16
“YOU’RE ALIVE?!” SOBBED MARCELLA, STROKING Cyrus’ head. “Oh, my baby is alive! I hoped you were ... I can scarcely believe it!” Marcella squeezed him tightly. Cyrus could feel her entire body quivering. She grasped at him like he was about to disappear.
“Oh, Cyrus … Oh, Cyrus … I … am so happy. My ba— My baby is alive.”
Cyrus squeezed her back in what felt like an eternal hug. The raw emotion made him choke up again.
Marcella composed herself and looked back at Cyrus. She stroked his face and then smothered him in kisses.
Cyrus scrunched his nose.
“Oh my!” Marcella started laughing. “You did the same thing as an infant! It was just as cute then!”
Her smile warmed Cyrus from head to toe.
“It was probably cuter then,” said Cyrus with a smirk.
Marcella giggled and stroked his face. “If this is a dream, I pray I never wake up.”
“I’m very much real. I’m having a hard time believing you are too … mom.”
Fresh tears came to her eyes and her smile returned.
“How? How did you find me, Cyrus?”
“It’s kind of a long story, but after I found out you existed, I made my way to Aeolia.”
“I … I can’t believe it. I thought you were dead all this time,” she said, covering her face.
“Dead? I thought you were the one who left me with Martian?”
Marcella looked at him with an incredulous look on her face. “No … The last time I saw you, you were with your father as I tried to lead our pursuers away, only … ” she paused and put her head down. “They weren’t after just me.”
“Who was pursuing you?”
“Stragglers from the search party Martin led. When I ran away from Aeolia with your father, the story was I had been ‘abducted.’ Martin found us first and was about to fight your father until I explained it was my choice to leave. My choice to be with Cyrus. My choice to have you,” she said, stroking his face.
“Wait, wait, wait … Start at the beginning. Why did they think you were abducted?”
“Have you seen the Caligo at the Weatherford manor?”
Cyrus nodded.
“His name is Fernando Constantinople. Fifteen years ago, your father arrived to Aeolia with six other Caligos seeking an audience with the dukes … unannounced. There was panic and whispers of a surprise attack so instead of a peaceful solution, the Arch Duke reacted with violence. All of the Caligos were shot down and killed … save your father and Fernando. I happened to be training with Martin for the Iris Ascension that day and flew to their aid right before the Lumen Air Force was able to finish him off.”
“Martin said we shouldn’t interfere, but your father was wounded, protecting Fernando and desperately trying to keep another Caligo afloat—even though that Caligo was long gone … His care for others despite his own perilous situation moved me deeply. So, I stood in their way and pleaded for them to spare him. Eventually, I got my way, but that was only half the battle. They would stand before the dukes and surely be sentenced to death. Even my own father would vote in favor of the Caligo’s execution for violation of the Isolation Order but … I was persistent and found a loophole,” she said with a cheeky smile.
Cyrus soaked in every word coming out of his mother’s mouth.
“I asked my father that if I completed the Iris Ascension at that very moment, would he change his vote and petition the dukes to instead commit the Caligos to indentured servitude instead of execution. That’s what happens to the Civilized, why not the Caligos? The Caligos did break the Isolation Order so they needed to be punished. Now, my father—your grandfather—is a great man … and all great men are suckers for two things. More glory for the family name ... and their daughters. So, naturally, he said yes. In that moment, I flew to the top of the Atrium and completed the Iris Ascension flawlessly. Fernando was assigned to serve the Weatherford household and Cyrus was assigned to serve our household.”
“How old were you when you completed the Iris Ascension?”
“Sixteen. Martin had been training me for a year prior to my attempt and told me I was ready. I just didn’t have the courage to do it. In that moment, when my father agreed to my plea, I found my courage. That was something your father always brought out of me. Courage to question. Courage to act. Courage to follow through … The next three years, he was nothing short of perfect to me and my family. He gained my family’s trust and through small acts of service, he claimed my heart. We knew our desire to be together would never be allowed so in the dead of night one summer, we flew away to the United States and settled in a small town in the Midwest. There, we were married and I became pregnant with you.” She stroked his face again.
