Haeven

By S. M. Bowles

When Emily decides to help a stranger in need it leads to a series of mistakes and misunderstandings that force her into a world she never knew existed. She has a difficult time fitting in and accepting her fate but with the help of Herrik and a handful of others she comes to love her adopted home. Not everyone appreciates having her kind living among them, though, and after an attempt to overthrow all that Herrik and his people have built, Emily must find the one person who can help reclaim Haeven and restore the balance.

Love, betrayal, intrigue and a slew of dynamic characters make Haeven a must-read for anyone who loves the mystical world of vampires.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S. M. Bowles
• Release date: Nov 28, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311936462

Book preview

313

Haeven

By: S. M. Bowles

Haeven

Copyright: S. M. Bowles

Published: August 2015

Publisher: S. M. Bowles

The right of S. M. Bowles to be identified as author of this Work has been asserted by her in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, copied in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise transmitted without written permission from the publisher. You must not circulate this book in any format.

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 1

One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three....

I looked up as Evan and his friends darted away then turned back to my book. It was getting dark while I sat on the deck reading. My mother came out to tell me dinner was almost ready and that we needed to come in.

Yeah, Mom, I shrugged, as soon as Evan's done his game.

She looked disappointed but didn't bother arguing with me. Make sure he takes his shoes off and leaves them on the deck. It's very muddy back there, she said as her gaze swept the length of our yard.

I rolled my eyes, Yep, shoes... I mumbled and buried my face back in my book.

I had just turned 16 and was about 5 years older than Evan. Because of our difference in ages my mother made it my responsibility to keep him out of trouble whenever she wasn't around. He almost never listened to me though and more often than not refused to do whatever I asked. He rarely got punished for anything either yet I would be held accountable whenever he did something wrong under my pseudo-supervision. Evan and I lived in a perpetual state of resentment. In my mind he was the favorite child, praised and pampered, while I was always being reminded of my short-comings.

Several minutes and a handful of pages passed before my mother came to the deck again. With a voice full of impatience, she stated that dinner was getting cold and asked me where Evan was.

I don't know, I snapped my book closed. I hadn't seen where he or any of the others had run off to. After pushing myself from my chair I turned to head inside.

Uh, uh, my mom shook her head at me, find your brother first.

She reached for my book with one hand and spun me around with the other pointing me toward the stairs that led down to the backyard.

It filled me with defiance and rather than hurrying down I tossed her a resentful glare and called out, Evan! Dinnertime! Mom wants you inside!

Satisfied that I had done my duty, I took a stride towards the open doorway. Before I could pass through my dad stepped into my path.

What's all the yelling?

I asked Emily to run down and find Evan. She seemed to think shouting was a good enough alternative, my mother glared at me.

I opened my mouth to challenge her but my dad gently interrupted. Emily, we have neighbors, his voice was full of disapproval. It's not polite for you to be calling across the yard like that when you might just as easily have done what your mother asked.

His expression made me feel guilty and I hated disappointing him. I groaned and grumbled, Fine, then stomped down the deck stairs and began the search for my elusive brother.

Evan, I called as I walked along the lawn. Evan...it's time to come in, dinner's ready.

I stopped and listened several times but I didn't hear him or any of his friends either. I checked all his favorite hiding places only to turn up nothing. As I rounded the corner of the house I tried picturing where else he might have run off to. It had gotten almost too dark to see and I took a fateful step that soaked my foot up to my ankle in mud.

This is stupid! I growled, roughly shaking it from my shoe. Evan! Inside! Now! As I turned full of anger and frustration I glanced down. I noticed that someone had removed a screen to the crawlspace and imagined I knew who. I bent down and ducked my head inside, Evan, I know you're in there. Come on out now. It's time to eat.

Something moved off to my right.

Evan? my voice came out in a whisper. Evan?

He didn't answer. It was eerily still and quiet.

Why am I doing this?! I stood up intending to leave him and tell my parents where he was so they could deal with him.

I thought I heard him moan as I walked away and it made me second guess my choice. After taking a deep breath, I bent back down, Evan, are you alright? I asked and wriggled myself through the window.

