I looked around the narrow corridor to make sure nothing trailed us. Following closely behind Zarek, my heart pounded. My senses were on high alert. Danger lurked around and might show at any moment. He navigated the tunnels with ease, ducking and weaving through the place.

I glanced over my shoulder, ensuring the evil specter didn't follow us. "Are you sure this Mordak guy will meet us tomorrow morning?"

"Kayla, have hope. Mordak and I go way back and trust him with my life." Zarek turned and clasped my shoulders in reassurance. The tender look on his face warmed my heart as my shoulders slumped with relief. "Besides, you've come a long way with your training. Your technique is improving by the day." He flashed an amiable smile as we resumed our journey.

Relief bathed me, soothing the doubt rooted in my heart a few moments earlier. "But... how can you be sure Mordak will meet us... and help? He can change his mind and not even bother with us."

"Well, after your fight yesterday, I sent him a message. He sent a response—out of character for him. You caught his attention, and he wants to meet you."

"Wait! Does he want to meet me?" A sense of confusion engulfed me as I realized something. My breath quickened as I broke out in a cold sweat. "How did you send him a message? I didn't see you leave..." 

"I have these little spirit orbs. They can scout and gather information for me. They're also useful for messaging. Trustworthy messengers, too!" Zarek played with the feathery-looking sphere in his hand, twirling it between his fingers. "Mordak proposed we meet at a nearby cavern. It's an excellent spot to fight a vengeful spirit—like the one following you. We must steer with great care, though. The wraith is lurking nearby." He let out a heavy sigh as concern marred Zarek's handsome features. "And it's desperate. Still ravenously looking for you."

A sinking suspicion squeezed my chest as my stomach dropped at the sense of fear. "I'm just hoping this ends soon." Dumbfounded, I struggled to comprehend the specter's intentions.

Zarek turned to continue the lead through the labyrinthine tunnels. "Me too!" His brow furrowed as he continued. "Living in hiding and running is no life at all. I know all about it."

Everything became obvious as understanding washed over me. It all made sense now - the hidden cave, the way Zarek lived - everything fit into place. "Thanks, Zarek! I owe you a debt of gratitude. You've been there every step of the way."

"You proved yourself with your hard work and dedication. Besides, I pledged myself to you. Kayla, you're different—born to lead and bring change." With a playful grin, Zarek glanced over his shoulder and winked before continuing our journey.

"I'm no leader. I want to find my family and learn who I am. That's all I want..."

"Uh, huh! I hear you, but that's what every leader says. Kayla, soon, warriors willing to fight you will follow you."

"Hard to believe anyone would follow me. Now..." I shook my head as I resisted the foolhardy prophecy controlling my fate and focused on something else. "How can you navigate this place? Every chamber and corridor looks the same." I avoided Zarek's earlier discussion amidst the gravity of our circumstances.

"The Blazing Plains underground disorients and confuses people. It takes time to get your bearings, but once you do, you'll know every twist and turn of this maze. I'm confident you'll learn your way around." The reassuring tone in Zarek's voice didn't shake off the unease in my stomach. 

I exhaled slowly, a heavy sigh escaping my lips. Although the break was short-lived, my heart plummeted as the solitary sphere drew near—setting me on edge. However, Zarek looked comfortable with the orb's arrival.

"Is... that?" The question slipped from my mouth as my curiosity took on new heights. Seeing Zarek's calm demeanor put me at ease. "Is it one of yours or your friend's?" The question swirled in my head, triggering my fascination. "I want one of those... it looks so cool."

"They are super cool and handy..." Zarek played one of his most handsome smiles ever bought by a male. "You must catch a wild spirit orb and train it. It'll change color once it pledges to you. But cannot think of that now!"

Excitement coursed through my veins as I bounced from one foot to another. "I have to pledge?!"

"Yes, but, at the moment, we must rid ourselves of this wraith hooked on you. We cannot have an entity like that tagging along during our adventures, right?!"

"Yes, Dad!" I opted to tease instead of becoming snappy. 

"And to answer your question..." Zarek giggled. His response elated me beyond imagination. "Nope! My spirit orbs are small and green. This one belongs to Mordak—as they are plump and red. Imposing like its owner." The hesitation in Zarek's laugh made me wonder if Mordak was a scary individual.

"You... seem quite nervous. Is your friend THAT intimidating?" Disquiet settled in my heart as I pressed for an answer. Curiosity ignited as a playful smile tugged at the corners of my lips. It appears a challenge is afoot. I wonder how this will play out. The thought of the mysterious male teased my mind.

"Well, Mordak was a lieutenant—the most powerful in Lord Vrax's army. So... he's quite terrifying. But I bet he may be your type."

"Now you're being fastidious." The urge to punch Zarek became overpowerful, but I stopped myself. "Do you think... we can eliminate this?"

"With Mordak's help, I'm confident we can. But on our own, we'll struggle."

"I suspect you told him everything about me while I know nothing about him. Can you tell me more about him?" The question took precedence before my concern.

A look of concern flashed across his face. "I understand it's not my place to gossip, but I told him how we met your training. What you showed during your fight with the barghest, and everything you can remember. He messaged with a meeting time and location. Mordak wants to help."

"That's great news!" Hope surged through my veins as I quickened my steps to follow close.

