I awoke, instantly aware night had fallen. My skin burned and smouldered like hot coals, almost hot enough to glow. I tried to swallow, but nothing passed the dry lining of my throat but pain. I told myself to open my eyes, vaguely aware that there was something that needed to be done, someone I needed to...
"Emily." I shot up, wide awake at the realisation.
The room around me was dark, save for a single flickering candle. "She already left." Callista was still there, watching me.
I gripped the blankets, frowning at my legs. "No..." Had she really left without me? A strange fog clouded my vision and mind, blending everything together until a single thought remained: I was supposed to go with her. My gaze darted towards the woman next to me, her face shrouded in darkness. I shook my head, more to myself than anyone else. "No," I repeated, more certain this time. I wouldn't allow this.
"What are you-"
I lunged forward, throwing my weight towards the edge of the bed, uncaring about the mess I was most likely going to leave. The candle fell to the ground, the flame gone in an instant as wax seeped between the floorboards. I joined it, the bare parts of my skin sliding across rough wood.
"Stop!" Callista called behind me as I forced my limbs to carry me, pulling at every handle I could find, propelling myself forward on sheer force of will.
With every movement, my head pounded loudly enough for me to fear my skull might crack, but I gritted my teeth and willed myself to keep going. Stumbling, I made it out of the room, too fast for Callista to pull me back. I wasn't wearing a shirt or shoes, but right now I could care less—I'd been in worse states without them. My legs wobbled with every hasty step, desperate to bear my weight as they carried me out of the vessel. Shadows moved in the corners of my eyes, echoed voices bouncing off the wooden walls. I paid no mind to any of them, too focused on catching up with the only person that mattered.
I didn't stop to think about the cold night air as I reached the deck, the moon my only light. There, in the distance, I could barely make out the silhouette of Dunwall Tower. Without hesitation, I launched myself forward, heels digging into the deck beneath with every pounding step. Gasping for air, I filled my lungs with as much as I could get, eyes focused on my final destination: water.
A final breath, and my feet left the ship behind, eyes clenched shut to brace for impact. A splash, and I had broken through the Wrenhaven's surface, body now held within its waves. I floated within the cold abyss, cradled by the current. What met me, however, was neither silence nor the sound of waves. Instead, it was them—the whales. Their song was louder than ever, washing away all other sounds except for my own heartbeat, drumming in my ears. Curious, I opened my eyes, blinking a few times to get my vision to clear, choking as soon as it did. Staring back at me was an eye the size of my entire body, its pupil following my drifting frame with an undeniably soulful gaze.
A whale.
Never had they come close to me in the Void, always floating off somewhere in the distance, my existence seemingly unnoticed by them. I knew that hadn't been true now, the eye before me shining with what could only be described as recognition. I wondered what it wanted from me, but, before I could move, the whale descended, its large body diving straight into the inky blackness below, revealing an endless mass of others behind it—all headed for deeper waters, clearing a path directly in front of me. There it was again, that flickering light in the distance, telling me to come without words, beckoning me to drift closer.
I wanted to gasp at the sight, but found myself choking on saltwater instead. The light dimmed as my lungs continued to cough up the ocean, desperate for air. I was drowning, I realised, and my limbs spurred into action at the thought, fighting to reach the surface again. There was no surface though—no beginning and no end—just water.
The warm, slippery back of a whale forced me up; towards the night sky, its stars vaguely visible beyond the murky waters. I emerged from the depths, the cold hitting me hard and cutting into my dripping skin. I glanced down at my feet, clumsily planted across the whale's back. It was moving, I realised, the wind whipping past me as it swam at a breakneck speed. I tried to see where we were headed, but the cutting winds made it nearly impossible for me to keep my eyes open. The waves around me were forced apart by more shiny beasts, hundreds of whales stirring and bursting through the thin watery skin of the Wrenhaven.
Never in my long existence had I observed a similar thing—aside from my recent journey across Kaldwin's bridge, which gave me reason to believe these events happened for a similar reason. I had witnessed many strange phenomena, from natural disasters to the nearly inexplicable—but this, this unsettling gathering of esoteric marine life, was something shockingly unique. It was almost as if they wanted… me.
But why?
I noticed the tower's silhouette only a short distance away, realising the whale wasn't about to stop. They were headed somewhere else, and if my memory served me right, it had to be the mysterious light I'd seen below the surface. They wanted me to go there, but I couldn't—not yet. I had something else to do first, a former Empress to help. Ensuring her safety was my priority, and I wasn't about to allow a sea of whales to stop me from doing so.
