The Catacombs

The Catacombs
Grace and I walked back into the office, and Amora must have filled in the boys on where we'd been because no one batted an eyelid at the state of our puffy, red eyes.

Braydon immediately raced over and gave Grace a kiss on the head which bought a smile to my face, they looked happy together.

I waltzed over to Malachi who took me into his own arms, not saying anything, which I was grateful for.

Amora cleared her throat to get our attention and I noticed that she had a slight hint of sadness in her eyes. I sent a silent prayer to the moon goddess that she'd find her mate soon.

"We think we have five possible entrances to the catacombs, which is a start. The only people who know that we're searching for them are in this room and I think we should keep it like that. Even with a liberated pack, there's still bound to be some people here who aren't happy about the change." She said, and we all nodded in agreement.

"From the tunnel systems shown on the map - it looks like there could be entrances in the Alpha's quarters, this office, the cells, the Cemetary and the nursery." Malachi filled Grace and I in and we both looked at each other in surprise.

"Most of that makes sense... but why the nursery?" I piped up, already thinking I knew where this was leading.

"It's inconspicuous for starters, even if it is a bit creepy." Amora answered, looking carefully at Grace who's face was paled.

"You don- You don't think that it has anything to do with my Aunt being outcast do you?" Grace whispered, as Braydon tenderly stroked her shoulder.

"We can't be sure, but if they were outcasting and killing nannies - then maybe they got too close to the entrance..." Braydon sighed, while mentally crossing his fingers that it wasn't true.

"Ok, well if there's a potential entrance in this very room - should we look?" I asked, and Malachi sighed.

"What do you think we've been doing for the past hour Aurelia... There's nothing here..." He said defeatedly and Amora burst out into laughter.

"Do you know who you're talking to Malachi?" She gasped, trying to catch her breath as Malachi, Braydon and Grace looked at her as if she'd completely lost it.

"Aurelia grew up in Whitebridge Castle" She stated as if it was obvious. She huffed and crossed her arms when it still didn't click for the trio.

"Aurelia is the Queen of hidden passageways. This place is as old as Whitebridge so I'm not doubting that they'll have similar entrances." She exclaimed excitedly and they all turned to look at me as I shrugged.

"Castle 101, guys - how do you think I got into the office so quickly and without being caught by anyone when I made my miraculous return." I giggled and Amora looked smug.

"Well then, the floor is yours Aurelia." Braydon teased, but his face was filled with hope.

I looked around the room, taking in the surroundings. I could see that there was a tapestry that had been moved and assumed that was the first place that they'd looked, and then the carpet below me was slightly on an angle, which means that they'd already looked there without any luck. Rookies.

"See how the window is not in the centre of the room - it's in full view of the desk." I started thinking outloud.

"Duh, don't you need window light to see?" Braydon joked, but his voice was hinting at curiousity as to where I was going with it.

"Yes, you do - however from the outside at a distance, you'd be able to still see in. If there was a secret passageway in this room then it would need to be on this side of the room so that it was completely obscure incase anyone was watching." I stated, walking over to the slightly darker end of the room and looking at the wall.

I could feel everyones eyes on me as they watched my every move, no one dared to take a breath or blink incase they missed something incredible.

My eyes flickered over to a stunning, gold light fixture towards the corner and I walked over to analyse it. I noticed that it was mostly solid, apart from the slightest bit of room around one particular arm that jutted out to the side closest to the corner where the walls met.

"Bingo." I announced as I pushed it in and we all heard a click before part of the wall moved away to reveal a staircase heading downwards.

I turned around to look at everyone, and they were staring at me with their mouths gaped open.

"Told ya so." Amora grinned smugly, her interruption broke the trance that the others were in and we all looked at each other.

"So what now?" Grace asked tentatively, looking at Braydon for an answer.

"I'm not letting my mate go in there if there's the chance of danger for starters. You stay here to avoid suspicion if anyone comes looking for Amora or I. It's not odd for the Alpha's mate to be in here doing some work and you can let them know that we're currently in a meeting with the Alpha and Beta of Shadowfen about an alliance." Braydon said, and Grace nodded eagerly.

"Alright then, let's go wolf team one." Amora announced, but nobody made a move.

"I'll lead." Malachi finally piped up and strutted through the door. We all quickly followed him into the passageway, nervous about what we were going to find down there - but all feeling determined.

The passageway was dark for 30 metres, however there was a soft glow ahead that illuminated the stoney, grey walls and steps.

"Either these just stay burning or this passage has been used recently." Amora whispered.

"They'll eventually go out on their own without someone coming to keep them alight - so chances are someone has either been here or we won't be alone." I whispered back nervously.

We continued down further for a few minutes until we reached a small stoney opening that housed a huge wooden door.