Chapter 171: Everyone, I’m fine! My body is just revolting against being here. Totally normal
Cass wasn’t sure what he expected the entry into the dungeon would be. Maybe a pit into the ground, a set of stairs that descended down, a gate? He wasn’t exactly sure what he was expecting.
He certainly wasn’t expecting a crypt, but maybe he should have. It was an undead dungeon after all.
The crypt was stone, probably marble if he was going to get specific about the type of stone. White marble with black veins throughout. The doors looked to be cut from the same slab and were carved.
Cass wasn’t able to see what was carved into the marble from where he was. They had only just broken through the damaged forest and caught sight of the crypt. A small, wrought iron fence wrapped around the area, with dead grass littering the area. A small, rickety iron gate finished off the look, and honestly, it felt like this should have come out of a horror movie.
Cass did not want to step closer to the crypt, and he could tell he wasn’t alone in that feeling. Lady Ava also agreed with Cass, while everyone else?
They looked hardened, stoic. Damn it, if everyone else was serious, Cass needed to pull his shit together. This would be the perfect time for Lord Blackburn to take over. He welcomed it, honestly, but at the same time, Lord Blackburn probably also didn’t want to go into this awful-looking dungeon.
Priest Daniel was the one leading the charge, a few priests travelling with them who were supposed to trade out with the priests who were standing guard. They looked relieved to see the group break through the tree line and come towards them. Each step had Cass’ whole body tense.
He didn’t like this. He just didn’t.
He wished he could at least hear a crow caw to make himself feel like this was normal, but the forest was silent. Had been silent ever since he’d arrived. Nothing natural wanted to be near this, and Cass understood. The fairy blood that Lord Blackburn possessed was protesting loudly.
Cass wondered if entering every dungeon had been like this for Lord Blackburn, but he would have to wait to get that answered. Lord Blackburn wasn’t a magic 8 ball that lived inside of him and answered everything he asked.
"You okay?" Lucian’s soft whisper near Cass’ ear almost had him jumping. Cass swallowed.
"I think so." Cass lied easily, and Lucian cast him a look. Cass hated, once more, that he was able to get a true pulse on what Cass was feeling.
"Alright. Let me know if you ever need a boost. It’s easy for me to do, and I can do it often." He promised, and Cass stared at the other man. He was worried about him. Cass still wasn’t sure if it was because of the bond, but he did appreciate that he could at least rely on that for help. Cass nodded.
"Thank you. It’s too early for that, but I’ll let you know." Cass had to let him know. After all, he was supposed to be covering everyone’s ass at the back of the party. He couldn’t let himself get poorly, not when Vespertine was supposed to be looking out for everyone’s mental health.
Cass took a few deep breaths as they continued towards the ominous crypt. As they drew closer, Cass was able to see what was depicted on the doors and honestly? It didn’t make him feel better.
They were pictures of a war. It was either that, or a massacre. Demons were in various shapes and sizes, some with agony etched on their faces for all eternity, and some with pure ecstasy. It made Cass uncomfortable to see the scenes, since most depicted the worst crimes imaginable. Cass had to look away.
That was on the door of the crypt? What the hell was waiting for them inside?
"This feels like the place." Lady Fiona muttered. She glanced at Cass, and then shuffled towards him. She bent, leaning towards Cass. "Are you feeling any different?" She asked and Cass gave her a look.
"How so?" Cass asked and she shifted.
"I usually feel a sharp sting from my mark. Are you feeling the same?" She was speaking quietly, and it was clear that only Lucian was able to hear them. He didn’t give them a second glance though, only stood nearby, a silent statue. He knew that Lucian would step in as soon as he thought someone was a threat to them.
It was...odd to consider that Cass was protected by a dragon. He wasn’t a princess, not like Lady Fiona was. He was also coming to terms with the fact that he didn’t hate it either. That was a strange pill to swallow.
"I...no. I don’t. I think it’s because we have different missions." Cass whispered to her and Lady Fiona’s eyes sparkled as she nodded.
"Interesting. I’ll have to think about that. I wonder what would get your mark to tingle then?" She wondered out loud and Cass let out a soft breath.
"I am a little concerned to know, if I’m honest. It will not be a good thing." Cass told her quietly and she chuckled. She reached out, grabbing onto Cass’ shoulder with a firm grip, giving it a squeeze.
"Good to know. I’ll be appropriately worried if you tell me it does tingle." She said, smiling before she joined the others.
