Chapter 14 - Something New
Michael:
I listen with half an ear as the tour guide tells us about the catacombs. Though I have heard the story of the catacombs, it’s still nice to see it from Valentina’s point of view. My heart speeds up with excitement when our hands brush, and my jaw ticks as we enter a dark chamber as our bodies touch within the confined spaces. Eventually, our hands end up tangled together as she follows our guide into another room.
Valentina licks her lips and smiles before she pulls me to another room. We’re both standing face - to - face in a darkened cavern as the guide continues further down the tunnel.
“Did you hear what she said about the blocked entrances?” she gestures to an opening on the other side of the cavern.
I look at the blocked section and nod, “It’s strange that it was suddenly blocked two months ago. I was here, and I do not recall there being an earthquake or any natural disasters that would have closed it off.”
Valentina nods enthusiastically, “I know, and she said that nothing above the opening was destroyed, which means this might be one of the openings the Naga’s blocked.”
I look back to see if the guide is nearby, “Keep your eyes on the guide while I investigate.”
Valentina stays near the cavern’s entrance while I inspect the blocked wall near the back of the room. As carefully as I can, I remove several boulders until I create an opening big enough to see through. Using my angelic vision, I look beyond the opening and see another cavern full of cobwebs, broken slabs of stones and beyond another opening that looks like it was blocked off. I close my eyes, honing my senses beyond the room until I sense slow movements beyond the wall. Jaw tight, I flash myself to the room that I uncovered and move toward the wall and listen. The sounds of heavy breathing instantly reach my ears. Raising my hand, I place it against the wall and feel the movements of creatures beyond.
I look back through the opening and hear that the guide is calling Valentina. Flashing back, I block the opening and approach Valentina as the guide comes closer. Before Valentina can say a word, I slam my lips down on hers and kiss her until we’re both lost in the kiss.
We only break apart when our guide clears her throat and glares at us, “Je suis désolé d′intervenir mais personne n′est autorisé à prendre du retard sur le groupe.” I’m sorry to interrupt but no one is allowed to fall behind the group.
“Nous nous excusons,” We apologize, Valentina, retorts flawlessly. I almost choke when she continues to explain our behavior, “Nous sommes sur notre luna de miel et je ne peux pas garder mes mains loin de lui,” We are on our honeymoon, and I can’t keep my hands off him.
The tour guide gives us both an amused smile and mutters, “Toutes nos félicitations. Vous formez un beau couple.” Congratulations. You make a lovely couple.
I give the tour guide a warm smile and follow her back to the group. I do not release Valentina as we continue through the caverns.
Valentina leans close, “What did you see?” she whispers.
I lean close to her temple and whisper, “There’s definitely something on the other side of that enclosed room. I could hear deep breathing.”
Her breath hitches, “Do you think it’s the Nagas?”
“Oui, I do. I sensed far too many presences slumbering beyond the walls for it to have been humans.”
Valentina gives me a relieved look as we follow the group through the caverns. Once the tour is over, I lead Valentina down an enclosed area outside of the caverns. I flash us both beyond a locked fence with caution and Do Not Enter signs until we reach an opening covered by wooden planks and chains.
Keeping my angelic senses open, I rip the planks off and tear the fence blocking the opening.
Valentina stops beside me and listens carefully, “Do you hear that?”
I focus my hearing and hear loud breathing reverberate across the opening.
“They’re in there. Holy cow, you weren’t kidding when you said you can hear them breathing,” she shudders with revulsion. “They’re close,” before she can move further, I pull her back out and close the planks.
“What? Wait, we should go in and get a closer look.”
I shake my head and back her into a nearby wall, “Non, chérie, we cannot risk awakening the hive. Remember what I said? We need to know where the queen is before we enter.”
Valentina’s mood changes as she takes in our position. “But what if she’s in there. We’re wasting time sitting out here.”
Before I can argue, Valentina pushes the plank aside and rushes in.
I curse her as I follow behind. After living for so long, this female is finally going to be the death of me.