Once I was halfway in, I stopped and waited for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. It was dirty and dusty with cobwebs filling all the corners and junctions of the support beams above my head. Being under the house terrified me and it was all I could do not to bolt away. Even though we never got along, there was a small part of me that worried more for Evan than for myself. I did my best not to let the murkiness get to me and glanced around. I turned myself towards the direction Evan's groan had come from and pulled myself the rest of the way in.

It was too shallow to stand and walk so I got on my hands and knees and crawled. As I inched away from the window he moved again and it gave me a better sense of where I needed to go. I slowly made my way towards him.

Are you alright? I strained my ears but he didn’t answer. Evan, what's wrong? I whispered.

I just need to rest...

Oh, God! I cried out instantly aware that it wasn't Evan lying in the dirt and dust. I tried screaming and scrambling away but the stranger's voice arrested me in my tracks.

Ssh...no...please...please don't! he begged.

He took several short, raspy breaths. It sounded like he was hurt and in a lot of pain. For a moment I forgot all about Evan and how afraid I was. My mind went into a flurry of ideas; there were so many possibilities. He could be anyone, he could be dangerous.

Even if he is, he’s hurt, I thought to myself.

I wanted to do something but I couldn’t decide what. I considered getting my parents.

No! he insisted, no one can know I’m here. Don't tell anyone...you mustn't tell anyone!

His voice had an odd tenor to it and it stirred a strange, insistent desire in me. I wanted to do whatever I could to help him; I had to do something. I crawled towards him.

Don't! he scrambled away.

But I need to help you, I insisted. I want to help you, the idea seemed impossible to ignore.

You can't.

A rippling sensation swept across my mind and for a moment forgot what I was doing. It only lasted a few seconds and after I shook myself free of my confusion, I crept a little closer. I reached out to take his hand so I could tug him toward the open window. His fingers were like ice! It startled me but as I pulled away, he seized my wrist. When he touched me, something flashed behind my eyes. Suddenly I was seeing everything he saw and feeling his pain and fear as if it were my own. I had a vague sense of what happened to him and what I would need to do to help him. He released his grip and let my hand fall.

Do you understand? Now do you know why you shouldn’t help me?

You're...you're a...a...a, I couldn't get the word out as I shook my head in disbelief. I knew there were no such things.

Oh, but there are! he assured me and as I looked at him and considered the possibility, the idea seemed to flare up inside my mind.

Holy ssh…! I covered my mouth and whispered when I realized he was telling me the truth.

The idea horrified me but it fascinated me, too, and I said the first thing that came to mind, Do you kill people?

He was silent for a few seconds. I have, he reluctantly admitted, but, no, mostly I do not. Unless...

Unless what?

Sometimes someone doesn't deserve to live, his voice seemed to challenge me.

Oh, it only took a few seconds for me to contemplate the idea. I…I understand.

Do you? You seem young to have such a bold opinion.

I looked away and wasn't sure what to say. It wasn't something I had ever really considered other than in the vaguest of terms. I was confident, though, that if someone hurt me or my family, I wouldn't hesitate hurting them back.

He tilted his head at me and I wondered what he was thinking. You remind me of someone, he surprised me by saying. He reached out and brushed a strand of my hair behind my ear. What's your name?

His touch made me suspicious and I drew back slightly.

It's Emily, I answered. What's yours?

Daemon.

How did this happen to you?

It's complicated, he sighed and after he said it he swayed and slumped over falling sideways onto the dirt floor.

Daemon! I cried out realizing that he was worse off than I imagined.

Against my better judgement I inched closer and helped him back upright. Are you…are you dying? I asked.

He chuckled oddly, Some would say I’m already dead. It made me smile. That he could be so lighthearted under the circumstances put me a little more at ease. I felt a renewal of that odd, persistent need to help him, but Daemon grew serious again, You should go.

But I can’t just leave you here.

Emily, he sighed and shook his head no. You don’t understand…helping me…it’s…it’s just wrong. You’re not even supposed to know about…

There must be something I can do to help you! I cut him off.

Just leave! If you have any sense, go before it's too late! It sounded very suggestive and I heard the hidden meaning behind it.

No, I said. It wouldn’t be right. You might be…different but I don’t think you deserve to die. Your life matters as much as mine or anybody’s.