Cyrus closed his eyes as the flood gates opened. He felt slightly embarrassed but trusted his mother. He felt a comfort with her he couldn’t explain.
“Oh, Cyrus, your wings are pulsing,” she said with admiration.
The white sides seemed to be pulsating light while the black sides seemed to make the other half of the room darker with each pulse.
“I’m so happy to see you,” said Cyrus.
Marcella smiled warmly as another tear fell from her angelic face.
“I’m so happy to see you too. Words cannot express how full my heart is.” She embraced him with her arms and wings again. It was warm inside her embrace like a cocoon.
“Martian never talked about you … He … He would always avoid the subject when I asked.”
“Why do you call him Martian?” asked Marcella curiously.
“Oh. I couldn’t pronounce my T’s very well when I was younger so that’s how I used to say it and, well … it just kinda stuck … he does act like a Martian sometimes.”
Marcella giggled and pinched Cyrus’ nose softly. “You’re not wrong. Was Martin the one who raised you then?”
“Yes … So you didn’t leave me with Martian?”
Marcella shook her head.
“Do you know who did?”
Marcella shook her head again.
Cyrus scratched his head.
“What happened when Martian found you and dad?”
Her smile slowly faded. He almost regretted the words as they’d left his mouth. He wanted to see that smile again.
“I was eight months pregnant with you when Martin showed up. I heard a commotion in the kitchen and was surprised to find Martin and Cyrus crossing blades. I immediately told them to stop. After they didn’t listen, I stood between their blades. I turned to show Martin that I was pregnant and told him I had left Aeolia on my own free will and that it had actually been my idea to leave. Martin … he said nothing and then left. That was the last time I saw him.”
The memory seemed to cause physical pain and discomfort for her. She sat up straight and continued.
“Almost four months later, they arrived. A company of Lumens and two Caligos hot on our trail. I didn’t recognize any of them save Karlovic’s older brother. We tried to outrun them but they were persistent and caught up to us. You were three months old at the time. I thought they only wanted me so in a last ditch effort, I left you in your father’s care while I tried to lure them away. I thought my plan was working until I saw smoke in the distance where I had left you with your father.” Her voice faltered.
“I … flew faster than I ever have … but when I reached the farm house, it was a raging inferno. I tried to go in but they had finally cornered me. Despite my best effort to go in after you and your father … they wouldn’t let me. They tied me up like a hog and transported me back to Aeolia. Delirious and depressed, I have simply existed since that day. Nothing has brought me joy. Nothing has taken me out of my sorrow … until tonight.”
Dang it.
Cyrus began tearing up. He wrapped his arms around her.
After releasing him, she inspected every inch of him.
“I love your eyes, darling. Always have. They reflect both myself and your father. He had eyes as dark as night. Yours have a bit of amber in them but still remind me of him. Your skin is almost the perfect shade between myself and him. Some of those freckles might give him a run for his money,” she said with a smile.
Cyrus touched his nose, trying to imagine what his father looked like.
“Is it possible he survived?” asked Cyrus.
Marcella looked up hopefully.
“I don’t know, Cyrus … There were two Caligos and six Lumens chasing us that day. By the time I got back to the burning farm house, there was only one Caligo and three Lumens left. While they were transporting me back to Aeolia, they mourned the loss of their companions, citing your father as the cause of their demise. He took three Lumens and one Caligo with him before he died … or at least that’s what they said … I don’t know, sweetheart …”
A sliver of hope surged through Cyrus.
What if he is still out there?
“Let me look at you,” she said, running her fingers through his hair.
Cyrus felt a little self-conscious.
“Can you open your wings for me?” she asked sweetly.
Cyrus opened his wings as wide as he could. Marcella circled him, touching his wings and wiggling them from end to end. She circled back to the front with a worried look in her eye.
“You’re so thin … Can you fly?”
Cyrus shook his head and exhaled. His wings drooped from the exertion.
“Martian had me confined to a wheelchair and drugged up. I just started walking this month. I learned I had wings about the same time.”
Horror filled her face. Then pity. “Wh … Why would he do that?”
Cyrus shrugged. “I’d like to know, too.”