Willing myself to focus, I bent my knees, lowering myself above the whale. If I was going to jump, I'd have to be especially careful not to slip and get myself stuck between two swimming giants. Narrowing my eyes, I concentrated on the place I wanted to go; a neighbouring whale. Knowing the risk, I quickly drew in a calming breath to help slow my racing heart… Then, I launched myself into the fastest sprint I could manage, wind howling in my ears. My muscles burned with every step I took, but I pushed through the pain, gritting my teeth to force my legs to work even harder. As I reached the edge, I knew it was time to jump. Closing my eyes, I felt its skin disappear beneath my feet, my body suspended in the empty air above—until it wasn't, a new force pulling at my limbs, a crackling static engulfing my entire form.
When the sensations ebbed away, I dared open my eyes, noticing I was crouching on the whale I'd aimed for. I took another shaky breath, a million thoughts running through my mind, eyes darting to the place I'd come from. I'd teleported… But I hadn't had any oil to draw from. Looking down at the shimmering whale beneath my feet, I dragged a hand across its slippery dermis, feeling that same static I'd felt so many times before warm the tips of my fingers.
It was the whales.
Somehow they were powering my magic, their touch enabling me to use my abilities without the damage done to me by their oil. Stroking my fingers across the archaic creature's back out of sheer curiosity, I noticed how tiny sparks followed their path—my breath stilled, overcome by a sense of liberation. Licking my lips, I forced myself to focus on what was important. Searching for the tower's tell-tale shape within the darkness, I noticed how much distance the whales had already covered, the dark silhouette barely visible. I knew I had to be fast if I wanted to catch up. I didn't waste any time as I collected my thoughts, trying my best to recall how I'd managed to pull it off the first time. Focusing on the place I wanted to go next, I clenched my eyes shut, spreading my hands against the large beast beneath. I took a breath, feeling the power enter my limbs, the same force as before pulling at me.
It was ecstatic, and I had to wonder if this was what all my marked had felt when using their powers—it was… addictive; my body hungered for more with every whale I crossed. Every single one of my senses felt heightened, blood rushing through me with delicious force, breath hot and energising. Each surge of power felt as if it was drawn straight from the Void, lashing through me with its hungering promise of eternity. Dunwall Tower grew closer with every pull, looming over me with its remarkable height. Crossing another whale, I prepared myself for the final jump. I relished the warmth that spread through me as I drew upon the magic one last time, its power lighting up my skin.
Until the moment I landed. The foreign energy left me as quick as it had come, and as great as I had felt teleporting from whale to whale, I was now left feeling equally awful. It was as if the life had been drained from me, my fever back full force; my skull throbbed painfully as my knees struggled to carry my weight. I felt myself start to crumble, using a hand to catch myself on a nearby rock. Out of breath, and unsure where to head next, I took a moment to regain some strength and observe my surroundings. I recognised this part, realising there would be an easy entrance through the sewers nearby. But I had to think; where would Emily go first? I knew she was headed for the Safe Room, but that didn't mean she wouldn't make any stops on the way there. She'd have to visit Sokolov, and I reckoned he'd be in the basement—he had to know one of us was bound to come, he'd written Callista after all. Being as smart as he was, that meant he'd be where we could find him, probably continuing his work until the Empress's return.
There weren't a lot of ways to get there, but lucky for me I had landed near one of the few. Urging my feet to move, I tried my best to ignore the way I swayed with every step, still feeling dizzy and weak. The strain I had put on my body was starting to take its toll, my feverish mind aware that I wouldn't be able to defend myself if needed. I didn't acknowledge the figure in white that followed me around, knowing them to be nothing but my own imagination, their haunting form constantly at the edges of my vision. Still panting heavily as I rounded another rocky edge, I tried make as little sound as possible. Every step I took was echoed by his. My feet sank deeper and deeper as I progressed, the wet slopping sound that followed me around becoming increasingly louder. At this rate, I'd be deafened by the noise as soon as I managed to enter the tower.
But I didn't back down. I found what I was looking for, an old sewer-pipe that would get me as far as I needed it to. I was tall enough to be able to pull myself up and into it with ease, but my tired muscles burned beneath the strain. Glancing back to where I'd come from, I noticed the white-clad figure had disappeared. Sighing in unexpected relief, I turned around to where I needed to go, the way ahead shrouded in darkness. I knew these passageways like the back of my hand, mostly because I never could believe no one had used them to sneak in yet. They were one of the easiest ways to enter the tower unnoticed. There would be a closed off section up ahead, sealed by only a thin plate of metal. It could be pushed out of the way with little effort, you'd just have to know its exact location.
"Look at you boy, all grown up," a gravelly voice spoke from directly beside me, hot breath brushing against my skin, leaving it moist and sticky.
No. It wasn't real. He wasn't real. Move forward, keep going.
"You've always been special, haven't you? A real special little boy."
