The Defiance of Vim (Catalyst Book 4) by C.J. Aaron (graded readers txt) 📕

She scanned the area again, desperate for signs of familiarity.

Though only the shadow at her side registered in her vision, something felt amiss. The area ahead was ringed with an unnatural blackness that defied explanation. She’d been in the presence of the Horde on numerous occasions, yet the darkness that lurked in the distance seemed to move with them, keeping itself, and its identity further at bay and indistinguishable.

Kaep wriggled her body, attempting to free any of the bonds that held her fast. She wrung her hands together and kicked her feet to no avail. The ropes chafed her ankles and wrists but held fast. She bit down on the fabric in her mouth, desperate to gnaw through the cloth.

A heavy hand pressed down on her back, robbing her of her breath as it squeezed her against the horse’s back. A wave of unexpected fear washed over her. Similar to the emotions she was accustomed to portraying, this was less refined, hammering into her with a weight that was startling.

“Lie still,” the voice hissed.

The timbre was harsh. It forced its wicked notes into her ears without consent. The tone was biting, stinging her with its abrasiveness. Though the words were clear, the sound was more guttural, more animal-like than human.

The change in tone from the horse’s hooves was accompanied by the rushing sound of water from underneath. The solid hoofbeat on stone was replaced by a hollow echo. A moment later the pace slowed as the noise again reverted to that of solid stone.

Kaep felt the approach before she searched for it. The welcome warmth she knew to be phrenic carried over her body. The sensation strayed further from what she had grown accustomed to with every step. It was unlike the familiar feeling of being near her phrenic companions or the tributes. Their warmth was soothing, a balm to her soul, glowing with a comforting yellow-golden glow. This was harsh. The initial warmth quickly faded to a chill so intense it burned. The sense was dark, an infinite void that stung as it blanketed her skin.

She called on her mindsight, though she feared the result.

She and her captor approached a blackened mass. The shadow that swelled in her vision was so deep, so impenetrable that it appeared to swallow the light that struggled to escape its gravity. She felt the sickening sensation of being pulled toward it, yet was repulsed at the same moment.

The alexen in her blood screamed in protest.

They cried out in alarm. In panic.

In fear.

As the blackened mass drew nearer, her captor stopped. She could almost sense the nervousness ooze from his body as he paused before whatever loomed to their front.

“Ah, you’ve returned.” The greeting was cold. The voice was airy and weak, yet commanded a power that was shocking. The words seemed to rumble through her, ricocheting through her bound body, bruising where they struck.

The chill of dread tore through every inch of her frame.

Chapter 26

“You knew.” Le’Dral’s voice was agitated, raised above its normal collected demeanor.

“You knew, yet you let him leave,” he scolded, pointing a finger at the smaller of the cloaked phrenics before him. “The combination of your selfish actions places us all at risk.”

Ramm flexed his muscles, raising himself to his full height. His massive frame seemed to swell further. He stepped in front of the stoic Vox, who had taken the brunt of the verbal lashing.

The gigantic warrior glared down at the captain. Though his eyes were lost beneath the shadow of his hood, the animosity in his stare was evident. To his defense, Le’Dral stood firm, not backing an inch from the affront. Lieutenant Moyan moved forward to his defense. The extraordinarily large officer still appeared modest in comparison to the hulking phrenic.

Andr shook his head as he stepped between the two parties. He placed his palm on each of their chests, gently pushing them apart.

“And you did nothing to stop him either.” Le’Dral turned his attention from the phrenics to Andr.

In truth, Andr had already received a tongue-lashing from the captain, though the agitated words fazed him not. He grinned as he replied to Le’Dral’s comment.

“Aye, I did not.” His honesty was disarming. The captain relaxed slightly. “His mind was made up. You know as well as anyone how stubborn he can be. There is nothing I could have done to prevent him from leaving.”

Le’Dral sighed.

“There is still an army nipping at our heels,” the captain retorted. “Whether they move for us, or await reinforcements, it is uncertain. Millis should return soon with word of their disposition. We can ill afford to lose the most capable fighter we have. If you haven’t noticed, we are dangerously short of blades. Most of my men have been conscripted to the aid of the mender.”

“We are without our two most capable warriors.” Ramm’s deep voice rumbled in response. “Kaep’s blades and bow are irreplaceable.”

“Aye, as assuredly as that is, it brings us little comfort. It further hinders our chances for survival,” Le’Dral snapped.

The agitated captain began pacing from side to side.

“Ryl will return,” Andr replied confidently. “His word has been unwavering.”

“An army stands between him and his prey,” Le’Dral replied.

“The army will pose little threat should they decide to engage him. Whether he chooses to go around or through them, it will slow him but little,” Vox replied with a matter-of-fact tone that was chilling in its implication.

The captain paled at the thought of a single man standing firm in the face of an army. It was true, Ryl was uniquely gifted, yet there was a fine line between confidence and foolishness.

“Now, if you will, I must return to the entrance, or your scout will find no pathway to the safety of this sanctuary,” Vox grumbled as he turned from the captain.

Without waiting for a response, the phrenic elementalist turned from the captain, striding to the closest point of the forest. He nodded to Andr as he passed. Within moments, the forest