship."
Lilith rolled her eyes and gave him a playful punch on the shoulder.
"Ow! What was that for?" He exclaimed, rubbing his arm as Lilith giggled.
The two made their way to the upper deck, stepping into the dazzling sunlight. Lilith raised a hand to shield her eyes as they joined Miles, who stood at the ship's railing, transfixed by the sight below.
"Wow," Miles breathed, leaning forward to get a better view.
Below them sprawled the magical city of Willow Haven, its floating buildings shimmering with ethereal light. Water arched gracefully through the air, flowing from one building to another in defiance of gravity. The center piece of the city was a grand floating castle, its spires reaching toward the heavens, encircled by orbiting rings of glowing runes.
"This is incredible," Miles remarked, his voice tinged with awe.
"Yeah, it is," Crimson said, stepping beside him. But his tone was more wary than admiring. "And that's why we need to find Laurel and get you two out of Amethyst before they find you."
Lilith shot Crimson a look, silently warning him to ease up, but he ignored her, his jaw tight with tension.
Crimson moved to the ship's wheel, steering the vessel toward a gathering of other floating ships near a massive platform.
"Let's go," Crimson said firmly, cutting the engine as they slowed to a stop.
"What about the anchor?" Miles asked, glancing over the side.
"There's no need for that here," Crimson replied, his expression unreadable.
"Why not?" Miles pressed.
"You'll see," Lilith interjected with a small smile.
As she opened the ship's side door, a translucent bridge of glowing glass materialized before them, forming a seamless path to the nearest floating structure.
Miles stepped onto the bridge hesitantly, marvelling at its solidity. The group descended toward one of the lower buildings, the sound of their footsteps muted against the magical glass.
Crimson frowned as they reached the platform. "The mages are usually here to greet us," he said, scanning the area.
Before anyone could respond, a lone mage passed by them, his robe billowing slightly as he walked. His gait was steady, but his eyes remained closed, his face blank and unresponsive.
"Hey!" Crimson called, stepping in front of the mage and grabbing his arm. "Do you know where Gale Astralith is?"
The mage didn't react, his expression unchanged. He tried to continue walking, dragging Crimson's grip along as if nothing had happened.
"Hello?" Crimson said more forcefully, but the mage's steps didn't falter.
Finally, Crimson let go, watching the mage disappear into the distance. He turned back to Lilith and Miles, his expression grim.
"Something's not right here," he said, his voice low.