I closed my eyes, vision rendered useless by the unrelenting darkness surrounding me. Meanwhile I forced myself to continue, to not mind the treacherous delusions.
"Your mother certainly thought you were—disgusting whore she was."
My teeth ground against each other as my skin grew more heated. I mentally reminded myself that they were only words, they had no effect on me here.
"I suppose she must have been happy to die for you then..."
I arrived at an intersection, hands able to tell the walls were bent more outward here. I picked my brain for directions, remembering I was supposed to continue through the left pipe.
"That's what happens in your presence after all, isn't it? Love dies."
Almost there, soon I would be able to leave the darkness behind me.
"You think this Empress of yours will be any different?"
The further I ventured, the more I started doubting whether or not this had been the right decision. What if I got in the way? What if I ruined everything?
"She's just using you. We're all using you."
"Shut up!" My shoulder banged against the metal walls of the pipe, the entire structure moaning from the impact. Breathing heavily, I tried my best to recollect myself. I knew it wasn't real—he wasn't real—but somehow his words still got to me, mostly because I knew them to be partly true. Shaking off those thoughts, I reminded myself that none of this was relevant. I had come here with a purpose, and I wasn't about to be swayed from it. Pausing, I was relieved to find myself answered by nothing but empty silence. Feeling around the pipe within the darkness, my hands found what they were looking for. Careful not to drop it, I lifted the metal plate from its place before crawling through the newly opened space. My eyes were able to spot just the smallest hint of light in the distance, and I knew it had to be the end. I started moving faster, eager to get out, hands and knees covered in old dirt and debris, built up within the pipes—I paid no mind to the unpleasant feeling of grime against my skin, the smell of it strong enough to leave me lightheaded.
I reached a vent at the end of the pipe, the room beyond lighted by a single candle. Its fire was weak, near dying, but it was enough for me to spot any possible threats. My eyes scanned the abandoned quarters, before using my shoulder to bash through the vent. It took a few tries, the sturdy metal appearing unbudging at first—until it finally gave out beneath the force. The large plate crashed onto the hard stones beneath, filling the room with ear-splitting noise. I sat and waited, fearing someone might have heard...
But nobody came, and I released a relieved breath. I dangled my legs out of the opening, preparing myself to drop down to the floor. Breathing another calming breath before proceeding, I went over the layout of the tower in my head—if my memories were correct, I would be entering through an old meat storage, its purpose lost when renovations to the tower were done by Emily. Pushing myself forward, I made a somewhat clumsy landing, head left spinning from the jerky movements. Using the backs of my hands to wipe the sweat off my forehead, I took a few deep breaths in an attempt to ease my dizziness. Sadly to no avail, knees still wobbling beneath my weight.
Figuring this was as good as it was going to get, I headed for the door. I'd have to cross the kitchen as well as the underground bunks in order to get to Sokolov, leaving me to wonder what had happened to all the guards and other staff in the Empress's absence. Chances were, the High Overseer had either taken the temporary command himself, or had given it to one of his sons. I found comfort in the knowledge that the Abbey wouldn't be able to take full control of the Empire right now, not with Corvo being away. The Royal Spymaster was to take the Empress's place if anything were to befall her, and as of now Corvo had not been linked to my presence... yet. I was certain the High Overseer was working hard to see Corvo dethroned as soon as he set foot in Dunwall again—but public opinion was a treacherous ally, and the people would not take well to the Overseer's rise to power if they sensed a coup had anything to do with it.
I listened for any nearby noises before opening the heavy door, cautiously moving to glance around the corner. I was greeted by a dark and empty hallway, the smells of fire and smoke still freshly present within the air. I didn't proceed right away, waiting a couple more heartbeats just in case, paranoid that someone might be watching me from the darkness. To my slight relief there wasn't anyone to be seen, the space ahead as empty as it had been moments before. I lifted a leg, placing my first foot in front of me, bare skin soaking up the cold from the stones it touched. Another, and before I knew it I was out of the room. The sound of blood rushing through my ears was deafening, heart hammering wild enough for it to hurt. I swallowed, and took a few more steps, minding myself not to make any unnecessary noise. With every step I took, the ground appeared colder, my skin starting to stick to the freezing stones. In the distance, I could hear the tell-tale sounds of the tower; guards on patrol and staff working to ensure all was taken care of. I released a silent hiss as I placed another foot ahead of me, the ground like ice beneath my toes. A shudder, and I mentally scolded myself for my frailty. I'd dealt with harsher temperatures, surely a st-
My eyes shot down as soon as I had taken another step, the floor burning to the touch. All background noise had faded, replaced by nothing but deadly silence. The sight that greeted me was enough to make my blood run cold; toes eaten away by the ice, flesh red and blistered, soon to wilt as decay coloured it black. I flew a couple of steps back in shock, losing my balance in the process. My spine met the floor with crushing force, bones cracking painfully upon impact.