“You just started walking?!”
“Yes.”
Marcella turned away and shook her head.
“Martian and I haven’t exactly had a lot of time together since he left for Hawai’i. We’ve maintained this charade pretending we met here in Aeolia. I don’t know what he is up to, but he told me to trust him.”
“Do you?”
Cyrus thought about it for a while.
“Yes … He just needs to fill me in.”
“Well, allow me to teach you something all Lumen mothers teach their children. They are called the ‘A B C’s’.”
“I can read, mom.”
Marcella smiled. “You better. These are actually for your wings, silly.”
“Ahhhh, yes. Proceed.” Cyrus’ cheeks turned red.
“These cover almost all movements for flying. First, with your wings, you will make the letter ‘A’.” She started making an ‘A’ with her wings. Cyrus made an ‘A’ … slowly.
“When doing them in the same direction becomes easy, try reversing the ‘A.’ The ‘B’ is easy. It’s like rolling your shoulders. In fact, I would recommend you do this with your arms and your wings,” she said, looping her wings and arms in constant circles.
Cyrus once again did the letter … slowly.
“Then there is ‘C’.” She stopped her wings mid-loop and started looping them into a ‘C’ shape over and over. Her arms followed suit.
Cyrus felt a couple sweat droplets form on his forehead as he imitated his mother.
I have a long way to go.
“I wish Martian had prepared me better. I feel so behind,” said Cyrus panting.
“You’ll catch up. Martin is one of the best men I know and I have always trusted him. His reasons will be made known soon enough.”
Cyrus nodded.
“Is he close?”
“Somewhere in the house.”
Marcella walked to the door, opened it and jumped from fright. Standing in front of the door was a woman with flowing blonde hair with strands of red.
“Good evening, Marcella. You’re … looking healthier. All that day sleeping must be doing you some good,” she said with a smile.
“Malinda! Goodness gracious you startled me …”
“I’m so sorry. I heard voices in your room and was worried you were talking to yourself again so I came to check on you. Who is your friend?”
“Cyrus, this is my sister, Lady Malinda. Malinda this is Cyrus … The Lumen Caligo,” she said with a smile.
Malinda couldn’t hide her surprise. She approached Cyrus slowly with eyes bulging and mouth agape. She circled him slowly, hardly believing her eyes.
“Oh my! … It really is you! He … he looks … oh my … ohhhh my … ” stuttered Malinda in disbelief.
“Forgive the intrusion, Lady Malinda,” said Cyrus politely. “Me and my Virtus Latores are not due until tomorrow. Your father, High Duke Gabriel received me last night in the Atrium along side the other dukes.”
“So that is what all the commotion was about!”
“I heard father come in last night … When I asked what happened, all he said was I had to attend dinner in two days time to find out. I wasn’t feeling very playful so I didn’t pursue it further,” said Marcella.
“You haven’t felt playful for the past eleven years, Marcella. Let’s be honest. This is the most energized I’ve ever seen you. I can see why … ” she said, looking directly at Cyrus.
Cyrus felt uncomfortable. Every observation Malinda made sounded like an accusation.
“Oh, quit acting coy. The Lumen Caligo is amongst us. That is plenty of reason to be energized,” said Marcella with a tone of annoyance.
“A Lumen Caligo named Cyrus … What a coincidence … ” she said wryly. “I see you have much to catch up on. Cyrus it has been a pleasure meeting you. I’ll be sure to act surprised tomorrow at supper when father presents you to us for what he thinks is the first time. How is this for my look of surprise?” Malinda put her hands to her cheeks with her mouth open.
“Needs work. Now, go practice in your room,” said Marcella.
“Night night … ” said Malinda, waving her fingers as she shut the door.
“Should I be worried?” asked Cyrus.
“I don’t know yet … Malinda … acts on whims.”
There was a single knock at the door.
“That’s Martian.”
Marcella opened the door and sure enough there was Martin. Marcella inhaled sharply.
“Martin … ” she said.
“Lady Marcella,” he said with a slight bow. “Cyrus, we have to go. Malinda isn’t the only one up. High Duke Gabriel is roaming the halls now.”