Why would you say that? You don’t honestly believe that, do you?

I nodded, Yes. I do. Please, I said, let me help you.

Daemon turned away, There’s only one thing that will help me, he confessed.

My heart skipped a beat as I weighed his words, I know.

When he turned back, his eyes were full of longing, It will hurt, he tried discouraging me further.

I’m not afraid, I assured him.

A minute of desperate contemplation passed.

Come, he motioned me closer when the last of his resolve fell away. He wrapped himself around me and I bit my lip to keep from crying out when the pressure of his teeth pierced my flesh. Then suddenly the world seemed to stop. My eyes closed, my life stood still and all my senses left me. The only thing I felt aware of was my heart beating. It was strong and fast the thumps coming one right after the other. A moment later I noticed a second and guessed that it was his. It echoed mine only at a much slower pace. His lips pulled and strained as he gathered more, took more and more from me. I grew weaker and weaker with each second that passed.

He's going to kill me! my mind cried and I wondered how I could have been so stupid and reckless. But just when I was about to give into the idea that I had made a deadly mistake Daemon released me.

I collapsed and slid backwards onto the dirt my eyes looking straight up into the supports and the webs crisscrossing above me. He threw himself down beside me and turned my head so I faced him, Emily, he called, his voice frantic and seeming to come from very far away. Emily, he gave me a gentle shake. Emily, an even more insistent tone as he gripped my shoulders.

The world began to spin. I blinked once, very slowly, twice. He took my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes, Emily?

Daemon... I breathed.

He urged me to sitting and I realized how hollow and empty I felt. I'm sorry, he whispered, it was too much; I took too much! He passed his hand in front of my eyes and watched to see if my gaze followed it. My lids were so heavy and though I tried, I couldn't keep them open. My head lolled back and I let out a long, shuddering breath.

No, he slapped my cheek to rouse me. Again, No!

He rested his hand on my face and it was no longer icy, cold and weak but warm, smooth and strong. My eyes fluttered and I saw him tilting his head back and the flash of his teeth as he drew them across his wrist. He kissed me and whispered against my lips I’m sorry.

Then I felt it, the cool, sweet taste of him as he held the wound he made to my mouth. It drifted across my tongue and weaved its way down my throat where it turned warm and enlivening. I heard it again, his heartbeat, only this time it was loud and sure and mine anxious and weak in the background. Something else was happening too; he seemed to be racing through me and challenging me, beckoning me to come back and not give in and let go.

My body convulsed, eager for more. I raised my hands and clutched at Daemon's arm unwilling to let him stop. It surprised him and he abruptly pulled away.

Daemon clutched my hands and peered into my eyes, Emily, he called as I sat motionless and mesmerized by the sensation of his blood coursing through me. Oh, he sighed with regret as he kissed first one hand then the other and hugged me close.

I was so overwhelmed and confused I laid my forehead against his chest and cried. My skin tingled. It rippled from my head down to my toes. All the fine hairs on my arms and legs were electrified and standing on end.

Ssh, he whispered hoping to soothe my sobs and I sensed his regret as his hand ran up and down my spine. He shook with suppressed emotion and mumbled, It was the only way. It was the only way!

Fretfully I looked up and searched his expression, Will I be like you now?

He took my chin and looked into my eyes. I saw how worried he was and for a moment I felt horrified and ashamed for what we had done. No, he kissed the top of my head, no, no... and there was a hint of relief in his voice. It was a lot, not enough for that, though. I'm so sorry. It's hard to control sometimes. I never...oh...I'm sorry. It's uncomfortable and probably will be for a while... I saw his jaw clench and he seemed unwilling to say anything more.

There were voices outside, calling my name. I just noticed them and wondered how long they had been looking for me.

You need to go, Daemon nodded toward the window, everyone is worried about you.

I wanted to stay, though, desperately wanted to stay. Will I ever see you again?

Maybe, he said then as if just remembering something I watched him tug an amulet from beneath the folds of his shirt. He held it up so it would catch a trace of the light that shined in from another of the windows. This is me, he pointed to the gem in the middle, only it wasn't a gem but a hollow glass ball filled with an amber liquid. You have given me an incredible gift, he said. If you ever are in need, a need so desperate and you have exhausted every other resource available...and only then, he added in emphasis, open it here. He showed me the tiny switch to release the ball from the charm, drink it and call for me. I promise...wherever I am in the world, I will come to you and do whatever I can to help.

