Page 253 of The Lands Defying
I run my hands over my arms, trying to starve off the cold which isn’t strictly caused by it being winter, but from the fact that we are walking down the familiar steps toward the place where those beasts are being housed beneath the rubble.
Word was sent to Darius that they have cleared a path to the back rooms, and they are awaiting our arrival to proceed.
“Calm, Rhea.”
“I know,”I reply through the link.“I just hope they are there…and that we can help them.”
“You need to prepare for seeing things like we did before…if there even is anything.”
I nod and place my hand on his back, my other hand already clutching his as he leads the way.
Josh, Taylor, Leo and Damian are at our backs, Edward at the rear of them as they follow us. We could have ported in, but Darius didn’t want to risk doing so and having the place completely collapse on our head.
We reach the room that will take us to the first cluster of cells, and Elites crowd the space, nodding their head to their Alpha as he passes by.
“Rest up,” Darius tells them. “We will handle the rest, but prepare to move anyone if they are found.”
“Yes, Alpha,” they chorus, and Darius leads us through the first cells.
I swallow back the bile threatening to rise once more at what I will see inside, but a quick glance tells me they are gone.
“We moved and buried them,” Darius says. “They deserved rest.”
I nod, feeling Josh come to my side in silent support.
“Thank you.” My voice is hoarse, unsteady and I clear it, straightening my spine.
No need to be emotional now.
“Is this where they had those beasts?” Edward asks and I nod.
“They gave them the ultrian drug and it made them able to procreate, or something like that.”
“Horrific,” Edward mutters, and we all agree.
Two Elites guard the doors up ahead to the main room and they open them for us, once again nodding in respect.
We enter the room, the stack of shelving that was once in front of the door, now gone. The stone slab in the middle is half broken, and some cells are crushed on both sides, with large amounts of rubble piled all over.
I look up at the large crack in the ceiling, casting a bright light down upon the center. I let go of Darius’s hand and move forward, heading for the grate to see those beasts below, but when I reach one and peer down, none are there. I turn with a questioning look.
“We had them killed,” Leo says, climbing over some rubble. “Men went down in small numbers and took them out one at a time.”
“All of them?”
“We suspect some escaped, or were transported,” Darius says on a growl, anger lighting his eyes.
I nod. That would make sense as there were some that came to Eridian. Speaking of…
“Why do you think Charles hasn’t attacked Eridian again?” I wonder aloud as we continue toward the back.
“We don’t even know if Charles sent that attack, or if it was random, but we are always on alert.”
“I know, it just feels odd.”
“Maybe he’s toying with us,” Josh mutters, nearly slipping over some rocks. “Maybe he’s biding his time?”
“Who knows what Charles is thinking,” Damain chimes in. “All we know is that we won’t be safe forever.”