“Why did you drug Cyrus all those years?” blurted out Marcella.
The question caught Martin off guard. “Can this wait?”
“No,” Marcella and Cyrus said at the same time.
Martin looked back and forth and then nodded. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bottle with a soft yellow liquid inside. The liquid looked familiar to Cyrus.
“What is it?” asked Marcella.
“A powerful sedative. This is what was given to me twelve years ago when I was sent to rescue you. My instructions were to inject you with it but here is where I became suspicious … I was also told to save enough for the Lumen Caligo, should I encounter him or her.”
“So … ” said Marcella.
“So, doesn’t that seem suspicious to you that I should be instructed to use this for a Lumen Caligo that was about to be born?” said Martin, raising an eyebrow.
Marcella nodded.
“It get’s worse. A couple of your house guards just received a bottle of this four hours ago. They were admiring it while I spied on them. They said they were instructed to use it on enemy forces arriving in Aeolia. We need to get back to the LC manor quickly and come up with a plan.”
“Who sent this instruction?” asked Marcella.
Martin paused and looked at Cyrus.
“Legion.”
Marcella gasped and horror filled her eyes. “I thought he was gone. After the execution …”
“Well, apparently not, Marcella. We need to move Cyrus now!”
Marcella nodded and then grabbed a black outfit similar to Martin’s.
“You should really stay here, Marcella. Malinda has already seen you and who knows who she’ll tell.”
“I’m going with you. I’m not leaving my son’s fate up to chance. Did you come through the lotus?”
Martin nodded.
“Go close it up and get back here quickly. I have a safer way out.” She disappeared into her wash room.
Martin nodded and then silently disappeared.
His mother reemerged dressed head to toe in black.
“The stained glass window with the lotus is what Martin and I used to use to sneak in and out of my family’s manor … ” she said as she began to tie her hair. “If you ever want to sneak into the Weatherford manor, there is a secret entrance underneath the statue on the left by the front entrance.”
Martin reemerged. “Done.”
“Do we need anything else?” asked Marcella.
“Yellow Death.”
Cyrus looked at his mother who was giving a ‘you can’t be serious’ face to Martin.
“Crocea Mors?” she asked.
“Now or never. I don’t think there will be another opportunity.”
“We don’t know what will happen to him! Plus, the dukes will take that as an insult for not deciding that with them. Aeolia will be in an uproar!”
“We need it. With everything in motion, I doubt Cyrus will be safe at day break.”
Realization came into Marcella’s eyes. She nodded in agreement. Cyrus remained as confused as ever.
“If you distract your father, I can sneak into his chamber,” said Martin.
“I just changed … ” huffed Marcella, grabbing her white gown and going back to the wash room. She reemerged in the white outfit and brought a bag filled with the black clothes.
“The pipes in my wash room have made the mortar connecting the stone soft. I rearranged them so there is a hole just wide enough for us to squeeze through. Behind the wall is a bigger fountain that always has flowing water. We will hide behind the wall of water until it is clear and then leave. We may get a little wet on the way out but it is away from the guards and exits.”
“Sounds good. Can we go get Yellow Death now, please.”
“Tsk-tsk … patience, Martin. How are we going to play this?”
“Keep him in the entrance hall. I don’t want him to feel any draft I may create,” said Martin.
“How long?”
“Sixty seconds.”
“Cyrus, honey, follow me.”
She led him to the washroom. Cyrus felt a slight breeze coming through the cracks in the stone.
“Could you move these stones to this corner, darling? Martin and I will be back in a jiffy.”
Cyrus blinked in surprise at the word. Must have picked it up when she was living in the states.
“What is Yellow Death?” asked Cyrus as he lifted the first stone. It took considerable effort from him.
“Crocea Mors, or ‘Yellow Death,’ is a sword and a Bradford family heirloom. It is also a key that grants access to Mentibus Oculis … Or so we think. Now, go ahead and start stacking. Love you!” She kissed his nose and ran off.
Cyrus was left with a mixture of feelings. His mother had said ‘love you’ for the first time he could remember. Cyrus began stacking the stones in a straight line, one after another. He decided to count in his head.
30 seconds.
