Page 46 of Beyond the Darkness

“True,” Connie said. “So, what are the runes for?”

“I have no idea,” Hudson said. “Probably nothing good.”

Connie nodded, exchanging a look with Hudson. They proceeded with even greater caution. Every step forward was weighed against the risk of triggering unseen magical defenses or walking into a trap set by Don or his allies.

Connie kept Kit close, his gaze darting around as they navigated through the narrow, uneven path lit only by the dim light from their phones.

As they rounded another bend in the tunnel, they heard a faint echo—voices maybe? Or just an echo of their own movements? It was hard to tell with how sounds traveled down there, even with their keen hearing.

Suddenly, Denisha held up her hand, signaling them to stop. “Listen,” she whispered urgently.

For a moment, all was silent except for the distant drip of water. Then, faintly, they heard it—a series of soft clicks. The group exchanged nervous glances. It sounded like something–a door maybe–being opened.

“Is there something down here with us, you think?” Denisha asked.

“Oh God, like what?” Kit whined.

Denisha shrugged. “Well, the huntersareexperimenting with DNA.”

“Ohmy God,” Kit gasped.

“If these tunnels are being used by Don or the hunters, we might not be the only ones down here,” Hudson said after a decidedly tense pause. “We need to be quiet. We don’t want to alert anyone to our presence more than we have to.”

“Let’s keep going, but be ready, Denisha,” Connie said.

They continued on as their path sloped slightly downward. The air here was damp and heavy with an earthy smell that reminded Connie of wet leaves after a storm.

After what felt like hours but was likely only minutes, they emerged into a larger cavernous area lit by sporadic patches of bioluminescent fungi clinging to the damp walls.

The natural light revealed an underground lake with water so still it looked like glass.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN – KIT

A FREAKING lake was under the city of San DeLain. Kit couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

“Would you look at that? It’s an underground reservoir,” Connie observed quietly. “Could be natural or part of San DeLain’s water supply system. Or maybe even connected to the ocean.”

The water was inky and still, reflecting the dim light of their cell phones. It stretched out as far as they could see, disappearing into the darkness. The air was musty and damp, with a faint hint of seawater, and there were strange symbols etched into the walls, glowing faintly.

Kit didn’t know what to make of their discovery. He peered closer at the water. “But who could use this?”

Denisha’s eyes widened in realization. “I can think of one paranormal who’s capable,” she said gravely.

“The mer,” Connie stated. “They were one of the species that Lennox used for his experiments.”

“The hell?” Kit breathed.

“Yup. Vampires, weres, and mer. None of them are safe,” Connie added.

“So they have hunters who can travel by land and sea,” Kit said.

“We don’t know that for sure, but it certainly looks like it,” Hudson said. “Connie? Take pictures of this just so we have something to reference later.”

“Sure thing,” Connie said, snapping pictures and noting their coordinates.

Hudson scanned the perimeter of the cavern. “This could also be a meeting point or a storage area. Check those alcoves. There might be more than just water and fungi here.”

As instructed, Connie and Denisha moved closer to one of the irregularly shaped alcoves dotting the cavern walls. Kit stayed next to Hudson.

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