Chapter 16

“Is anyone else having a Lord of the Rings moment? I feel like we’re walking into a cave filled with dangerous creatures.” Bethany said quietly.

Paisley nodded.

“The dangerous creatures should feel lucky to have our attention.” Chase’s voice echoed through the headset as he went past me.

“I was thinking you men were the dangerous creatures,” Alona said watching him walk past, “perhaps I misunderstood.”

“When I suggested testing our mics, I was thinking more of a check from everyone.” Quinton said, then sighed.

“Cheap bastard, you always want someone else to get the check first.” Leone said grinning at Quinton as he walked by him.

I looked at the woman with the horses. “We’re leaving her out there alone?”

“She’s a witch and no one can see her but us.” Daxx said, then followed the men into the cave.

“Right.” I went in after her.

“Victor, you’re leading this adventure,” Troy said, “I believe you grew up in these.”

“Are you saying I’m a caveman?” Victor asked giving Troy an amused looked as he went in.

“What? No?” Troy realized he was kidding and motioned for him to go in.

“I sometimes think I’ve ported into a sitcom and not a royal family.” Emil said calmly. “Which I haven’t decided if I’m good with or not.”

“Says the brother that was humming the Star Wars theme while beating every guard in the yard last night.” Arius chuckled.

“I couldn’t get the damn thing out of my head.” Emil told him.

“I have that problem with that Muppet song when I hear it.” Crissy said. “The one that…”

“Crissy. Do not hum that song.” Daxx warned. “It will haunt me for days.”

“Okay, but it’s a good song.” Crissy said.

“Are we finished?” Michael asked. “Shall we break out and dance as well? If anyone were here, perhaps they’d join us—as we’re announcing our presence and these caverns echo.”

I glanced ahead to where he was walking. I felt like his mood was my fault. I turned and looked at Daxx over my shoulder. She shook her head as if she knew what I was thinking. “Is there one main tunnel or does it break off?” I asked.

Michael stopped and turned around and looked at me. “We are not separating.”

“Just asking.” I said slowly.

“Damn, brother, do you need a nap or something?” Leone asked and motioned to us women to do ahead. “Michael and I have the back of the line.”

Michael stood there, his gaze was locked on me as everyone went past.

I stopped in front of him. “You due for a thaw soon, iceman? We get you’re pissed I’m here, but get over it, and let’s get this done.”

He continued to stand there and look down at me, then inclined his head and motioned for me to go.

“Fearless.” Daxx said quietly into the mic.

“I’m a big fangirl.” Alona whispered.

“Cristy, if I’m to lead, that usually means you follow, not race ahead.” Victor said quietly.

“Sorry, I’m excited. I’m in tunnels, under a castle. I’ve never seen them, in or out of my head.” She whispered. “Can we climb these?”

“No.” Leone said, “no proper footing.”

“Too bad.” She sighed.

I had my own moment after she said that. We were in a castles’ underground caverns. Caverns that could be filled with people responsible for taking women. Yeah, that last part ruined the illusion for me.

Everyone stopped and crouched. I pushed the hood off and tucked it into the strap on my shoulder.

“Someone has been in here recently.” Chase whispered.

We moved into a large, open area. Leone and Rafael went over to stand by two tunnels leading out. I took a moment to look around. The walls were a combination of natural and manmade creation. I was going to ask how old they were, but decided I might not like the answers and it probably wasn’t the time for an Alterealm history lesson.

“Where do these tunnels lead?” Arius asked.

“Left goes up, the right leads down and to the other side of the mountain.” Michael said quietly.

“Leone, you and Rafael go down, see if they’ve been that way. Do not engage if you find anyone.” Troy told them.

“On it.” Rafael whispered.

“Got it.” Leone said.

Victor pulled his hand out of the ashes and nodded to Troy. “Still warm at the bottom.”

“Crissy can you remember these tunnels as we go?” Quinton asked.

“Yes, I can.” She nodded at him.

Quinton nodded at her. “Good. We may want to send patrols to check them daily.”

“Let’s keep moving up.” Victor suggested, “we have quite a way to go.”

“Where does the main tunnel come out?” Chase asked.

“Behind the courtyard.” Michael answered without hesitation.

“There are a few smaller ones that lead to other areas, but we had the bridges removed so people couldn’t access the main building, after we moved to the current underground chambers.” Victor talked quietly so his voice wouldn’t carry.

Every fifty feet there were small areas carved out. I wanted to ask what they were for, but too much chatter would make it harder for us to hear other movement.

“Leone, how far are you?” Michael inquired.

“We can see the end. Nothing so far.” Leone answered.

“Is there light at the end of the tunnel?” Quinton asked, then cleared his throat. “I’m being serious.”

“Yes. Should there be?” Rafael asked quickly.

“No.” Michael answered. “That entrance has a solid gate that should be sealed closed.”

“Okay. Going silent until after we look.” Leone said quietly.