Cyrus could hear muffled voices outside—one was his mother’s. It surprised him how fast he could recognize it.
45 seconds.
Cyrus had four stones left. He could feel himself sweating. The voices trailed off.
55 seconds. All done.
The voices had ceased. Cyrus grabbed the wall and used it to help himself up.
65 seconds. Maybe they started the countdown when they left the room.
Cyrus grabbed the bag his mother had asked him to hold.
75 seconds. Should I be worried?
Cyrus looked at the hole he had made in the wall.
“INTRUDERS IN THE MANOR!” someone yelled.
Cyrus jumped at the sound. Martin and Marcella appeared in front of him.
“Cyrus, give mommy the bag. I need to change.”
“We leave for the Atrium at once. They’ll comb this place first and then the LC manor,” said Martin.
Cyrus looked at Martin, fear in his eyes. “The twins!”
“Who are we talking about?” asked Marcella.
“His Virtus Latores are in the LC manor,” said Martin.
Marcella stopped tying her hair, thought for a second and then promptly finished.
“Here is our plan. Martin, go get the twins and meet me at the entrance of the Sanctum. Cyrus and I are going to the Atrium to try Crocea Mors.”
“Be careful. Keep him safe,” said Martin with a nod. He handed something gold to Marcella and then disappeared into the night.
Cyrus heard a splash as Martin went through the fountain and into the night sky.
“What is going on? Why are we going to the Atrium?”
“I need you to move through the hole in the wall, sweetheart. I’ll explain on the way. Come on … Let’s go,” she said sweetly but urgently. She strapped the gold item to her back as she walked forward with Cyrus.
Cyrus squeezed through the gap in the wall with his mother right behind him. She replaced the stones quickly. The wall of water was about as tall as Cyrus. Marcella grabbed his hand, and together, they jumped through the water. The night was warm and the water felt refreshing.
“Into mommy’s arms, we have to fly and fast.”
Cyrus wrapped his arms around her neck.
“Oh my goodness, you’ve gotten so big. I don’t think you remember our first flights but I do. Those were a little bit easier.”
She leaped into the air and flew directly to the Atrium, keeping to the shadows of the buildings. There was a crescent moon out and a sky full of stars.
Cyrus looked back and saw torches and Lumens in white robes flying towards the LC Manor. Cyrus felt guilt for leaving the twins.
Marcella flew quickly though the air. Her grip on Cyrus kept slipping but she always readjusted. Before they knew it, they were at the entrance to the Atrium. The sky was beginning to lighten.
What time is it?
“Command the guards to open the Atrium. Make sure you show your wings. Be quick about it. We have maybe 10 minutes,” whispered Marcella as she set him down.
The two of them walked towards one of the entrances to the Atrium.
“Halt! Return to your homes at once” said one of the guards.
Cyrus looked back at his mom and then towards the guards with the long metal spears.
“I, Cyrus Ganymede, the Lumen Caligo, command you to open the Atrium,” said Cyrus, extending his wings.
His wings were still pulsating and the light side facing the guards seemed to mesmerize them. Bowing while making the Omniscius Salutatio, the two guards made the whistling noise to the other guards and in unison they put their spears into the slot and began turning. The entire island shook as the Atrium rotated. The entire process was as amazing as when he saw it the first time.
The guards retrieved their spears and gestured inwards. Marcella and Cyrus began their entrance when the guards clanged their spears together blocking Marcella.
“I, Cyrus Ganymede, grant Atrium access to Marcella Bradford.”
The guards lowered their spears and made the Omniscius Salutatio.
Running into the Atrium with Cyrus is Marcella’s arms, Cyrus’ questions finally caught up to him.
“OK, why are we running? What happened when you went to get Yellow Death?” asked Cyrus, trying to keep up with Marcella.
Marcella pulled a sheathed sword out from behind her.
So that was what Martian gave her.
“This is Yellow Death. As for why we’re running, Martin is certain the sedative isn’t for capturing these supposed invaders. It’s meant for sedating YOU. What’s worse … My father was wearing a black cloak outlined in white … Just like those who hunted me all those years ago.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know sweetheart, but I didn’t stay long enough to find out. There was an extra guard with my father. Malinda ‘sneezed’ right as Martin was making his way back to my room. Unfortunately, the guard saw Martin and sounded the alarm. Martin lost him fast enough but the damage is done. We have to move fast.”
