Chapter 187 PIPER Warricks voice hung in the air , filled with emotion I never knew he possessed … redemption .

I looked up at him , the darkness casting his face into shadow , but his voice was absolutely sincere .

For a moment , the calculated man I knew seemed to melt away into something , someone completely … different .

But there was no time for reflection .

Alright , I said finally in that low , even tone , lets see if youre a man of your word .

The slightest smirk teased at the edge of his lips , but he had said absolutely nothing .

We were deep in the forest now , trees wrapping us round like we were in some sort of living cage .

The air chilled , and a heavy atmosphere wrapped its noose around my chest .

Every step felt heavier ; each shadow was alive , pulsing , watching , and waiting .

I could feel the realm of the Nameless pulling us in , testing our resolve as we were entering his territory .

Warrick continued on his path , sure of his destination .

He said nothing , and I did not press him .

Chapter 187 My mind was still with Aurora .

Was she alive ? Or had my Journey brought me full circle to relieve a broken past ? 2/7 A low growl from the darkness froze me in my tracks .

Warrick raised a hand , his tense form demanding silence .

What was that ? I whispered , my grip tight on the hilt of my dagger .

Dark creatures , he muttered .

Theyre everywhere here .

Stick with me .

really didnt like taking orders from him but I didnt argue either .

Warrick might have been a slimy opportunist , but one thing hed heard right I had no idea what I was dealing with .

We walked scared , slipping between twisted trees , avoiding open paths .

Even the forest seemed to pulse with some weird energy , darker with every step taken .

Do you at all know where were headed ? I said in a low tone of voice .

Warrick half turned back to me , like it was nothing .

Ive been here before , he said .

There is a way into the Namelesss fortress , if you go in on the cand side .

Its not as guarded , but its not exactly easy , either .

And youre just now telling me this ? Chapter 187 Would you have believed me if I told you earlier ? 3/7 I swallowed my words and kept my attention on what had to be done .

Then , from nowhere , or so it seemed , the faintest of sounds of rushing water somewhere and Warrick was gesturing for me to follow him in that direction .

We came to a small stream , black , really black inky and looking very much like oil where it shined on its way with apparent round , wandering loops through the trees .

Warrick dropped to one knee where it was at its verge , brushing leaves away to show a hidden path of stepping stones laid across it .

This way, he said , picking his way with caution .

I followed , my heart pounding at every precarious step .

The stream was harmless enough but impossible to shake was the thought that in its depths something lay and watched and waited .

When at last we gained the far side Warrick straightened and pointed ahead to a clump of jagged boulders .

The entrance is just beyond there .

The air clung to us like paste as we drew closer to it heavy , weighed down by the weight of oppression in the Namelesss domain .

I was breathing weirdly now , my hold tight on the dagger .

Chapter 187 You can feel it , cant you ? Warrick said low .

4/7 I nodded .

Its like the air is alive .

Thick with fear , he supplied .

Its his way of keeping intruders at bay .

We squeezed between the huge boulders into a small , narrow tunnel chiseled in the side of the cliff .

The walls glimmered with a dark substance ; the atmosphere was heavy , thick .

Keep quiet , Warrick whispered .

We made our way deeper into the tunnel , having to be careful , as the only real sound was that of our footsteps amidst the constant steady drip of water from the ceiling .noveldrama

A sense of keen awareness had hold of me , and my body was telling me we were walking into trouble .

And then I saw it , and I yanked Warrick to a stop .

What is it ? he whispered .

I nodded ahead , where a dark shape against the wall bulked at some distance from us .

Theyre close , I whispered .

Warrick nodded , his hand resting on the hilt of his blade .

Well have to move fast .

Follow me .

We sprang into a cautious run , twisting and turning through the Chapter 187 5/7 tunnel as if the darkness themselves were coming to life around us .

The faint growls of the shadow creatures grew louder , echoing .

through the space like a chorus of nightmares .

Eventually , we made our way into a larger chamber and the dim light of the runes cast a little glow over the room .

In the middle of it all was a cell .

Aurora , I breathed , as my heart hit my chest with her in sight .

She was leaning with her back against the wall , sparkling chains .

binding her wrists .

As soon as she heard my voice , she looked up and her eyes went round in surprise .

Piper ? she rasped .

I began to run towards her , but Warrick grasped my arm to pull me back .

Just wait , he said harshly .

Its very possibly an ambush of some sort .

I forced my arm out of his and turned up the steps , a bubble rising in my chest .

I dont care .

But before I could take another step , a figure emerged from the shadows , his face twisted in anger .

6/7 Chapter 187 It was Holden .

Who are you ? he snarled , fixing his gaze back and forth between me and Warrick .

Which side are you on ? I gripped my dagger firmly , trying to come up with an answer .

Were here to help Aurora , I said firmly , while my voice didnt carry one shred of the fear actually tearing through my chest .

Holdens laugh came sharp and cold .

Help her ? You mean defy the Nameless ? Youre even more foolish than I thought .

Warrick stepped forward , hands up in a weird gesture .

Holden , listen .

We arent here to cause problems .

We are just trying … Save it , he snarled , cutting him off .

He turned to me in an instant ; his eyes blazed with malice .

You think you can just walk up into his space and take whats his ? Thats an assumption thats gonna cost you .

He lifted his hand , and the darkness closing in on us surged forward .

I moved myself for the attack , but suddenly something unexpected happened .

Warrick stepped in front of me and , in an instant , was a different man .

Holden, he said , though his tone didnt yield .

You know me .

You know I wouldnt be here unless it was important .

7/7 Chapter 187 There was hesitation from Holden , reflected in his narrowed gaze .

Whats that supposed to mean ? Warrick turned to me , and something in his eyes ran a shiver down my spine .

Im saying Im not here for her , he said , coldly .

My heart fell .

Warrick , what is going on ? He didnt answer ; he turned back to Holden , where he stood , cool and unshakeable .

I am here in service to the Nameless , he said .

Holdens face twisted in a sadistic smile .

Now thats more like it .

I shot a glare at Warrick , the sting of betrayal coiled in my chest .

You … you lied to me .

He cast a careless glance my way .

Its nothing personal , Piper .

Just business .

The closing darkness didnt leave me any choice .

No , Warrick !