Thank you, Daemon, I mumbled bewildered by everything he said and everything that happened. When I reached for the chain he grasped the back of my neck and pressed his lips hard against mine. I barely had time to blink before he vanished.

Chapter 2

I'm here! I called to my mother and father as I slithered through the open window.

They both came hurrying over, Emily?! What on Earth were you doing in there?

Duh! Looking for Evan!

Evan's right here, my mom motioned him around from behind her.

Naturally! I dusted myself off.

What gave you the idea he was under there? my father asked.

The screen was off and I looked everywhere else! Geez, Evan! Why didn't you answer me when I called? You would have saved me a lot of trouble!

He had a wicked little grin on his face knowing my parents were more upset with me than him at the moment. He looked up at my mother his eyes full of innocence, I was just trying to win the game.

Of course you were, sweetie, she ruffled his hair.

I huffed out loud, Can we go inside now?

My father bent down and examined the screen. A pang of panic ran through me but he didn't seem to think anything of it and jimmied it back into place. He stood up, Yeah, let's eat, he said and took me by the shoulder as I led the way back to the house.

After we went inside Evan and I washed up, then hurried to the dining room. My mom and dad were already at the table waiting for us. As soon as we sat down my father took up his fork and knife and started eating. My mom did too, but not with quite so much enjoyment as my dad.

Everything's cold, she sighed and tossed a hard look my way as if to say it was my fault.

What? I glared back. I'm to blame? What about Evan? He's the one...

My dad spoke over me, Let's just eat; Emily and Evan both understand what they did wrong, don't you?

Yes, Evan nodded emphatically while I stared in disbelief. My father waited expectantly.

Yeah, I agreed.

And it won't happen again, right?

Right.

And? my father gave me another inquiring glance.

And... for a second or two I wasn't sure what he wanted me to say. I'm sorry... it sounded more like a question than a response but it satisfied my dad and he resumed eating.

My mother and Evan followed his lead, so I picked up my fork. I wasn’t very hungry and while everyone else ate I sat there absently pushing the food on my plate around. I thought about Daemon as the weight of his amulet rested against my chest.

This is me, I remembered him saying and smiled to myself.

Why aren't you eating? my mom asked.

I'm not hungry, I shrugged.

She must have thought I felt guilty for worrying her and my dad and using a softer tone encouraged me to try something. I gathered a tiny bite of chicken onto my fork and took a reluctant nibble. It tasted awful! I reached for my milk and took a hasty sip to wash it down. It seemed no better than the meat and I almost choked when I tried swallowing. I forced it down my throat then wiped my mouth with my napkin.

My parents and brother frowned as I peered at each of their curious faces, I'm...I'm not feeling well.

I stood up and raced from the dining room. I made it upstairs and to the bathroom my brother and I shared. After closing the door, I fell to my knees and wretched once or twice but nothing would come up. When I realized I wouldn't or couldn't be sick I used the edge of the sink to pull myself up and splashed cold water on my face.

As it trickled down my cheeks, it made me realize that I was desperately thirsty and I cupped handful after handful and slurped it down. Once I had my fill, I looked up and studied my reflection in the mirror. I tilted my head this way and that and couldn't take my eyes from myself.

It's uncomfortable, I know... Daemon's words echoed in my head.

My mother rapped on the door and I jumped when I heard her, Emily, are you alright, sweetie?

I took a deep breath and braced myself, I'm fine. I'll be right out.

Afterwards I turned back to my reflection and blinking once or twice tried shaking my uneasiness away. I dried my hands and wiped my face and feigned what I hoped would be a look of unconcern before opening the door.

What's wrong, honey? my mom asked, all her earlier anger replaced with heartfelt concern.

I'm a little tired, I mumbled.

She lay her palm against my forehead, Are you sure that’s all, sweetie? You look so pale, she took my hands and gave them a gentle squeeze, and your skin is like ice, she said completely forlorn.

The water was really cold while I washed up, I shivered in emphasis.

