The Matchmaker - The Arrax Saga Book 1 Chapter 43

Saphira moved carefully through the dense forest, each step calculated, each glance at their surroundings deliberate. She traced everything that stood out, a fallen tree here, a narrow creek snaking through the undergrowth there, mentally noting them all. If they needed to backtrack, she would know exactly how.

The group was silent as they walked, the weight of their mission pressing against them. Even the usual banter between Finn and Jed had disappeared, replaced by tense focus.

Nikolas kept close, as he had throughout the journey. Every now and then, his fingers brushed against hers, his arm grazing hers, not intentionally, but purposefully. A silent reminder that he was there. That they were in this together.

Ahead of them, Jasper suddenly spoke, his voice steady but low.

“We’re coming up to the point.”

Saphira’s breath hitched slightly, her pulse quickening.

This was it.

A few seconds later, the forest opened up into a break in the trees, and Asher stepped forward, his movements slow, careful.

Saphira watched him closely. His body language had shifted, the exhaustion still clung to him, but something else took over now. Determination.

He closed his eyes, brows knitting together, his breath controlled as he tried to focus.

Saphira swallowed, forcing herself to stay still, stay quiet.

She silently prayed that he would remember, or at least sense which way to go next.

“I think it’s this way.”

Asher’s voice was steady, more certain than before, but Saphira didn’t miss the flicker of hesitation in his expression.

Nikolas stepped beside him, studying him carefully. “Are you sure?” he asked, his tone firm but careful. “You can take a few more minutes to decide.”

“No, I’m sure.” Asher’s reply came quicker this time, his voice filled with more conviction, though Saphira could still sense the weight of doubt lingering beneath his resolve.

Saphira stepped forward, standing beside Nikolas. “Then let’s go and keep to our pairs.” She turned to the rest of the group, scanning their faces. “Are we all happy with our pairs?”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Nikolas took charge, his voice calm but commanding. “Let’s go. Keep an eye out and don’t let your guard down.” He glanced toward Asher, giving him a nod. “When we’re closer, we’ll split up.”

Without another word, they followed Asher’s lead, winding between thick bushes and trees, their steps careful, measured.

The silence between them was heavy, not the kind of silence born from ease, but one filled with anticipation. Saphira could feel it in the air, in every movement, in every glance exchanged between their team.

It felt like they were walking for hours, the tension mounting, each step taking them closer to something unknown.

Then suddenly, Asher stopped.

“We’re here.”

His voice was quiet, just loud enough for them all to hear, but the weight of his words was suffocating.

Everyone paused, scanning their surroundings, taking in the space, searching for signs, anything that might reveal what they were stepping into.

They huddled together, forming a tight circle.

Nikolas’ golden gaze flickered between them, his expression unreadable. “Right. We’ve been through the plan,” he started, looking at each of them in turn. “Our safety is the priority. We split up to scope the place out only. Then we regroup to plan the next steps.”

His voice carried an unspoken warning, no reckless moves, no unnecessary risks.

He let the words settle before adding, “Am I clear?”

Everyone nodded, quiet agreement passing between them.

Nikolas turned to Raven then, his gaze steady. “Cloak us.”

Raven exhaled, rolling her shoulders, preparing herself. Her hands lifted slightly, fingers twitching as she summoned the energy needed to weave the spell.

The air around them shifted, a subtle hum of magic vibrating beneath the surface, wrapping itself around them like an unseen veil.

Raven’s dark eyes met Nikolas’, then Saphira’s. “This will hold,” she said, her voice serious, laced with quiet warning. “But be careful. If you draw too much attention, they will sense us.”

Saphira nodded, feeling the weight of the moment settle fully onto her chest.

Without hesitation they split up.

Saphira’s pulse hammered in her chest, each step sending a fresh wave of adrenaline through her veins. She moved carefully beside Nikolas, matching his pace, her senses honed. Every rustle of leaves, every shift in the wind felt too loud, like the entire world was holding its breath alongside her.

Then she saw them. Pillars. Familiar.

Her breath hitched as she whispered, “These are similar to the ones I found before I found you.”

Nikolas’ gaze followed hers, his expression shifting. He could see it too, the difference.

Nikolas reached for her. His voice was quiet, firm. “Be careful from now. We must be close.”

Saphira nodded, exhaling slowly, forcing herself to focus.

They moved carefully, silently, climbing to a vantage point that overlooked the area ahead. Saphira scanned the space, but nothing stood out—no movement, no sign of life.

Nikolas nudged her. “I can see two guards,” he murmured, keeping his voice low. “By the opening to the far right.”

Saphira followed his gaze, squinting against the dim light. It took a few seconds, but she saw them. Two guards, pacing back and forth, stationed in front of what looked like a doorway.

“They’re guarding that room.” Saphira’s voice was barely above a whisper.

Nikolas narrowed his eyes, assessing. “I think that’s the place. Can you see anymore?”

Saphira scanned again, carefully, methodically, ensuring she didn’t miss anything.

“No. It’s just them.” She concluded, a tightness settling in her chest.

Nikolas nodded. “Okay. Let’s head back to the others.”

He moved first, shifting from their position, then reached for her hand, steadying her as she descended from the ledge.

Saphira stepped down carefully, but as she reached the final descent, her foot slipped, too fast, too sudden and her body tipped forward.

Before she could react, Nikolas caught her, swift, secure, arms wrapping around her in an instant.

Bridal style.

“I got you.” His voice was lower than before, filled with something warm, something intense.

Saphira met his gaze, feeling the shift between them, the way time seemed to pause in this small moment, despite everything else waiting just beyond them.

“I know you do.” The words left her lips softly, instinctively, before she leaned in and pressed a quick kiss against his mouth.

Nikolas’ grip lingered for just a second longer, his golden eyes burning into hers. Then, he gently set her back down.

“Right. Let’s go.” His voice held a smile.

Saphira took his hand, intertwining their fingers, letting his warmth settle against her skin as they started walking back.

Hand in hand.