It was getting darker the further up we went. I stopped and stood when it dawned on me that we were literally standing under millions of pounds of earth. I was okay with tunnels, usually, I didn’t know how far down they were or what sat over me. I took a few deep breaths, trying to shake the feelings that were swamping me. My heart felt like it was beating in my throat.

When Michael stopped in front of me, I realized how long I’d been standing there. His brows creased as he gave me soft look.

I’d forgotten the blood bond and that he could sense my emotions. I was going to tell him not to worry when a warm feeling came over me, a comforting one, like a hug of encouragement. He had done that for me.

Quinton reached us and gave us a look that said now was not the time for a staring contest.

I started walking again, forcing my heart and breathing to settle down. Why would Michael do that for me? He’d made it clear he didn’t want much to do with me—whenever it was possible. Scowling, because he was distracting me, I picked up the pace to put some distance between us. He’d probably done it so I wouldn’t hold them up, or to keep me from freaking out and alert them to our presence. I bit my lip, then winced, forgetting it was swollen. I was being stupid walking through here this distracted.

“Hold up.” One of the men whispered so faintly I couldn’t tell which one had said it. I looked ahead to see everyone looking back and turned to see Michael and Quinton both poised and ready, facing behind us.

I checked my position where I stood, needing to know where I was in case anyone came at us. We were close to the next carved out area, so I had room to maneuver. I thought I heard a noise, a scuffling like a foot dragging along the stone. Turning my head, I listened again. I moved toward the small concave area; it went back further than the rest had.

With silent movements, I stepped inside. A small tunnel, no taller than I was showed movement and light. I went toward it carefully and looked through the opening.

I looked behind me to see Bethany had stepped in and was watching me.

Pulling the kama from my back, I stepped into to the tunnel, crouching low. I hadn’t been seeing things. There was a small wooden bridge across a ten-foot opening, with narrow stone stairs at the far end.

“That’s a dead end,” Michael whispered, “we destroyed the bridges.”

I looked again. “Michael, I’m looking at a bridge.” I glanced back to see him coming toward me.

Sheathing one sword, he pulled a shorter knife from his hip. I moved out of the way, trying to figure out how he’d fit through the space built for far smaller bodies. Turning sideways, he put one foot through and ducked, sliding in like it was a larger entrance. Obviously, this wasn’t his first time.

“They rebuilt them.” He whispered.

“That’s how they got in the throne room to put up the barrier.” Arius said in a low tone. “Only royal blood could access that room if the door was closed.

“Go up?” Michael inquired.

“They’ll have a barrier at the top.” Victor said.

“We’ll have to check the rest,” Quinton motioned for me to come back to the large tunnel.

“I heard something. That’s why I went and looked.” I said as quiet as possible. “There were shadows in the light.”

“We’re not alone.” Daxx whispered.

Michael looked down at me, then headed to the rest.

Chase motioned to the area we’d just come out of. “Michael, you and Autumn go check it out. See if there is a barrier at the top.” He looked at Troy. “They could be cocky enough to not put one.”

Troy nodded. “Anyone that breaks off from the group goes with someone that has a porter.”

Michael didn’t look happy, but still motioned for me to go back inside.

I did, sheathing the kama on my back. If I met up with anyone, I wanted my hands free. I didn’t wait for him to go through first, I stepped through carefully and moved to the side, so he could get his large frame through the opening. Once he stood beside me, I made my way across the bridge, making sure not to look down. I didn’t want to know what was, or wasn’t, under it. The stairs were old, very old, and made from stone. I didn’t turn around but was guessing his shoulders were probably wider than the stairs were. All I could see when I looked up were more steps. I was thankful it was a gradual climb and not a tight spiral.

Looking around I tried to figure out how it was lit. I glanced behind me to Michael.

“Witch’s lighting.” He whispered. “As soon as someone steps through, it lights up.”

My eyebrows went up.

He offered a slight shrug, before motioning for me to continue.

There was so much I didn’t know about this realm, the people here—different classes or races of people meant much more than it did on my side. On my side it meant poor to rich. Here they were actually different classes of people based on abilities or more.

I squatted lower and looked up. The light had flickered, like someone moved in front of it. I pointed up for Michael to see, then looked back at him. He jerked his chin telling me to keep going.

“Where do these stairs lead?” Troy asked.

Michael paused on the stairs waiting for an answer.

“Our parents’ room.” Victor said.

I turned to see Michael following again.

“Daxx and I will go see if we can access it.” Troy said in a hushed voice.

The light above us flickered again, like a candle does when someone moves past. I paused and pointed. Michael came up behind me and looked up. “Someone is at the top.” He whispered more in my ear than the mic.

“We have a situation.” Rafael said with an urgent tone.

Michael touched my arm, so I’d stop.

“There’s fifteen men heading our way. With three women—in jumpsuits.” Leone said with a venomous tone.

“Can you hide somewhere?” Chase asked. “Let them pass then block them at the first cavern.”

“Yeah we can.” Leone said quickly.