Hmm, she bit her lip. Well, if you're sure you're just tired maybe you should get ready for bed and get some rest. She braced herself and looked as if she expected me to argue against it.

I really was tired, though and wanted to be alone, I think I will, I yawned.

She seemed suspicious when I agreed but said goodnight anyway and kissed my cheek before heading back downstairs. I went to my room and changed into my pajamas. Once I finished getting ready for bed, I pulled the covers back and tucked myself in.

I thought I would fall asleep quickly but every time I closed my eyes they popped right back open. After a while I gave up and lay there in the dark staring at the ceiling and picturing everything that had happened that day.

He almost killed me! I suddenly realized. What if I had died? What would he have done? Would he have left me there? Would they have found me? What would they think had happened to me?

I reached for Daemon's amulet and held it away from my neck. I gave it a gentle spin and watched it whirl until it nearly stopped. Thinking about him and everything that happened, everything that might have happened, brought tears to my eyes.

It was my fault. I made him. I practically begged him to let me help him...and…oh, God! I liked it. I loved the way it felt; being swept away from myself and into Daemon. Then...oh, then his blood racing through me and electrifying me from the inside out. It was...it was...incredible, I closed my eyes and imagined all over again the strange ecstasy of hearing our heartbeats crying out for one another.

By then I knew it would be impossible to fall asleep if my thoughts kept running in the same direction.  I tried thinking of something else. Everything I did to distract myself, though, made me realize that he wasn’t the only thing bothering me. It was too bright, or at least it seemed too bright to sleep. And the noises! It sounded like the crickets were right outside my window even though my bedroom was on the second floor. The air rushing from the vents and the hum from the air conditioner every time it kicked seemed so loud it was maddening.

Ugh, I moaned and buried my face in my pillow.

When I turned, Daemon's amulet got caught on one of the sheets and gave me a bit of a choke. I decided I’d better not fall asleep with it around my neck so I slipped it off and hung it on my bedpost. It must have been close to midnight by then. After arranging myself and forcing my eyes shut one last time I finally drifted off.

Hours later something startled me awake.

I know you're here, Daemon, a woman's voice growled. She moved from the shadows and picked her way across my room. I can feel you! I can smell you!

Who are you?! I demanded.

I must have surprised her. She spun towards me and the next thing I knew she was beside my bed and had me by the throat, Better yet, she scowled, who are you? She lifted me up while I fought against her and turned me towards the window to could get a better look.

I coughed and sputtered. I'm...I'm... and as I struggled to say my name she gave me a little toss and I landed roughly back on my bed, Emily.

Where's Daemon? I know he's...here... her voice changed, suddenly sounding full of disbelief. She narrowed her eyes and looked me over again. Then she bent in close and clutched my chin forcing my mouth open. She sniffed my breath and turned her head in derision. What did he do to you?! she demanded.

I clenched my jaw and refused to answer.

Oh, is that how we will play this game? Very well, she seized my hand and brought my wrist to her lips. She took a violent pull from my veins then tossed my hand back towards me. Ah, I came so close...so close to killing him. She stepped back and narrowing her eyes smiled a sinister grin, But you...I see...and he...and so... she had a faraway look as she considered what happened.

And now he's long gone, isn't he?

I don't know where he is. He…left, my voice trembled and an involuntary sob escaped my lips, he just left. I buried my face in my hands.

A long moment passed then she raised her hand and brushed the hair from my face, There, there, her voice oddly comforting and full of concern, don't cry. I understand, she soothed, your heart...your poor little heart. It feels like it’s being torn in two.

Yes, yes! I wailed.

I know how to fix it, Emily.

You do? I looked up my eyes full of hope.

She smiled, Of course I do. Come with me, she reached for my hand.

Where are we going?

She nipped her finger and put it to my lips, Taste, she commanded.

I reached out and sucked the blood from her fingertip; I tried but couldn't stop myself.

Carah, I whispered.

Yes, Emily, I'm Carah, and I am going to help you; help you get better and help you forget Daemon...forget all about Daemon. Come, she said and full of obedience I took her hand and followed.