"Fuck," I hissed, rolling onto my side, eyes clenched shut. Stars filled my vision, hands aimlessly darting across the floor, trying to find anything to hold onto. I found a wall, fingers desperately digging into the bricks as I fought to get back on my feet. The pain was overwhelming, my entire back ablaze. I grit my teeth in an attempt to pull through, dragging myself back to my knees as I used the wall for support.
I had to go on, I knew the consequences if I didn't. Opening my eyes, I was met with a shock of white. The hallway had disappeared, and in its place lay a snowy tundra, the winter winds howling all around me. I didn't look down again. Instead I pushed the pain to the back of my mind, forcing myself to get back to my feet. The ice burned, but I reminded myself it wasn't real—none of this was. I still knew which way to head, the layout of the hallway fresh in my mind. If I could just make it through, maybe I'd be able to shake off these plaguing visions. Hissing at every step, I trekked through the thick blankets of white, snow crunching beneath my bare feet. The winds howled in my ears, drowning out all other sounds. I told myself it'd end soon, that I'd be able clear my mind if I could just get to the other side. Yet with every agonising step the winds just howled louder, until they no longer sounded like wind—instead my head was filled with wails that sounded uncomfortably human. My thoughts were becoming increasingly panicked, the fear of wandering around aimlessly and at risk of being found steadily becoming stronger.
I had no way of knowing where I was going, no way to tell if anyone was coming. Another step, I shook my head in an attempt to clear my mind—to no avail. The snow was still there, the winds and ice biting my skin with their cold. I should have reached the door by now, but I didn't dare continue any further. The wails became louder—the cries of a dying woman. My legs struggled to carry my weight and my feet caused me agonising pain. I didn't know if I was going to make it, slowly starting to believe that all of this had been a mistake. I closed my eyes, trying to banish the awful cries from my mind and regain at least some lucidity. Instead the wails became even more intense, building up in a staggering crescendo.
And just when they were about to reach unbearable heights... they stopped.
All was silent again, and I almost didn't dare open my eyes, not yet. My heart was pounding away violently, my body burning from the fever. In this moment, all I wanted was to be back at the ship, where delusions like these wouldn't cost me my life. But I'd been insisting to come here, thinking myself strong enough to ensure Emily's safety... As things were now, I would need her to save me, instead. Boots drummed in the distance, and my eyes snapped open at the sound. I was back in the corridor, body wrapped in darkness again. My breathing was shallow, and I had to strain my ears to try and hear whether or not the boots were headed in my direction.
Inspecting the narrow corridor, I tried to see if there was any place for me to hide in. Of course there wasn't, and I knew my best option would be to try and run for the basement instead. Holding my breath as I pushed open the door, I peered through the darkness that lay beyond. The sound of footsteps became louder with each passing second, and I knew better than to hope they wouldn't cross my path. Taking a deep, readying breath, I fought off the dizziness that threatened to consume me. Forcing myself to move, I darted across the darkness to the best of my abilities, head pounding with every single step. My eyes had trouble discerning between shapes within the shadow-clad hallway, the walls and floor blending together.
I was almost there, one more door and I'd reach the stairs that would lead me to my destination, just a few more metres. There was a turn up ahead, the rest of the hallway lay obscured beyond there. I didn't know if anyone would be there, all I could hope was that it'd be empty. But the footsteps had not stopped their approach, and my stomach twisted at the realisation that they came from where I was headed. Everything happened in slow-motion, my feet clumsily moving me across the space, hand spread against the wall in an attempt to keep my balance. My own heartbeat drowned out all other sounds, blood rushing through my ears. I couldn't turn around anymore, there'd be no point. As I was about to reach the corner, I closed my eyes to shield myself, prepared to be spotted any moment now. The footsteps didn't stop, and I was certain they couldn't be further than a few metres away from me, their tell-tale thuds bouncing off the surrounding walls. I froze, knowing there was no way they wouldn't spot me, stomach acid further burning my already sensitive throat.
But the alarm never came.
All that greeted me was silence, and I almost didn't dare open my eyes. But I knew there was no escaping, so I surrendered, eyes opening, hesitantly. The hallway that lay ahead was as dark as the one I came from, not a single living being in sight.
It was empty.
I attempted to swallow my nerves, but my throat wouldn't let me. My hands trembled at my side and my chest bounced up and down as I gasped for air. My mind was playing tricks on me again. It had to be. There was no other explanation for the deserted space up ahead; there had been no one to begin with. Shaken by the vividness of my delusions, I wiped a hand across my face, rubbing my eyes as if to clear them from their ailing perception. It wouldn't work... and at this rate I might not get very far either.
