The Ark of Humanity

  12

  To the twist of Twilight

  Open water beyond Meridia

  The currents whirled past her body, howling like the sound of shells held close to the ears. Illala’s tears churned in the waters about her and swept within her throat as Venge grasped tight to her body, pummeling her through the depths.

  His irises radiated crimson, mocking her as she looked into them. All the while the coming currents burned and stung her eyes as approaching water bashed against them.

  Why have you taken me? She wanted to ask him. Where are we going? Am I going to die? But Venge swam with such swiftness that only a choking gargle managed to escape her lips.

  “I’ll bet you’re wondering why I came for you, why I tracked you to these sands beyond Meridia?” A cracked, sly smile crept upon Venge’s slimy lips as a sandy fog spun around him and Illala. “Evanshade sent for you.”

  Without a second to react, or register what was said, Illala saw a massive log whip through the murky sands out of nowhere. Then came a thump against her skull as Venge spun around, plunging her head against it. The girl’s body went limp in his arms as he spun, and he pivoted back toward Meridia’s Cardonea Tower.