“We’ll head back down.” Michael said. “Try to get down further so Leone and Raf have more help.” Turning, he hurried back down the steps.

All I could think about were those women with the men.

“Alona, you, cutie, sarg and sparky get those women.” Chase said quickly.

Later when I was trying not to slip down the steps, I’d have to find out why Chase insisted on calling all of us by nickname.

“We will try to separate them.” Alona said.

“Leave that to us. Beth and I will clear out anyone near them.” Paisley whispered.

Michael cleared the last step and waited for me before crossing the narrow bridge. I didn’t even think when I accepted his hand as we hurried across.

I was about to go back through the opening, when he tugged my hand so I’d turn. Before I could ask him why, he leaned down quickly and licked across my lip. I pulled my head back and looked to see his eyes were red. Remembering the mic, I didn’t say anything but hoped my look conveyed we’d be talking about that move later.

Slipping back out the opening, we ran toward the large cavern.

“Daxx and I will block the other exit.” Troy said sounding out of breath.

We reached the large cavern right behind the others and hurried into the small concave space on the opposite side. After they were in the cavern, we could block them from turning back. Daxx and Troy went into the tunnel we’d taken from the outside. The others stood in the tunnel leading up to the main floors.

“We’re in place, Leone.” Victor said softly.

The men weren’t even attempting to be quiet. They had no idea we were here.

“You should feel special, you’re the first of our guests, ladies.” One of the first men entering the cavern said.

Standing and waiting for all of them to clear the tunnel felt like it took hours. The women were scared and walking close together. None had shackles on. When the last came through, I went to step out, but Michael put his hand out to stop me.

“Warrick, you traitorous bastard.” Quinton stepped out of the shadows. “I wondered where you had disappeared to.” He looked at the man that had spoken.

Warrick stopped and turned around. “You didn’t expect me to stay loyal to a guard that tossed me out did you, prince?”

Quinton moved toward the middle of the cavern. “You were tossed out because you couldn’t follow orders.” He kept walking slowly.

I realized he was trying to get them to turn so they wouldn’t notice people in the tunnel leading up.

“Orders that endangered my life.” The man snarled.

“As a guard you take an oath to protect others, even at the cost of your life.” Quinton stopped moving and stood there, a large sword in either hand, casually holding them, tips pointed toward the floor.

“You should have brought help, prince.” Warrick snarled as he pulled a sword from his hip.

“What makes you think I didn’t?” Quinton asked calmly.

“So, this is where the dishonored guards end up.” Rafael walked into the cavern.

The men jolted, pulling weapons out as they turned to face him.

“I see more than one familiar face.” Leone came to stand beside Rafael.

“Three against all of us? Royal or not, you’re no match for us.” Warrick smirked.

“Enough talk.” Daxx stepped out, Troy right behind her.

Michael dropped his hand and moved into the light. I was right beside him.

Someone chuckled.

“You brought little human women to fight?” A scruffy man with dirty clothes said with a grin.

I looked at Michael, he shrugged and motioned toward them. With a smile, I looked back at the man and took a few steps toward him.

He lifted his sword and pointed it at me, stepping in my direction.

“Try it. I will beat you ten different ways from tomorrow.” Reaching, I pulled the kama from my back, leaving the blade hidden.

“Is she a relative of yours, kitten?” Chase asked as he stepped out into the light.

Without taking my eyes off the man, I spoke to Michael. “Have your little box ready.” I didn’t give any other warnings. I stepped toward the sword, ducking down as he swung. Rising up, I blocked his elbow and twisted. His sword hit the stone at his feet. I put my foot behind his and swept his feet from under him. He went down. As I side stepped I heard a pop. He vanished.

Michael straightened and swung his arm, using his sword to block the swing of the man next to him.

Taking a quick step, I grabbed Michael’s free arm and used it as leverage to gain the height to land a scissor kick on the man’s chin. He stumbled back. Michael hooked his foot and down he went.

Turning, I saw Beth and Paisley knocking men back from the women using their abilities. I rushed over and hit the one that grabbed one of the captive woman’s arms with a jab-elbow combination. “Go.” I told her as he recovered and came at me, sword swinging. I ducked and whacked the back of his knee with the baton. His leg buckled and I was able to knock him off balance with a fast crescent kick.

“Got him.” Daxx slid in with a box in her hand, then he was gone. “Get the women outside with the horses.” She said quickly.

I turned to see Alona swinging nun-chucks to keep a man from following Crissy, Beth and Paisley as they led the women to the tunnel. I ran toward her.

Quinton kicked another one so he stumbled back. “Autumn.” He said as I approached him, he bent down, one knee out. I put my foot on his knee and launched myself over his back, using the extra height and momentum to spin and kick the man in the back of the head.

Alona swept his legs out at the same moment, taking advantage of the distraction.

Leone was right there, box in hand and the man was gone.

Alona gave me a quick nod and headed out the tunnel.

I turned to be sure the others had things under control and went after her.