"I loved her, you know."
I froze, hands still covering my eyes. I knew what would greet me if I opened them.
"She used to love me, too."
I dropped my hands, opening my eyes, greeted by nothing but darkness—realising he wasn't there. I was alone still. Not even daring to continue breathing, I crawled back up, forcing my feet to move across the cold floors. I knew it wouldn't be far from here, I knew I was almost there—almost. Darting across the dark space, I tried my best to ignore the dancing shadows at the edges of my vision. My legs stung and my knees wobbled, but I refused slow down even as my lungs begged me to. If I couldn't be stealthy, then I could at least try being fast. Ducking and sprinting around corners, I felt relief flood my senses as I caught sight of the basement-entrance.
"Then you came."
I gritted my teeth as I felt my brow pull together into an angry scowl. I couldn't afford to lose my focus. Leaping forward, I closed my eyes again, adamant to let nothing keep me from reaching that basement. My feet carried me across, the sounds of my skin hitting stone bouncing off the walls. If anyone was around they would hear—if anyone was around... I'd be found. But they'd have to catch me, and the Void would freeze over before I'd allow that to happen. My fingers trailed the walls, eager to find my destination beneath their tips. The entire tower seemed to hum around me, sounds seeping through the structure all the way from its bustling belly. I heard maids, walking around, cooks finishing up in the kitchen, the voices of guards in casual conversation. I shot through the arching hall like the blood through my own veins; erratic and fast. Not soon enough I felt it, the indent that pulled my fingertips across its curve, leading them around the corner. I halted, breath stuck in my chest—I didn't dare open my eyes yet, too wary someone might be there, too afraid it might all be over.
But I had to.
Balling my hands into fists, I took in my surroundings, peeking through narrowed lids. I was met with the faint flicker of a distant candle, the surrounding space completely abandoned. I'd made it. It'd be okay. We'd make it. I didn't hesitate to make my descent, damp feet sticking to the stairs with every step. The air wrapped around my dampened skin, enunciating every drop of sweat that rolled down my back. I knew he'd still be here. Still, I felt a flicker of uncertainty nag at the back of my mind. He could've been removed from the tower by the Abbey, or worse…
A cough—old and wilted. It could be no one else. I felt my feet pick up speed as I hurried down, eager to round the corner, almost relieved to see him again—nearly forgetting my grudge. He was the only hope I had at survival, the only one to offer me time, the one who could allow me-
"Sokolov." Only now did I hear the sickness in my own voice, the way the sound wavered with weakness. I stumbled, barely able to catch myself in time against one of his tables. Sokolov turned at the sound, wide-eyed and pale from shock. He'd been sitting at his desk, the light above him flickering, casting shadows across his hollowed features.
"By the Void!" He sounded thin, as if all air had been sucked from his lungs. His shaking hand wrapped around the edge of his desk, the limb's papery skin stretched across unnaturally widened arteries. He was going to attempt to stand, and I knew he shouldn't.
I raised a hand, urging him to stay where he was, before approaching. "I need your help," I croaked, pushing myself towards him.
Sokolov watched me in silence, mouth hanging open. "Where's Lady Emily?" he then asked, a worried frown twisting his leathery skin.
"She'll be here soon." If she hadn't been caught, that was. I opened my mouth to say more, but hesitated, eyes darting to my pale feet. I hadn't allowed myself to think about it, only focusing on getting to where I needed to be. But now that I stood here, my skin sickeningly sallow, I finally felt it sink in. "I think I'm dying." Something raw snuck into my voice before I could stop it, gaze drawn to anything but the old man in front of me.
I could see Sokolov move from the corner of my eye, trembling hand rising to stroke his beard as he let out a thoughtful hum before speaking. "You look sick—yes. Dying… however," he mumbled, other hand beckoning me to come closer, "don't get your hopes up just yet."
I inched closer, not brave enough to believe his words, hands balled to fists. Sokolov took hold of one of them with surprising speed, fingers wrapping around the limb. He pulled at my digits, forcing me to open my hand at his command.
"Have you been in touch with whale oil?" he asked, eyes darting up to seize my reaction. I met his gaze, shocked at his accurate assessment. Before I could open my mouth he continued, having gleaned enough from my reaction alone. "Your skin is pale, which makes it hard to search for these kinds of symptoms, but if you look closely you'll see a faint pinkness—almost like a rash." He turned my hand around before our eyes, pointing out the subtle discolouration. "Knowing your current state and history, it's highly likely you might have been in contact with raw whale oil." He released my hand, turning away from me to rummage through a nearby cabinet.
