Page 7 of Sunken Empire

Which Zanthus had no problem with whatsoever.

Stopping at the door, I see Zale’s hand still midair as they watch me.

“Thanks for everything. Truly,” I say before bolting out the door. I’m completely lost in two seconds and have no idea which end is up. When I come to a staircase I sigh in relief. Lifting my dress, I run down the stairs almost taking them two at a time. I’m midway down as it hits me. The dress. Duh. There are women here.

My bare feet slap the marble floor until I make it to a set of wide double doors. They give me pause as I admire the intricate detail in the carvings. Swirls cover them on all four sides. When I turn my head the right way, it looks as though the swirls make waves cresting and settling back into place. The best part is what looks like an ancient family sigil right in the middle. I hear footsteps behind me, so I break that crest right down the center as I push my way out.

I have no idea what I am expecting when I step out into the brighter than usual light, but it is not what I see. There’s no ship; instead, there are dwellings that resemble houses. The only reason I would say they aren’t houses is the material they’re made of. It looks like some kind of dark shimmering glass. Too bad I’m not taking the time to stop and check them out because they look interesting, to say the least.

There’s no sun above us; instead, there’s a soft glow that lights up the entire area. The only thing that’s to be expected is the open water. Only, I’m on the wrong side of it. Underneath a dome that shimmers brighter than the houses from the unknown light.

A small gated wall separates the dwellings from where I stand on the steps. In between the gate and me, there are people working in what looks like a garden. They all turn to look at me. The same as inside, they are all half-naked men. I slowly step backward until my back bangs against the door. Their curious gazes slowly creep up and over my shoulder. As one, they bow to the ground while arms snake around my waist and hot breath tickles my ear.

Oh shit!

“Not in Kansas anymore are you, Rubi Murphy?” Zephyr’s voice sends chills down my spine.

Dots dance in my vision. “I’ve never been to Kansas,” I whisper.

His chuckle follows me into the blackness as, for the first time in my entire sad existence, I faint.

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