Carah led me outside and when we got to the sidewalk in front of my house, she drew me towards a car parked along the curb. She opened the door and motioned me in. A moment later Carah glided in and sat beside me. The driver turned and looked at her full of curiosity and confusion. She nodded at him to start the car and rather than waiting for a reply he shrugged and turned the key.

How long will we be gone? My parents are already mad at me and I don't want them to wake up and worry if I'm not home. I struggled but managed asking.

Carah gave and odd little chuckle, Not very long at all, she smiled across the seat at me. It’s been a difficult day for you and you must be exhausted. Why don't you stretch out and rest while you have the chance? Her voice was soft and comforting and though I wanted to distrust it my eyes grew heavy and my thoughts became utterly confused.

That sounds nice, I mumbled. I couldn't make any sense of where I was or what I was doing or why I was doing it. I found myself yawning and curling my legs up onto the seat. Before I knew it, I fell sound asleep.

I woke up when the car stopped before taking a sharp turn. It seemed like morning but the windows had a heavy tint and I couldn't tell for sure. I pulled myself to sitting and strained my eyes as I peered out. We were in a canyon and as we climbed, I saw gates ahead of us with two men standing at rigid attention in front of them. Carah put the divider up between us and the driver as he lowered the window to speak with them. After they exchanged a handful of words, the men opened the gate and waved us through.

Where are we? I asked somewhat awestruck.

Be patient, Emily, she said and left my question unanswered.

A quiver of suspicion ran through me. I wanted to put up a strong front but as I became more and more aware of my situation I started to panic.

I need to get home. My parents are probably worried and Evan, too.

Soon, Emily, she reached over to take my hand but I batted her away.

Am I being kidnapped?

Carah guffawed, I'm trying to help you!

What kind of person tries to help someone by kidnapping them?

I think you’re well aware that I'm not a person at all, she cocked her head at me.

Her voice taunted and her expression made it sound even more foreboding. I tried the door handle but it was locked. I ran my hands over the panel looking for the switch.

Let me out! I shouted and banged on the window, Let me out!

I turned back to Carah and she shook her head and smiled at my wasted efforts. Then I remembered the amulet and I reached for the chain. My eyes filled with fear when I realized it wasn't there and I quickly remembered what happened to it.

I'm sorry, Carah's expression softened, but it would be infinity easier on you if you would just cooperate. I brought you here to help you but other than that the less you know the better.

She sounded sincere and I regretted the harsh way I spoke to her as well as the severity of my accusation. I almost apologized but my mind seized upon the idea that no matter how believable she sounded Carah couldn't be trusted.

You're...you're not sorry! You're just trying to...to pacify me! I lunged for her; hitting and clawing at her face.

She grabbed my wrists, My you're a feisty one! she grinned wickedly. Is that you or is Daemon still in there, she loosened her grip and after letting go laid one of her hands over my heart, somewhere? She fell silent for a moment as if she was listening or trying somehow to sense what was going on inside of me. The car pulled to a stop and she quickly dropped the attempt, Ah, here we are.

Carah let my other hand go and slid across the seat towards the door. A moment later the driver came around and opened her door. After she exited the car she bent down and beckoned me to do the same, Come, she said and stepped back.

I thought about trying to escape as I scuttled across the seat and hopped out but Carah intuitively grabbed my collar as soon as my feet hit the ground. She seemed impossibly strong and I was helpless against her grip. I realized how useless it would be to keep fighting so I stopped and looked over my surroundings. I saw that we were in an underground garage. There were several rows of cars, trucks and motorcycles; perhaps a dozen or so of each parked in precise intervals across the expansive floor.

Carah looked down at me, Now then. I need you to do everything I say and if you do not... She put her hands one on each side of my face and I sensed her thoughts rippling across mine. Do you understand? I felt myself trembling and my heart beat so hard I thought it would burst through my chest. Reluctantly I nodded. Good, Carah released me. This way.

She pivoted on her heel and took several steps then looked expectantly at me until I shuffled after her. Carah led us to an elevator and rather than going up it brought us further and further down. When the doors slid back, she nudged me to get out and followed right behind me.

We came out into a long hallway that looked very much like the entryway or foyer to someone's home. The tiled floor gleamed under our feet and various pieces of artwork hung from the walls. There were several small, round tables with two chairs each facing one another. Between them were