I stared at my hand, annoyed at myself. I had caused everyone to worry about me needlessly, I-
"On a brighter note," Sokolov spoke up again, hands filled with several medical supplies, "you don't seem to have further deteriorated."
What? My heart stuttered and my blood ran cold. "You're wrong," I blurted, confused, certain he couldn't be serious.
Instead the elder regarded me with a wry look. "You think you're dying…" he shook his head, "but you're the most alive I've seen you." A sad smile twisted his lips as he reached for one of my arms, preparing the skin before inserting a needle, connected to a bag of clear fluids. "I haven't stopped working on a cure for you, and if we're lucky it'll continue to stop the degeneration of your body."
I sat at a loss for words, staring at the swirl of fluids as it entered my blood, not knowing how to feel about the news.
"Matvey!"
All coherent thought left me at the sound of her voice, head whipping around. There, in the doorway, dressed in all black and with a large bag slung across her shoulder, stood the former Empress of the Isles—looking as alive and furious as I'd last seen her.
"Outsider's balls! what are you doing here?" she demanded, approaching in a half-run, causing me to shrink back against Sokolov's desk.
I wasn't sure what to say, too startled by her anger. Instead my eyes followed her, widening when her arms—instead of striking—wrapped themselves around my frame. She pressed her cheek into my chest, fingers digging into my skin, the impact of her embrace pushing me further up against the desk. I didn't know what to do with myself or how to react, arm held to the side to protect the needle Sokolov had inserted—and speaking of which, I couldn't help but glance his way, apprehensive of the retired philosopher. My eyes found his, and within those blue depths flickered an expression I couldn't decipher.
"I told you to stay behind!" Emily had pulled back already, set on bludgeoning me to death as her fist rammed into my chest at the words. "You could have gotten yourself killed, running around li-"
"It's a good thing he came to me," Sokolov interrupted the tirade, fingers checking the flow of medicine as he spoke, eyes focused on the needle. "A wrong diagnosis would have been the death of him—and even now too much time might have passed for the treatment to be fully effective."
Emily's gaze had been drawn to the bag of fluids, different thoughts flitting across her features, never truly manifesting themselves into anything readable
"I'll admit, I'm very relieved to see you safe and unharmed, Lady Emily," Sokolov spoke again, voice gone soft.
I noticed how she tensed, shoulders a bit too straight, knuckles whitening. Her eyes dropped to the floor before glancing at me. "Me too," she admitted, arms wrapping around herself.
Boots.
"They know we're here," I whispered, ears straining to pick up on every little sound, gaze flitting across the room as if I might be able to spot them through the walls.
"What?" Emily immediately turned to me, inclining her head, brows pulled into a frown. "What are you talking about?"
I raised a hand, using the silence to see if I could determine how close they were. A group was headed towards us, both guards and Overseers; their boots made a different sound. "We have to go," I urged, pushing myself away from the desk, instinctively putting a hand on Emily's shoulder.
"Hold on." Sokolov turned away from us, rummaging through a nearby drawer. When he faced us again he held a vial, its contents emitting a faint, white glow. "One drop per one liter of oil." He pushed the vial into my hand, turning around to retrieve several pieces of crumpled paper which he also gave to me. "Here's the recipe, if you're lucky you'll find someone to recreate it someday."
"What do you mean?" Emily asked, gaze flitting between me and the old philosopher.
Sokolov ignored her, instead turning to remove the needle from my arm, brittle fingers working as fast as they could. I was well aware of what the old man meant, and the prospect of what would come filled me with dread.
Closer—they were approaching quickly, our chances of escaping growing ever-slimmer. My grip on Emily's shoulder tightened, adrenaline spreading through my system, every inch of my body on high alert. There was only one way out of the basement, and within less than a minute that way would be blocked—we'd never make it. I glanced around the room, searching for an idea, hoping to think of another way out.
"I need oil." I turned to the philosopher, who sent me a questioning look before shuffling towards one of the room's dark corners.
There he retrieved several vats, his old body straining to carry them, breathing heavy and laboured. I let go of Emily to help, lifting the vats onto the desk before uncorking the vial he'd given me.
"Wait—you shouldn't!" he spluttered as soon as he saw what I was about to do.
I bit the inside of my cheek as I pushed open the first vat. "Too late," I muttered, pouring a bit more than just a drop into the oil. The thick substance hissed at the contact, immediately reacting to Sokolov's brew. Without hesitating I used a nearby cup to drink the reactive sludge, squeezing my eyes shut at the abhorrent taste.
"Halt! Don't move!" a voice shouted from the other side of the room, followed by boots drumming after it.
I shuddered, feeling the oil move down my throat, my body responding to its presence.
"Hands up, Outsider!" the voice continued threateningly, prompting me to open my eyes and turn towards its owner.