"Although, he's curious about your circumstance..."

"And... you're hesitating once again," I said as I studied my surroundings.

"I'm not, Kayla! I'm just thinking..." Zarek's distant eyes didn't settle well in my heart.

"Yes, you are. Mordak told you something."

"Well..."

My heart drummed in my chest while a loud ringing shunned all noise. "Here we go. What does Mordak want?"

"He wishes to meet before he commits to help."

"Fair! It seems I stand to lose with Mordak's help. Would you turn your back on me and leave me if he tells you to do so?" I asked, point blank, as my chest constricted with worry.

"Never!" Zarek's assertion left no room for doubts. "I'll not abandon you. I pledged my allegiance to you and stick to my word." Zarek stopped in his tracks, his back stiff. "Besides, a queen that will bring prosperity to the Underworld, and I think that's you. Don't think—for a second—my allegiance is THAT fickle. I have your back for eternity."

"You don't need to pledge anything to me. Your friendship is more than enough. I'm attached to you. Your company makes me feel at ease... I trust you."

The stunned face sent a flood of concern over me. Did I say anything wrong?

Zarek turned to face me. His gaze filled with concern. "Kayla, I'm sorry if what I said made you uncomfortable. I promise to be there for you—always!"

Turning to look around, I avoided his penetrating gaze. "I know you miss Pascal, and you seem hopeful he'll return. What makes you so sure?" I changed the subject—away from Zarek's attention.

Zarek's face transformed into one of pure joy and delight. "Well, the guy rubs people the wrong way. It's only a matter of time before he gets permanently kicked out of Elysium. I'm surprised he lasted this long. I love the fellow. He's my little ray of sunshine in this dark place."

Wanting to learn more, I pressed on. "How long ago was that?"

"A month... I miss him." A look of sadness crossed his handsome features.

Having crossed a personal boundary, I looked around to learn more about our surroundings. I spotted a flower that seemed on fire. The hypnotic glowing petals called to me.

Yeeesss! That flower will come in handy for us. I'll put the wraith in its place. My wailing sang and rejoiced in my mind. Zarek stared with a knowing smile.

"A Lava Bloom?! Go right ahead—reap it, Kayla. It's great against evil and attaches to those that harvest it."

With tingling fingers, I picked the mesmerizing flowers and gently placed them in my pouch.

"I see you've been paying attention to our lessons. I'm surprised you identified the bloom at first glance."

With a laugh, I sensed his intention to brighten my mood with his usual sarcasm. "I listened, although you need to improve your teaching methods. Your dull lessons brought me close to becoming smothered with boredom."

The booming laugh that escaped his lips filled my heart with tenderness. Zarek was a good and formidable male—a kindred spirit. "After this, I'll help you bring Pascal home. I promise!"

"Thanks! I appreciate it and hope he's ok..."

"Sure he is!" I reassured as I finished packing my precious cargo.

SCREECH! The sudden howl reverberated through the cavern walls from the distance.

"Fuck! That wraith is close. We need to find shelter."

"Right!" I followed Zarek as we rushed through the passage until we reached an empty chamber.

We moved to what seemed like a crack in the wall. "There's a hiding spot here. I hoped to get further, but this is as far as we go."

"I want to try the light magic you taught me earlier," I said as I walked behind Zarek toward the crack.

"Are you sure?"

Our dear lady, we can help fortify your magic. The barghest gave us so much strength. My wail whispered in my head, sounding louder than before.

"Yes, I'm confident!" I shimmied through the opening. Once inside the small cove, I placed my hands on the wall facing the opening and recited the enchantment. 

A pink light covered the walls as I admired the vitality behind the spell. Then Zarek recited his protective spell as a green shimmer spread through the place. A heavy sigh escaped our lips as we realized the wraith was unaware of our presence. Even if the specter tried to phase through the cramped hiding spot, light energy would drain it from its dark powers.

The dread filled my lungs as the wraith entered the cave on the other side of the crevice. The demonic entity phased in and out of existence.

"We need to do something—anything!" Concern brewed deep within my gut and spread through my body, numbing my perception.

Then, a burst of red magic illuminated the cavern, scaring the wraith. A tall, broad-shoulder, hooded figure appeared from the shadows. The male released several bolts of light as the wraith scurried away.

"Zarek, are you here?" The grave tone carried through the cave, sending an electrifying zap through my body.

"Yes, Mordak, we are here." Zarek turned to me, relief clear on his feature. "Kayla, release your spell. Let my friend in."

I backed away from the entrance, whispering the release spell as the tall male approached the opening. Handsome, bright green eyes greeted me as we exchanged looks. A sigh escaped my starved lungs as I stared intently at Mordak's intense gaze. He wore a crude scarf that covered half of his face, leaving only his eyes visible. 

The moment Mordak lowered his face covering, my body instantly reacted. My heart raced as a chilling thrill ran through my body. Shivers slithered down my spine when the urge to wag my tail became too strong to resist.

"Hi!" I was sure a silly smile played on my face as I delivered a simpleton response.

"I take it you're Kayla, the one causing all this problem?!" Mordak's stern look made my knees weak, and my mouth salivate. I wanted to touch the male and caress his hard muscles, but I remained rooted to the spot. On the other side of the opening.