The Warrior’s Broken Mate novel Chapter 124

The Ash Queen’s castle felt alive, but not in a welcoming way. Every corridor, every staircase, every shadow seemed to watch us as we moved through the darkened halls. Despite the firelight flickering against the blackened stone, the place was cold. Not the kind of cold that bites the skin, but the kind that presses on your chest, like the walls themselves weigh down on you.

Elias walked beside me, quiet, his usual energy muted. I could tell he was running on exhaustion, the kind that comes from keeping your body moving when your mind screams for rest. I wasn’t much better. My muscles ached, and the lingering taste of smoke and blood from our last encounter made every breath heavy.

The Ash Queen led us to our chambers, her steps measured and deliberate. “You both need rest.” She said simply, her voice carrying authority without harshness. “Tomorrow, we begin planning the final moves. Tonight, you recover.”

I wanted to argue. I wanted to say I was ready, that waiting was a waste, but something in her tone stopped me. There was no compromise. Rest was not optional.

The chambers were surprisingly comfortable, at least for the Ash Queen’s standards. Thick rugs covered the cold stone floors, and soft, warm blankets were folded neatly on the beds. The room smelled faintly of herbs and smoke–something meant to soothe the mind and body.

Elias flopped onto the bed without hesitation, letting out a long groan. “I don’t know if I can sleep.” He muttered, rubbing his eyes. “My brain won’t shut off.”

“You need it.” I replied, sinking onto the edge of the bed. “We’re not going to be any good against him if we collapse halfway through the fight.”

He gave me a sideways glance, skeptical but too tired to argue. “Yeah, I guess. Easy for you to say–you’re always bouncing around like you’re ready to tackle the world.”

I huffed, letting a small smile escape despite my exhaustion. “Right now, I just want to not think about him for a little while. That counts as rest, right?”

The Ash Queen lingered by the doorway, her dark eyes studying us. “Rest is not weakness.” She said softly. “It is preparation. Your mind and body must be aligned if you hope to face him.”

I nodded, letting her words sink in. There was truth there. I’d been running on adrenaline and stubbornness for too long. If I wanted to end this, I needed more than anger–I needed clarity.

Once she left, the room fell silent except for the crackling of the fire. Elías rolled onto his side, pulling the blanket over himself like he could hide from the world in its folds. I stayed seated for a moment, staring into the flames, letting the warmth seep into my bones.

Slowly, I felt my muscles loosen. The tension that had been wrapped around me for weeks- the constant edge of fear and frustration–began to ease. For a little while, I could pretend that the sorcerer wasn’t out there, waiting, planning his next move.

“I don’t usually sleep this early.” I said quietly, not expecting an answer.

“You think this is a normal situation?” Elias mumbled from under the covers, half asleep but still aware. “Because last I checked, normal is not what we’re living.”

I chuckled softly, the sound quiet and tired. “Fair enough.”

He shifted closer to the edge of his bed, his face serious despite the exhaustion. “Lyra… tomorrow’s going to be dangerous. I know you’re ready to take him down, but–just… be careful. Don’t let your fire make you reckless.”

I looked at him, really looked at him. His eyes, heavy with fatigue, still held that unshakable loyalty and determination. I wanted to tell him I knew that I wasn’t reckless, but words felt small compared to the weight of what we were about to face.

“Elias.” I said finally, “I promise… I’ll be smart. But I’m not holding back anymore. He’s caused too much. It ends soon.”

He nodded slowly, exhaustion winning over argument. “I trust you.” He said, and for the first time in days, his voice was calm. “Just… don’t forget to breathe.”

Hours passed quickly, filled with quiet discussion, careful planning, and small demonstrations of how I could bend the lesser minions to my will. The Ash Queen guided us without dominating, letting us feel capable while warning us against overconfidence.

By mid–afternoon, we paused. The room was quiet except for the crackling of a small fire in the corner. I stretched, feeling the tight muscles in my back loosen, and realized for the first time in weeks that I was ready–not just emotionally, but physically and mentally.

Elias leaned back in his chair, a faint smile on his face. “I think… we might actually stand a chance.” He said quietly, almost to himself.

I nodded, looking at the maps and figurines on the table. “We have to. There’s no turning back now.”

The Ash Queen studied us both, her expression unreadable, then finally spoke. “Good. That is enough for today. You have rested. You have prepared. Tomorrow, you step closer to the final confrontation. Keep your minds clear and your hearts steady. This fight will test you in ways you cannot yet imagine.”

We nodded in unison. For the first time, I didn’t feel the constant panic, the pressure to act immediately. Rest has given me perspective. Rest has given us strength.

As we returned to our chambers later, I felt a quiet determination settle over me. The sorcerer awaited, and soon we would face him. But for now, I allowed myself to breathe, to feel human again. I allowed Elias to do the same.

Tonight, we rested. Tomorrow, the fight will begin.

And I would be ready.