There, at the entrance, stood several men of the Royal Guard, flanked by two Overseers. They all pointed their swords at us, ready to strike. I glanced at Emily, and found her staring straight at me, waiting for me to do something.
"I said hands up!" the guard growled angrily, taking a cautionary step towards us.
Looking at Sokolov, I noticed his uncertainty, entire form gone tense, back hunched as if to shield me. I caught his stare, and did my best to reassure him, trying to tell him to stay close to me.
"Why you-!" The guard moved, and I was quick to respond, reaching out to drag Emily with me. I backed us up in the cramped space, the guard's sword bouncing off the floor. His eyes had widened, nostrils flaring in anger. He lifted his blade, preparing to strike again. I glanced at Emily, making sure she was ready, then at Sokolov-
A flash, followed by several wet slaps. A chill ran down my back as my eyes were drawn to the sound. One of the Overseers had approached and struck out, sword halted only by Sokolov, the blade embedded into his hand. Blood streamed from the wound, and I realised the sound I'd heard had been his fingers hitting the ground, the digits cut clean from their place.
"Get them!" the Overseer screamed, the surrounding men springing into action at his command.
"Run!" yelled Sokolov, tone drenched in pain.
I didn't hesitate to obey, pulling Emily with me before she could protest. Adrenaline rushed through me, my mind working at a breakneck speed, trying to focus enough to allow for our escape. The air around me had gone cold, or perhaps it was the fear that gripped me—either way, I stumbled around the desk, headed for the back wall, praying I'd been right, hoping I had understood. I felt a weight pull at my arm, and when I dared take a glance, I noticed Emily had reached for the old philosopher, pulling him behind us with all her might. A trail of blood coloured the stones, the sanguine liquids glittering in the buzzing lights. Our enemies were close behind, their swords attempting to strike at Sokolov, aiming to kill. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, trying my best to remember what to do.
A surge of energy filled me ,and I drew from it, its crackling presence leaving me light and jittery. There was a loud bang, followed by a bright flash. It was as if the world swallowed us, the brick wall before us crumbling down, taken apart by time itself. The surrounding lights flashed, some exploding and sending shattered glass through the air. I heard Sokolov gasp in surprise, followed by the angry screams of our enemies as orders were barked at them to keep following us no matter what—apprehend us or die. The world before us danced as time further eroded the shore away, the large stones before us shrinking down, back into the sea from where they had once come. I kept on moving, dragging Emily with me, holding onto her hand with all my might. My feet hit the rocks, jagged edges cutting my skin. I bit through the pain, hand squeezing Emily's in an attempt to distract myself.
Behind us, the stones had already started rising, growing back into their original shapes, hindering our pursuers. The waters of the Wrenhaven lapped at its shore, its dancing surface shimmering beneath the moon. I knew who lied in wait within those murky depths, their song a distant hum in my bones. The surrounding rocks echoed with the shouts of our enemies, struggling to keep up, the rising cliffs forcing them ever-higher. When we reached the river's edge, we only had a short amount of time to think, all of us left gasping for air—Sokolov in particular. Callista's boat was a lot further down the river, the only way for us to get there now would be to swim, something I was certain Sokolov wouldn't be able to manage. I stopped and turned, eyes drawn to Emily first to make sure she was fine. Parts of her hair had escaped the bun she'd sported, now covering her face.
I looked to Sokolov next, surprised he'd been able to keep up with us at all, although his torn pants betrayed he'd more than likely been dragged along, instead. The elder was looking worn down and bloody, damaged hand held to his chest, colouring parts of his beard red. I could tell he was trying to gather the breath and the strength to speak, but his lungs wouldn't quite allow him. Releasing Emily to turn and look around us, I was able to spot a small vessel containing crates and old vats of whale oil, its bow embedded onto the rocks. It probably wouldn't do us any good, its surface covered in tears and holes.
"I see how you escaped now," Sokolov rasped, held upright by Emily.
I glanced at the elder, but didn't reply, too busy wracking my brain for a way to get us all away from here. To use more of Sokolov's potion on the whale oil nearby would mean I'd have even less left. Perhaps if we could just reach the whales...
"You two better hurry on ahead," he continued, drawing my attention back to him.
"We're not leaving you, Anton." I recognised the angry tone of Emily's voice, knowing exactly when she had used it before.
Sokolov shook his head, prying Emily's hands off of him. "I can't swim in my condition, dear." He dropped his head, clutching his bleeding hand. "I can, however, buy the two of you some more time."
"No!" Emily squared her shoulders, looking to me for support.
But I knew Sokolov was right. Time is what we would need if we wanted to reach Callista safely. We didn't know if more guards or Overseers had been deployed to chase us, chances were the river would be swarming with them soon.
