Everneath Chapter 9 Summary

  • In the now: Cole is in Nikki's bedroom again. She's annoyed, but she wants to learn more about how the Everneath works, so she puts up with him.
  • Cole again tells Nikki that it doesn't have to be like this. She's only seen the Caverns and the Tunnels, which are terrible, but the rest of the Everneath isn't like those places.
  • Cole compares it to the Elysian Fields, which she's been studying at school: a place of light and happiness. Kinda like heaven.
  • Nikki asks Cole to show her the Fields. He refuses at first, saying it'd be harder than giving her that glimpse of the Tunnels—he'd have to use his own energy to do it.
  • But finally Cole agrees, and Nikki finds herself standing in a bright field. She wants to run through the grass and enjoy the air; it feels like she's completely unburdened and free.
  • Then she's back in her room. Cole looks exhausted, but he keeps trying to talk her into coming with her.
  • Nikki asks if she'd have to drain people to accompany him, and he says no, because if they made a run for the throne, other people would bring her the energy she needed.
  • Nikki keeps asking questions, and Cole says he can't tell her certain things unless he comes with her. He wants her to come with him and be his partner. They'd rule together, and they'd be as together as she wanted.
  • Nikki tells Cole to stay away from her, and he reveals that he can still Feed off her. He grabs her and kisses her, and she feels him taking away the negative emotions inside her.
  • For a moment, she's tempted to leave with him, and leave behind the pain and guilt of her disappearance. But then she realizes that going with Cole would be the easy choice, and she needs to make the right choice.
  • Nikki pushes Cole away, and tells him she'll never steal emotions from others like that. He tells her to never say never, and that he's not giving up on her. Hmm… threatening much?