Raya withdrew her arms and adjusted the bag on her shoulder. “It’s cold.” She pulled out the flashlight and turned it on.
The light revealed chiseled limestone walls surrounding a narrow, low-ceilinged passage. Above, the entrance appeared as small as a pinhole.
Phoenix’s hand brushed the stone. “Not a very cheerful place to hide out. I would have picked someplace sunny, like a deserted island.”
“I thought these tunnels were filled with bones. Like an ossuary.” She walked with great care, checking the ground before she placed her feet.
“Only a very small part. Most of the caves and tunnels are devoid of—shall we say—human decor.”
“How far do the tunnels go?”
“Almost two hundred miles.”
Raya whistled. “Wouldn’t want to get lost down here.”
“People do this for fun, you know. Exploring the tunnels. There are secret entrances all over Paris, which gives it an air of mystery—not to mention that it’s highly illegal to wander around down here. It’s irresistible to a certain type.”
They turned a corner.
The sound of running water echoed through the tunnel.
She stopped. “I am not walking in whatever liquid is running through here.”
“Neither am I. We’ll stick to the dry tunnels.” Phoenix ducked a low-hanging stone. “Mind your head.”
They continued through the twisting tunnels of the old quarry until the passageway opened up to a larger, room-like space decorated with elaborate graffiti. Broad pieces of stone stacked along one of the walls formed what appeared to be a tiered seating area.
Raya sat down on the lowest tier and propped the flashlight in a crevice. “So far, no angels.”
Phoenix settled on the stone next to her. “We may need to get his attention.”
Raya retrieved her wand. “With magic?”
“Justine said he’d notice it.”
“Should we both do something?”
Phoenix raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you think all that power you’re loaded up with will draw enough attention?”
She met his gaze. “Are you scared he’ll notice you and get mad before he even shows up?”
“I resent that remark.”
“You resemble it.” She stood up. “Come on. Showtime.”
“What do you want me to do?”
Raya looked him up and down. “You’ve been wearing that outfit ever since you got to Paris. Show me something else. Give me a dark prince fashion show—that should put off enough magic to attract attention.”
“You’re not serious.”
“Do you have a better idea?”
Phoenix sighed and stood up. “I like this look.”
“And I like fresh air and sunlight. Stop stalling and let’s do this.” Raya held her wand out.
The crystal at the tip began to glow.