Everyone came to a halt before the small iron gate. It squeaked in a wind that no one could feel and Cass felt his body shiver.
"Well, this is where we leave you. We wish you luck, and thank you for the service you are doing." Priest Daniel nodded. Sir Forsythe, who had been at the back of the group moved forward, his words quiet in Cass’ ear.
"I shall remain here, probably take up guard here with Sir Sanders. Ser Hune shall remain at camp. I think this would be too hard for her." Sir Forsythe said and Cass nodded.
"I doubt we’ll need your help, but I appreciate you remaining nearby." Cass told him and he nodded. Cass turned his attention to everyone else. Lucian looked ready, so did Lord Ridgewood. Slowly, without words, everyone got into formation. Both Lucian and Lady Fiona at the front, Lord Ridgewood slightly behind them, then Lady Fiona and then both Vespertine and Cass. Everyone shared a look, before Lady Fiona let out a soft exhale and pushed open the gate.
Nothing happened. Nothing at first.
The others didn’t react when they crossed the threshold, so Cass thought he was going to be fine. He wasn’t.
As soon as he placed his foot down on the ground inside of the small cemetery it felt like someone was walking over his grave. His breathing grew ragged, and Lucian was the first one to look back.
"Hold on." He told Lady Fiona urgently, and she stopped. She looked back, noticing that Cass was in terrible condition right away. Even Vespertine was concerned. His concern breaking through the air of anger that was the norm right now.
"Cassian, breathe. Come on." Lucian muttered, his hands touching Cass and Cass did what he could. He could only breathe after Lucian pumped him full of the same energy he had given Ser Hune before.
Cass was taking in lungfuls of air, finally able to breathe but the others shared grim looks.
"Cassian, we can’t do this if you-"
"I’m fine!" Cass cut them off, giving a shaky exhale. "It’s just our first time in an undead dungeon. We didn’t know I would have this severe of a reaction. I’ll be fine." Cass stated firmly, and Lucian’s grip on his arms tightened.
"Cassian, I don’t think that’s a good idea." Lady Fiona stated after Cass had interrupted her before. "You’re one step in and you’re already like this. This could be dangerous. No, this will be dangerous." She confirmed as Cass’ jaw clenched. He didn’t want to be a burden, but at the same fucking time Lord Blackburn had done this dungeon before in the book.
Why was Cass having such a hard time with it?
"I can do this. I will do this." Cass stated firmly, his body tense. Vespertine sighed.
"I can do your part. I promise." He told him, as if that was a good thing. Cass tensed. It wasn’t a matter of Vespertine doing his part. He wanted to be able to slot into this world. He wanted to know that he could fit in. This felt like a slap to the face.
This felt like he wasn’t doing a good job. Like he wasn’t a good sub for Lord Blackburn who could do damn near anything.
"I know you can. You are a capable mage, Vespertine, but I don’t think it’s fair that you take on my workload when I can do this. I just...need a little boost from time to time." Cass muttered and Vespertine sighed. Lucian wouldn’t let go of Cass.
"Fuck protocol, you call and I’m there, alright? We can’t have you collapsing in the dungeon, and I am not comfortable with you being outside of the dungeon where I can’t see you either." Lucian slid a look to Lady Fiona. "I’ll take responsibility for this. Cassian isn’t at fault. He can’t control his own body, and he’s right. We’ve never had to do an undead dungeon before. We just need to make some accommodations for his unique constitution. Something we do all the time for Edgar." Lucian said, and Cass was surprised he was making such a sound argument. Vespertine nodded.
"Agreed." Cass was surprised that he agreed so readily. But with that easy agreement from Vespertine, and Lucian’s serious look, Lady Fiona had nothing to do but agree. She gave a groan.
"Alright, fine. But you have to tell us when you aren’t feeling well, Cassian, or so help me, I’ll punish you when we get out of this dungeon." Cass was surprised by the sharp bite of her tone, but he nodded.
"Understood." Cass said, swallowing. Lucian finally let Cass go and returned to his spot at the front. He kept glancing at Cass though, and Cass felt his chest warm. Damn it.
"You let me know as soon as you’re feeling unwell." Vespertine whispered. "Maybe some of my wine can help too." He whispered and Cass glanced at the other mage. Cass then nodded, and Vespertine nodded in return. Everyone turned their attention back to the task at hand.
The giant marble doors.