AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A bird wheeled past, little more than a dark blur with wings outstretched. It let out a squawk as though outraged to find a train in its part of the city.
Ihavenewsforyou,bird, I thought.A train is the least of your problems.
I rose, eyes on the greasy window pane. My gaze was drawn to the east and I forgot all about the bird.
With barely a clatter on the tracks, the train slid into another tunnel.
Immediately, daylight, overhead light,everythingwas gone. I was plunged into absolute darkness. The train sounded louder now, or maybe it was my heart.
I blinked and searched for even the smallest pinprick of light to break the endless, oppressive black. I found nothing but the start of my own panic.
Just before I groaned or screamed, a glow finally appeared.
The light of a yellow lamp, then another. They illuminated the tiles of a tired, deserted station. Apart from being illuminated by what looked like flood lamps from a previous century, there was nothing notable about it. Anyone who passed through would forget it a moment later, just like all the rest on the long line.
"Shit just got real," I murmured. I almost wished it hadn't. Another day, another week…
I shook my head. I was ready. As ready as I could be, anyway.
The smell of lavender hit me again, stronger this time. I closed my eyes and sucked in the scent. It smelled like peace and calm. It was an illusion designed to make the unwary lower their defences.
Not gonna happen. I shook my head. Fuck, it already had, I'd almost been lulled to sleep. I pushed all my walls back up, all my vigilance. I couldn't let my defences down again, not today.
Gradually, the train slowed further.
A chill passed through from my lower back to the top of my spine.
Copper Square. That was what it said on the maps. At least, maps that showed it at all. To those who knew, it was simply known as the Vault.
I wanted to stare. I forced myself to step back from the window. I would have time for that soon enough.
I have to be ready.
I glanced toward the carriage door before I reopened my suitcase. I felt around at the bottom of the chest, under jeans and shirts. Beneath the folds of denim and cotton, my fingers touched something hard. I grabbed hold of the leather sheath and pulled it out. The pattern on the side was worn to nothing but a line or two. It was anyone's guess what it had once been. Maybe a dragon, or a griffin. Something the knife was made to kill.
I slid the knife out to check the blade and sent a quick prayer to Hades it would be enough.
Idiot, I told myself. The knife was made by the best bladesmith in the country. It could slice through the iron-like ribs of a griffin. It would do for what I needed.
I replaced the knife in the sheath and tucked it down the side of my jeans.
The train drew to a stop as I closed my suitcase and clicked it shut.
Not a minute passed before the doors between the carriages slid apart. The car I was in wouldn't open to this station. I'd been warned about that. That was one reason I chose it. They would find it harder to take me by surprise. At least in theory.
The man who stood in the doorway was a head taller than me, and half again as wide. Every inch of him looked like muscle carved out of rock. Even his face looked made of stone, all hard angles and chiseled lines. I bet he was chiselled underneath his black t-shirt as well. His biceps certainly bulged to the point of straining the seams. On another day, I might use my power to tease them loose, just to watch them break.
Dark hair cut close to his scalp revealed a long scar on the right side of his head. Full lips were set in a line. He looked like he never smiled, or scowled. Shame, I bet he could do a few fun things with his mouth.
"I guess this is my stop," I said, my voice even, thank the gods.
'Treat other people like they're wild animals,' my mother told me when I was barely old enough to walk. 'Show them fear and they'll tear you to bits.'
I didn't think she meant literally, but I wasn't going to let myself be torn. Except in a good way. I presumed this guy was big under his jeans, but I didn't take my eyes off his face and chest.
"Yeah, no shit," he replied. His voice was a rumbly baritone that probably melted panties on an hourly basis.
I breathed in his scent—sandalwood and spices. I couldn't smell lavender anymore, but he smelled even better. I exhaled. A tingle of power tickled at my skin. I reminded myself to stay on guard. I didn't need my panties melted. At least not today.
