Page 53 of Alien Legacy

It fell with a resounding clang on the rocky floor, revealing a darkened interior.

Yeah, good thing that didn’t make any noise.

“After you, my dears.” Qhasheik gave a flourishing bow, complete with rolling hand.

Katsuki’s uncharacteristic giggle made Jelena smile. What a nut.

Ignoring the open staircase leading up the tower, her small troop squeezed down a narrow set of stairs.

No telling how far the end was. The musty stench of stale air made Jelena choke. Breathing through her mouth didn’t help. She grimaced as a vile taste coated her tongue. Even with her enhanced eyesight, she couldn’t see much in the pitch black.

Next to her, a small flame appeared.

A glowing ball of fire rested above Zamush’s palm. The small source of heat chased away the chill.

Slime oozed over the rocky corridor as moisture rolled down its hard surface.

She watched where she stepped on the slippery floor. Last thing she needed was to slip and fall on her ass. With her eyes downcast, she almost plowed into Zamush when he stopped. Her foot slipped on a slick, imbedded rock. Zamush’s powerful grip saved her and held her steady. She opened her mouth to thank him, but he let her go and turned away to fixate on Abiditan and Qhasheik.

They examined a round grate on the floor.

She couldn’t see anything else in the room.

“Is this the entrance to Sychar’s cell?” Abiditan kneeled and ran his hand over the rusty surface.

The lid had some type of etching on it, but Jelena couldn’t make out what it said. Letters? An image?

A combination of both. This from BoD. It’s an ancient symbol from a forgotten era claiming all traitors will die. Well, Ilu again. I hate it when I’m right.

Before Jelena could ask her companion what he meant, Zamush slouched on bended knee next to Abiditan.

“Give me a moment and I’ll check it out.” He closed his eyes and rested his elbow on his thigh.

The rest of the team had to have held their breath along with her.

The surrounding silence was heavy.

Zamush snapped his head back as his dual-colored eyes flew open. “Yes, he’s there. But his heartbeat is sluggish.” Without another word, he vanished.

Jelena sucked in a breath. Her racing heart made her dizzy. Was she finally going to meet the man of her dreams? Her stomach churned. How would Sychar react when he first saw her? Would they share a flash of instant recognition? Everything rested on what happened next.

Zamush popped back, holding… something.

That couldn’t be Sychar. It looked more like a handful of dirty clothes. The only hint it was a person were the pale dangling naked male legs covered in dirt, blood, and a pungent liquid of mystery origins.

Hand at her throat, Jelena went to him. She had to see how bad Sychar was for herself.

”We must leave. Now.” Zamush turned, hindering her approach. Not glancing around, he headed toward the narrow exit. He stopped.

An unknown masculine voice chuckled.

She couldn’t see the asshole laughing since Zamush’s broad back blocked her.

“Do me a favor and keep going. I’d love that to be the last thing you do.”

Son of a bitch! Zamush clenched his teeth and kept a firm grip on the unconscious Sychar.

A contingent of Akurn soldiers blocked the exit.

---