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Thank God. Just hurry. Some of the women are getting hurt.
She ended the telepathy and yet again drew in a deep breath. “So, do you know where the Hawaiian cavern system is?”
At that, he smiled, a big perfect smile, something he did so rarely. “Hell, yeah.”
He turned toward Rumy. “Not sure when we’ll be back. Hold the fort and let me know if Daniel makes a move while we’re gone.”
“Understood.”
Before Claire could prepare for what was about to happen, Lucian switched to altered flight. Suddenly she was streaking through solid rock then high into the dark night sky, gliding through space like it was nothing.
Feeling any pain?
She gasped slightly. Not even a little.
I’m so glad, Claire. I was worried.
She glanced down. Wow, look at the Atlantic. So we’re heading west this time?
Yep. Flying into the night.
The flight was so fast—even faster than when he’d flown them both out of the Dark Cave system—that she watched the earth below her in amazement. The Atlantic gave way to the Gulf of Mexico to Mexico proper then the Pacific, all in less than a few beats of her heart.
He began to slow, though she wasn’t certain why until she realized how easily he could overshoot the Hawaiian Islands.
He dropped closer to the earth as well.
Okay, Claire, you’re up. There are several disguised caverns along this side of the island, so focus on Amber because I’ll need you to guide me in.
She settled her thoughts on Amber as Lucian’s movements grew slower and slower.
I’m trying, she sent, but this tracking thing isn’t working for me.
Then try your disguising power. Maybe that’s the key.
The moment she shifted her focus toward her ability to create and detect disguises, the direction she needed to guide Lucian suddenly arrived.
Head toward the volcano. The caves nearby have unique, powerful disguises. I haven’t seen this kind before.
Once she’d set the end point, Lucian sped up. The next moment he said, Create a strong disguising shield around us.
The funny thing was, when her thoughts became fixed on Lucian, what followed was a sudden powerful need to protect him. Was this the chains talking? Or something more typical of the vampire culture and experience?
She was so intent on what she’d created that she didn’t realize he’d come to a stop, that they’d touched down at what looked like an enormous docking bay carved out of an equally large cavern.
She glanced around. Oh, my God. This is a real business. But where are they shipping all those pineapples to?
He moved her off his foot but kept a loose arm around her waist. We have thousands of legitimate businesses in our world. These pineapples are shipped everywhere. But I have to say that this new disguise you created around us is amazing. There’s actually a color now, sort of violet.
You’re right. But I wonder why that is.
Just probably part of your gift.
Well, I think that’s interesting.
What? Why are you frowning at me?
Because I’m starting to understand you. You’re generous with me, but not with yourself.
He stared at her for a moment, then shrugged. Not sure what that means, but let’s see if we can find Amber.
Good idea.
She turned her focus on Amber and extended her senses into the Hawaiian cavern system, searching as best she could for Zoey’s younger sister. From what she knew about all the systems in the vampire world, the caves could go back into the earth for miles, with layers of caves one on top of another, at times opening to massive caverns or at others shrinking to tunnels that would need work before being usable.
But as she focused on Amber and her long, thick black hair, she found herself moving yet not moving, as though some internal visionary part of her could see. A second-sight window opened, and she reached for Lucian’s hand. He gave her a reassuring squeeze so that while she experienced this strange split viewing, she felt grounded and secure.
What met her was one disguising shield after another, each one with a different texture. Some swirled, some moved in strange waves back and forth, but none of them was in color.
As she witnessed the various disguises, she related them to Lucian, who remained very quiet. She sensed he was letting her explore without commentary or question—maybe to keep her centered, she wasn’t sure. She could sense, however, a certain amount of astonishment as he occasionally gave her hand a squeeze.
Keeping Amber at the forefront of her mind, she traveled deeper and deeper into the system, one mile then two, until she knew she’d reached the last disguising layer, though she couldn’t say how she knew.
This is it, the last barrier. I can feel it.
Break through, if you can. Let’s see what we’ve got here.
The final disguising layer proved more than Claire could manage, however. She moved up and down searching for a way in, but nothing budged. I don’t know what’s going on, but this last shield is stubborn. And I know Amber’s there, I can feel her.
Lucian remained quiet, a sign he was thinking about the situation. I wonder if you can access more of my power. I’m going to try something.
Do it.
He let go of her hand. She glanced at him as he stepped behind her, moving in close. He surrounded her with his arms. Lean back against me and try again. Just think about Amber.
Easy for you to say; I have a gorgeous vampire with his arms around me.
He chuckled again.
So what’s the plan?
I’m going to funnel as much of my power into you as I can, holding you like this. Okay?
Ready when you are.
The power flowed in a strange zing of energy. As she concentrated on the second images in her strange split-vision, the disguise began falling away in bits and pieces.
It’s working. Or starting to. I can see the tops of what look like jail cells. The floor is a dark slate and extends at least fifty feet in length. I hear the women now, all the slaves, some talking quietly, others weeping. They seem to be somewhere in the middle of this part of the cave system. The tunnel isn’t broad but it’s wide enough for a row of cells on each side, with bare lightbulbs overhead, that’s it. These women must be scared out of their wits.
No doubt. Do you see any guards?
More of the disguise floated away, disappearing like mist. The lower portion of the west end of the space came into view.
At least one man is standing in front of a desk. I can see the backs of his legs. Two more guards are off to his right and one, to his left. I hear them laughing now. But a woman is screaming. More of the disguise lifted. Oh, God. She gripped Lucian’s arms. They’re raping one of the girls right there. Right now. On a desk.
