Page 81 of Sapphire Flame
But it was here, at the ditch that Natalie stopped dead.I would have sworn this was the location, that this was where we’d find Alanna.
I know she’s here.Grant said.I can feel her anguish.
Grant looked down at the ditch then he understood.Dammit, there’s something here, underground.That he could sense the structure felt more fae to him than wolf. He took Natalie’s hand as he floated next to her.We should stay connected.
Good idea.
Touching her strengthened the odd fae abilities that had begun to emerge within him.Focus on Alanna. Stay with her. I’ll navigate.
Will do.Her voice in his head eased him.
The connection to Natalie helped him to know what was going on beneath the ditch, beneath the earth. He scanned the area.What exists here is hidden and it’s enormous, but it’s below the earth. There’s something else as well. I can feel it, but it doesn’t make sense.
I know what you mean,she responded.I’m calling my wolf. She can see better than I can.
As they floated in the air together, he watched wolf-sign appear on Natalie’s cheeks and for a moment, his own wolf wanted to tilt his head back and howl. Sudden desire for her raced through his body, but he clamped down on it. His breathing grew rough as he suppressed his ever-present desire for the woman.
He kept his gaze pinned to her, however. She was the key to finding Alanna.
I see the aura of the complex, now. There’s an invisibility spell at work.
He followed the line of her gaze which was turned to the north.Not in Savage then. But in Revel?
She turned her head slowly, though not to look at him. Instead, she was scanning the southern horizon.The complex is in both territories. I think, yes, I’m almost certain, the underground layout is beneath the border ditches, including the ones near the Graveyard which makes sense. If this compound, or whatever it is, exists in both territories, what better location than the area beneath the connecting ditches? Who would ever imagine it was there?
She then made an about-face.I’m starting to understand, Grant. The compound also rides below the border with Elegance. Whatever Kryder has done, he’s connected to all three. This must be part of the Dark Corridor that Landris was talking about.
Grant thought for a moment.He’s used both a fae and a wizard in his schemes, so this makes a lot of sense. What else do you see?He turned to look at her again, only now her wolf-sign was flashing down her neck and over her arms. Desire once more hit him like a blow to the back of his knees. His jaw trembled as he watched her focusing on the vicinity between Elegance and Savage.
Once more, he brought his wolf to heel.
She turned to him suddenly and kissed him hard on the lips.I’m smelling that beautiful fresh-cut lumber scent, but just hold that thought.She then smiled and let go of his hand. She swept her arm in a circle.This is it. This is the scope of the area. There are at least three layers below, well into the earth. He’s been building this for over a decade. It must have cost a fortune.
Grant snorted.It did. Every cent the Meldorin pack gave him, just shy of operating costs for the pack’s compound. So, are we thinking this is The Sapphire Club?
It would make sense.She took his hand once more.My wolf sees three disguising spells that confuse the mind. I’m watching cars enter sloped driveways that no doubt lead to underground parking. Vehicles can enter from three vantage points, one from each of the territories. They’re disappearing just at the points where the border ditches begin.
Holy shit.
Right,she said.But how do we get in?
We’re already invisible so how about your wolf takes us after the next car.
Got it.She squeezed his hand and met his gaze. She even smiled.I think my wolf will know where to find Alanna.
Then let’s do it. You lead, I’ll follow.He gave her hand an answering squeeze.But stay connected.
Will do.
She pivoted toward what would be the Revel entrance. With only a handful of minutes to intercept the young female wolf, he felt a tug on his hand as she took off. He stuck with her.
She made an in-air pivot and began to descend. She gave slight tugs on his hand to indicate direction. He experienced a strong degree of confusion because of the different spells and had to make a powerful effort not to yank his hand from hers. All he could see was the ugly, dangerous mass of barbed wire and torn up concrete.
But suddenly, just as it looked like they’d get tangled up in the barbed wire, they were through.
The sight that met his eyes stunned him. A line of cars veered off to the right. Straight ahead was a brilliant sign in blue and silver: The Sapphire Club. Small lights flashed around the edges of the sign and blue fluorescent flames appeared and disappeared in Christmas-tree rotation.
Holy fuck. This place is enormous.