As soon as they made it inside the Atrium, Marcella flew into the air. They made their way to the pillar of crystal in the center of the Atrium. The mirrors bounced the light up and down the Atrium illuminating its intricate displays.
“What are we doing in the Atrium?”
“Something only you can do. Unlocking the Sanctum below.”
Cyrus looked around for a key hole. Nothing. He looked at his mother who pointed to the top pillar.
“There is a small slit on the top pillar. You need to stick the blade of Crocea Mors into that slot. Nothing ever happens when a Lumen, a Caligo or a Terram does this … but from the documented history of my people, it is different when a Lumen Caligo does it.”
Cyrus nodded and gulped loudly. He was apprehensive with all the uncertainty.
“Do I have to? Why don’t we just fly away?”
“Can you fly?”
The question cut him deeper than it should have. He could barely walk.
“Last time I ran from these guys, they still caught me. I was 11 years younger and only carrying myself. I won’t make the same mistake twice and try to outrun them. We’re going to hide from them. If this doesn’t work, then we’ll try something else but I’ll be damned if I let them take you from me again.”
“Mom?”
“Yes, Cyrus?”
“I’m scared.”
Marcella stopped flying, landed in front of the largest pillar and turned to Cyrus. She grabbed him and kissed his cheek.
“I love you more than life itself, Cyrus. It is time to be brave,” she said smiling, tears in her eyes again. She flapped her wings forcefully, and in the blink of an eye, they were on top of the spire.
“GET DOWN FROM THERE IMMEDIATELY,” came a voice from another entrance.
Cyrus and Marcella whipped their heads around and saw five Lumens in black cloaks lined in white coming at them.
“South entrance,” said Marcella.
Cyrus turned around and sure enough there were more.
So much for me granting entry.
“Northwest entrance now, too. Cyrus hurry and insert Crocea Mors in the slit of the crystal. If nothing happens we’ll make a dash for the northeast entrance.”
Cyrus unsheathed Crocea Mors ... it was very underwhelming. The blade was rusted, chipped and dull. It looked like it would fall to pieces at any moment.
The Lumens cleared the hallway leading to the Atrium and ascended into the air. Most had bows and arrows, while some had long spears like the guards at the entrance of the Atrium.
“PUT DOWN THE SWORD AND SURRENDER TO US NOW!” came the voice from afar. His voice was rough and bled cruelty. He walked slowly towards the crystal spires.
Cyrus lined up the sword with the slit in the crystal and looked at his mother. She nodded with approval.
“IF YOU INSERT THAT SWORD INTO THE CRYSTAL, LUMEN CALIGO, YOU WILL JEOPARDIZE ANY AMNESTY YOU HAVE HERE IN AEOLIA,” said the voice continuing his slow approach.
Cyrus began pushing the sword downwards.
“STOP NOW AND I WILL SPARE YOUR MOTHER.” It sounded like a smile had followed the sentence.
Cyrus stopped dead in his tracks. “Who are you?!”
The man stopped in front of the crystals with his hands behind his back. He lowered his voice to almost a whisper.
“I … am Legion. You escaped me once, Lumen Caligo …”
The last entrance was now blocked. They were completely surrounded.
“… you will not escape me again.”
Cyrus started to panic. He felt like he was caught in Wadjet’s current. No matter what he did, he felt like he would lose.
“Cyrus,” came his mothers voice. “Let’s try …”
Marcella put her hands on his and together they pushed Crocea Mors into the slot.
“NOOOO!! SEIZE HIM THIS INS—” began Legion jumping into the air.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
The ground shook loudly and everyone standing fell to the floor. The Atrium began to spin counterclockwise around the crystal pillars. Faster and faster the Atrium spun. Ten airborne Lumens remained unaffected and began closing in on the mother and son.
Marcella let go of the sword and lept into action. She drew a dagger and small sword from her back. Cyrus heard the clang of metal as Marcella crossed blades with the first Lumen.
