Page 92 of The Last Guardian

But the corrupted souls promised to bring red fire into Erath to reach the heavens. The gods, in fear, created the only being capable of destroying chaos—a unique creature, capable of wielding something far greater than anything. A creature birthed from the blood of stars.

The Last Guardian.

The agonizing images vanished, bringing the room into clearer focus in seconds. The air held its breath. Our figures emerged from the darkness as Kraktos’ skin sucked in the shadows.

With a frown, I tried to process the moving image that had been alive a moment ago. The slaughter, the bloodshed… The agony.

With a hard swallow, I dared a look at Zaidkiel, who was already watching me intently. A wild rage crossed his emerald eyes to what we saw—the atrocity threatening Erath. I averted my eyes; my blood boiled.

Zaidkiel spoke first, crossing his arms on his chest, his voice as sharp as steel. “We’ve been searching for the Last Guardian for years in vain. We’ve led several expeditions over the years to save as many as we could.” His voice took on a grimmer tone. “With the draining from the High Mages, Myrh is on the verge of collapsing. We are trying to gather as many people as we can to save the Guardians, too. But mostly Humans, because the Guardians will not show themselves if only Keraneethians come to their aid.”

“Because only Humans can bond with a Guardian?” I asked.

Zaidkiel gave me a curt nod. “Yes. It’s a form of magic reserved for Humans.”

My eyes drifted from the commander to the dark Oralys, his black, glassy eyes staring into mine, before I averted my gaze.

“The High Mages are searching for something in Myrh.” I turned to face Zaidkiel. “That’s what you told me weeks ago.” I took a deep breath, realizing the cost of the next words. “Are they trying to find the Last Guardian too?”

Zaidkiel gave me a hard look and nodded.

The creature birthed of light and darkness will wake and shall either save the realms—or destroy them, Kraktos announced at last.

Kraktos sang the words like a prayer, but this time, the echo of his voice was distant, as if it had resonated deep within my soul and not in the room as before. The Last Guardian can choose sides—it can also fuel chaos.

Zaidkiel glared at the Oralys before adding, “It’s our last chance to find it, to save as many Guardians as possible.”

Shaking my head, I sighed. “I—how can we find it?”

Zaidkiel clenched his jaw. “That’s what brought me to Keraneeth in the first place—to meet Kraktos on this matter.” His eyes drifted, glaring at the Oralys. “The Celestium transcribed the text of the Last Guardian. They only finished the translation this spring, but you were there at the beginning.” Zaidkiel narrowed his eyes. “What do you know?”

Kraktos moved toward me.

I can feel the Void of her mind drifting. Kraktos tilted his head, looking far more like an animal. Did you feel it when you followed her during the Rite?

My heart stumbled in my ribcage as I tried to breathe.

Do not be scared, Princess of the Night, Kraktos chuckled. I can feel the essence of the Rite floating within you.

Zaidkiel leaned against a wall, playing with his nails as if he was bored. “Don’t avoid my question, Kraktos.”

The Oralys bared his teeth, hissing, I can answer both, Commander. You are not here only to seek answers about the Last Guardian, are you?

Zaidkiel looked at the Oralys, arching a brow, but stayed silent. And I wondered if the Oralys could read minds, like Eirlys.

I will give you the relic holding the power to find the Last Guardian. Kraktos smiled. Only if she activates it with her mind.

“What? Why me?” I asked, panic growing inside my throat. “I don’t want to bond with this Last Guardian.”

The Hells I would bond with a creature that could fuel chaos.

Not to bond with it. Kraktos shook his head. But to free it, to find it. The Last Guardian can wield its own power.

“How is that anything to do with the Rite?” I asked.

The relic will activate with the end of the Rite, Kraktos said, amusement playing in his eyes. The power of the relic will help her avoid drifting into her Void.

At least that answered one of my questions. Kraktos could indeed read minds.