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Of everyone, would it be Josh who ended up guessing at our bond? I couldn’t worry about it now. But just in case, I quickly added, “Look, I was close with Amanda and Judge. I have some questions for Master McCloud. If it turns out he killed them, I’ll stake him myself. ”
He gave me a sly smile. “Whatever you say, D. If McCloud is still alive—and seeing as the vamps are practically drooling for a public spectacle, I’m sure he must be—then I’m pretty sure he’s in the caverns. ”
“The caverns?”
“Yeah, you know them. ”
I followed his line of sight to the standing stones. He was right. I did know the caverns. I’d seen them—or rather, fallen into them—while fighting Lilac. It was a vast underground network of tunnels and sea caves beneath the standing stones. The perfect spot for a dungeon.
“We don’t need to drop into the water, do we?” I shuddered at the memory of our fight, of falling into the subterranean springs. They were hot, sulfurous, and very, very dark.
“We’re not doing anything,” he said. “You’re going it alone. I’ll show you a way around, though. ” He pointed to a faint trail, winding down to the sea. “Follow that down, and you’ll see what looks like a rabbit’s burrow. You’re small—you can climb in that way. ”
“Gee, thanks. ” I eyed the trail—I never would’ve spotted it without him pointing it out to me. “It means leaving the path. ”
He shrugged, agreeing. “You asked where. I’m showing you. ”
I thought of Carden imprisoned. Again.
Except this time, would he be so willing to accept his death? I hoped not. I knew I had to see for myself. I had to help him, again.
But saving him meant breaking yet another rule. I faced Josh. “Should I take it personally that you just assumed I’d be game for leaving the path?”
“You should take it as a sign of my respect for you. You’re one tough sheila. I hope you’re on my side if I ever find myself locked up. ”
“I’ll take that under advisement. ” I eyed the trail. We’d skipped lunch to come, and I needed to hustle if I wanted to do this today. Nobody was around now, but the chances of being seen would increase once kids finished in the dining hall and started heading to their afternoon classes.
I took my first step off the path, then paused, part of me still the tiniest bit skeptical. “I can’t believe the vampires told you all this. About the caverns, I mean. ”
“Vampires didn’t tell me anything. I spotted it the day of your fight, then went back later to check it out. I’ve been exploring when I can. I found a spot with a bunch of shackles. I think they must be holding McCloud there. ”
Shackles. Just the thought gave me a chill. “There are probably shackles all over this creepy island. Why would these be any different?”
“Because, Blondie. ” He paused, looking uncomfortable. “On the day of your fight, when I passed this particular tunnel, I could smell the blood. It was fresh. ”
I shuddered. Who else ended up in these dungeons? “Is that where they take all the bodies?”
“Please don’t ask me too many questions,” he said. “I’m walking a line here as it is. ”
It brought Acari Kate to mind. Ever since the day of her climbing accident, I hadn’t been able to get her out of my mind. Had a bond with a vampire been what’d made her so unhinged? Had her mania been a glimpse into my future? What had she seen that’d sent her falling to her death? “Just one more question?”
He hesitated.
“Please,” I pleaded.
Josh checked his watch, looking nervous. “Only for you, D. But make it fast. ”
“A girl died the other day. ”
“What else is new?”
I shook my head. “No, this was different. Acari Kate—did you know her?” He didn’t, so I went on. “Well, she was acting all weird. We were far down that beach where Priti holds her combat classes. ”
“I know the spot. ”
“She was climbing up the rock face there. She saw something when she got to the top. ”
He only nodded, but I could see by his expression that he had some thoughts on the matter.
