Page 39 of Anger

“When in their human-shifted forms, they go by their human names. Lamia’s is Lanie,” Mac announced, and Tisi inclined her head.

“We developed different practices,” she admitted.

“Indeed, we did. But we can learn one another’s etiquettes,” Lanie replied.

“Come, Lanie, it has been a busy day. We shall go to the food hall, and then Mac can visit Ranson. Although only an hour or so has passed for you,” Hydra ordered.

“Yes, hard to believe I’ve only been awake three hours, and so much has happened. Damn,” Lanie said, amused.

Mac smiled as Lanie’s head appeared to be on a swivel as they made their way off the platform.

“Stand here and wait a second and watch,” Mac asked, and Lanie did as she was told.

To her surprise, the steps moved like escalators, and Lanie grinned. That was great, as she hadn’t fancied the steep climb down. Once they reached the bottom, Mac held a hand out again.

“Watch the road,” he exclaimed, and Lanie’s eyes went wide. The roads moved like a treadmill, and you stepped on, and it moved for you. “We don’t use vehicles here. The roads move for us, and you step on and off as you wish. But if you want to walk or run, that is what the pavements are for.”

“This is amazing,” Lanie exclaimed. As the road moved them towards the city centre, Lanie noted each street had a name, and every so often, there was a street map denoting where they were.

“It’s something,” Mac said proudly.

Lanie noted how much he was loving seeing her reaction to his home. Even though he’d grown up here, Mac obviously thought it was stunningly beautiful.

“No wonder the castle did not impress you,” Lanie stated with a laugh.

“I probably would have been if I’d seen it,” Mac teased, and Lanie blushed.

“Yeah, that too,” Lanie agreed. “What’s the plan, Hydra?” Lanie asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Why did you bring me here?” Lanie questioned.

“We didn’t. We were after Mac. Mac is a leader here, Lanie, a high-ranking leader. His importance can’t be underestimated,” Tisiphone said.

“So, you never served in the SBS?” Lanie sought, slightly confused.

“Yes. I did. But time moves differently here. I’m actually older than I look,” Mac admitted.

“How old are you?” Lanie asked with her eyes narrowed.

“Two hundred and thirty-three.”

“Get the hell out!” Lanie exclaimed.

“Sorry, but it’s true. If we returned you right now, only a mere few seconds would have passed,” Tisiphone explained.

“Wow.”

“We needed time to grow this,” Hydra added.

“What is this?” Lanie inquired again as they stepped off the road, and Hydra shifted into her human form.

“This is Refuge. And also, where we’re building an army,” a male voice said from behind them.

Lanie turned around and gaped.

“Does nobody stay dead?” Lanie asked, embracing the leg of the huge creature in front of her.

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