Cyrus felt a strange energy flow through him from the sword. The energy felt like it was going from the tips of his fingers to the tips of his wings, building through each strand of every feather on his body.
The Lumens were right on top of him. Their bows were drawn, and their ropes were out.
“NO!” screamed Marcella as she catapulted herself toward the three Lumens about to grab him.
She kicked one square in the face who crumpled and fell to the floor. She began crossing blades with the second. The third got through and grabbed Cyrus’ right wing and pulled forcefully. Cyrus winced at the pain but quickly forgot it as more energy pulsed through his body, traveled through his wings and into the hand of the Lumen. Like a stick of dynamite, there was a loud bang and the Lumen flew through the air and hit the wall of the Atrium with a loud crash.
Cyrus felt the energy continue to grow until it reached a peak in his body and exceeded what he could hold. Like an overflowing cup of water, it had to be let out.
VOOOOOOOO!
The dark side of his wings pulsed and every light went out in the Atrium. It was so dark you couldn’t see your own nose. Shrieks and despair filled the air.
Cyrus felt depleted as the energy left. He breathed heavily as sweat fell from his face. The sword then began to seep energy back into him. More and more energy rushed through his body until …
VOOOOOOOO!
The light side of his wings pulsed a blinding light that lit up the Atrium brighter than the noon-day sun. Cyrus choked on his own surprise. The energy began to slow from the sword.
Cyrus inspected his wings. The inside of his wings were glowing like he was the sun but the outside of his wings were like a black hole absorbing all light.
“Cyrus! I can’t see, guide me with your voice,” said Marcella.
“This way, mom … Warmer. Warmer. Take my hand.”
His mother was covering her eyes with her right arm and reaching out with her left. Cyrus carefully grabbed her arm, avoiding the dagger in her hand.
All of the previously airborne Lumens were now on the floor sliding toward the edge except two. One of them heard Cyrus and quickly flew towards him letting out a yell. His sword was drawn and coming right at them. Marcella turned to face the noise, still blinded.
“Duck!” said Cyrus, yanking his mother down.
The Lumen swung his sword right where Marcella had been. He clipped the crystal next to Cyrus and spiraled to the floor with a loud ‘Ooof’. The spinning Atrium carried his momentum until he hit the side of the wall.
With the Atrium spinning as fast as it was, all the Lumens were stuck to the walls like flies caught in honey. In the air remained one Lumen with his back to the pillars.
What is he doing? Is he blinded, too?
Cyrus turned his attention to the crystals. The top pillar was now swirling with shades of light and darkness. The second pillar glowed brightly like a white flame. The third was pitch black like obsidian. The last pillar looked like swirling mist.
HISSS …
The four crystals circled outwards like a pupil dilating, revealing a straight drop into a heart of darkness. The sound of Wadjet entered the room faintly. Cyrus could feel the wind rush into the Atrium and he grabbed onto his mother for support. Marcella blinked rapidly.
Cyrus felt filled to the brim with energy. He felt … good. For the first time, he felt … strong. His wings lightened and darkened the room at the same time. Marcella placed her hands on his and together they pulled the sword from the crystal. His mother quickly put it back into the sheath on her back.
Cyrus panted loudly.
“You are incredible child,” said Marcella with a smile.
“YOU HAVE NO IDEA … ” said the voice with his back turned.
Cyrus shivered. It was Legion.
Marcella stopped smiling and looked first in Legion’s direction, then to the gaping hole that had been exposed. Cyrus looked where the entrance to the Atrium had been. The Lumens kept yelling as they spun around, and he heard one of them vomit loudly. They were not leaving the way they’d come.
“We have to jump,” Marcella began. “It will be a tight squeeze so wrap yourself around me, and don’t open your wings. Once we’re out in the open, then open your wings and catch as much wind as possible. Can you do that for me, Cyrus?”
Cyrus nodded.
“On the count of three. One.”
Legion began to turn around.
“Two.”
“GET BACK HERE! YOU MUST SUSTAIN ME!”
“Three.”
Cyrus grabbed his mother and lept into the abyss.