"Take care of yourself," Sokolov put a reassuring hand on Emily's shoulder, giving her a sad smile before turning to me, "both of you." Sending me a small nod, I knew what he was asking of me.
Sokolov was a sick, dying man. He'd slow us down, and he knew he was running out of time either way.
"Anton, no, please, there has to be a way!"
My hand reached for Emily's again, causing her to shoot me a look of suspicion. I ignored her, focusing on Sokolov, silently sending him my gratitude for his help. He nodded in understanding.
"I have done a lot of terrible things during my lifetime, Lady Emily." Sokolov's voice was paper-thin, further weakened by the continued loss of blood. "Allow me to make up for my mistakes."
Before she could speak, I pulled Emily, along with her bag into me, dragging her towards the river and away from the old physician. "Stop it, Matvey!" she screamed, struggling against me with all her might, causing the both of us to stumble. "I'm warning you! Stop!"
I ignored her pleas, well aware our pursuers would catch up to us. As soon as the water was deep enough, I threw myself under, pulling her with me, forcing us away from the shore and away from our enemies. Emily continued to struggle, hands tearing at mine, feet kicking around in an attempt to stop me. We broke through the surface, and I fought to stay afloat as Emily continued to push me down. Gasping for air, I spotted Sokolov moving along the shore, holding something in his hand, the guards and Overseers now approaching, their ivory masks glowing a bright white in the moonlight. I stilled, and soon did Emily as well, gaze following mine. The river around us splashed softly, its cold waters caressing our skin, welcoming us as we drifted further away from the shore.
The Overseers had reached Sokolov, shouting at him to surrender as the old physician backed into the water, dropping the large item. Emily had gone silent as she watched it all unfold, allowing me to use her calmness to get us further away. There appeared to be a discussion happening, none of the men moving or attempting to chase the two of us. I wondered what they could be saying, if perhaps Sokolov was making a bargain for his life. My eyes caught a tiny flicker, dancing atop of the physician's hand as he raised his arm.
Silence...
I watched the light, intrigued by it, wondering what he was doing as my legs continued to push us further away. Emily gasped, and I almost didn't realise the light was moving—falling. Into the water it went, and it felt as if time itself had come to a stop. Emily screamed before I could process what was going on, and as soon as I did I pulled us under again, back into the deep where we'd be safe. Below the surface, I could still see the explosion, the waters lighting up and illuminating the rocky depths of the Wrenhaven. Suddenly I could see everything, the fire revealing the hidden world of the river. I glanced at Emily, and saw she was watching me, amber eyes glowing in the fire-light. We floated there, suspended in an entirely different dimension. Loss clung to her features like an unwanted embrace, forcing its way into her heart—maybe mine as well. I found myself cupping her cheek, her skin gone cold from the surrounding water. She closed her eyes at the contact, as if that could shut the pain out, but I didn't miss the frown she fought or the tortured twist of her lips.
I almost feared returning to the surface, knowing everything would come crashing down on us, aware she might hate me for taking her choice away. As if the universe recognised my discomfort, I felt the waters around us shift, accompanied by the familiar song of the deep. My toes bumped into something, and before I knew it we broke through the surface, all sounds of the world returning full force. We sat kneeling on a large whale, the fire roaring wildly, filling the air with thick, black smoke. Emily's eyes shot back open, trying to see what was happening, head whipping around in shock. I didn't let go, half-expecting her to jump off. The whale that carried us was headed away from the large inferno, its rubbery skin painted a bright orange by the flames. Emily's gaze was drawn to the burning water, and I could see the exact moment it all started to set in. I watched her break, and something within me broke as well, pain and loss consuming her expression, revealing lines that only spoke of her sadness.
I pulled her into my chest, not knowing what else to do, and as my arms encircled her she released an agonised whimper. Her back started to shake beneath my hold, sobs a sad and muffled sound as she buried her face into my chest. One of her hands spread across my skin, the other pounding against my chest in anger. Soon her sobs turned into curses, fist still hitting me as she poured her heart out. I didn't understand why it hurt me as well, considering I had always hated Sokolov. But with every curse and scream that escaped the fallen Empress, more pain seeped into me, settling somewhere deep inside where it tore me apart. I allowed us to drop into a seated position, finding myself crumbling, the both of us laying down. Emily didn't leave my embrace, fists balled against my skin as she continued to mourn the old physician. I rested my chin atop her head, closing my eyes—but there was no escape. The fire continued to roar in the distance, reminding us of what had happened.
"I'm so sorry," I spoke into her hair, a strange numbness taking over me, all that had happened starting to weigh me down.
That's what happens in your presence after all, isn't it? Love dies.
I was tired... so tired.