Dark Nights

Chapter Five

With absolute horror, unable to look away, Joie stared back at the flame-red eyes stalking her from the small dark puddle. The eyes were real, watching her, some terrible apparition set on her destruction. She had never seen so much malice, or so much black hatred pouring from any entity. Her body rebelled, sickened by the evil emanating from the thick slime.

At Traian’s warning, she tried to wrench her gaze away, but it was impossible. She was trapped, unable to break eye contact with the red flames. Her airway began to close, choked off by an invisible noose. Instinctively her hands flew up to her throat as if she could pry unseen fingers from around her neck, but there was nothing there. As white stars flashed across a black background, Joie realized dizzily she had only precious seconds to break the invisible hold on her throat. She reached for her knife, following through in one smooth motion with a throw directed by sheer desperation.

The blade sank deep into the fiery left eye. Immediately the water bubbled up in a blackish-red ooze and the hold on her throat loosened, allowing her to breathe. A terrible howl filled the cavern, assaulting her ears. She stumbled away from the poisonous pool, dragging air into her lungs, coughing as her raw throat protested.

The bubbles stacked, one on top of the other, forming a foul-smelling pyramid; the stench of rotten eggs and decaying meat drifted through the chamber, an ugly green vapor that left tendrils floating through the air so that she was afraid of breathing it in. The pyramid grew in height until it was twice the length of the puddle. Slowly, the formation began to tip, the bubbles elongating, forming grotesque fingers. She gasped when she saw the extensions were tiny wiggling parasites, much like maggots, or tiny worms bursting through the ooze.

Joie shuddered and backed a step away from the slime watching the puddle closely, her stomach churning. Something terrible was about to happen. The sounds in the cavern stilled, as if everything waited. The bubbles began to shake grotesquely, and something within the segments moved beneath the surface, desperate to get out. The pyramid tipped toward her and she took another cautious step back. Her heart thundered in the stillness of the cave. Even the water stopped its relentless dripping.

The thick ooze struggled, the bubbles merging into one misshapen blob, whatever was inside, pushing this way and that, distorting the mass of bubbles, as if the glob was giving birth—and she very much feared it was.

Hurry, Traian. Really hurry. There was no way to keep the anxiety out of her voice.

She’d been in desperate situations and never once had she been close to panic, she just wasn’t made that way, but this—this thing—was definitely lethal and it was coming for her. The thick substance contorted again and broke in one spot, a membrane shielding something inside. Teeth took hold of the covering and ripped a wide tear, allowing the head of the organism to emerge. The creature slithered out of the hole and flopped out of the puddle of ooze onto the ice floor. Tiny worms exploded out of the opening left behind, some falling into the thick primordial soup, and others wiggling violently around the foot-long beast.

She didn’t want to touch any of it, even with her equipment. The caterpillar-like being opened its mouth as if snarling at her. Dagger-like teeth seemed to be made of ice, yet those sharp, spiked teeth were very real. Two curved teeth, much like the grim reaper’s scythe, dripped yellow venom forming rounded pods of thick amber slime.

Joie backed up another step, giving ground as the thing slithered closer. She considered trying to hop over it, but the pool was continuing to grow and the tiny maggots spread across the ice towards her as well.

Where are you?

I am on my way back.

Even the utter confidence and complete calm in Traian’s voice didn’t help. He was going to be too late. The organism was almost on her. She had to make a decision fast. Taking a grip on her ice axe, she considered the best place to try to kill it—through the top of the head or behind the neck. She was only going to get one chance.

The head suddenly reared back, the mouth yawning open wide, exposing the dagger-like teeth, curved venomous canines and more yellowish pods inside. For one moment she was staring into a black, fathomless hole, and the next, six snake-like heads rushed out at her, exploding out of the mouth with such speed, Joie stumbled back to avoid the gnashing teeth. The edge of the ice crumbled and she fell into empty space.

She slammed the spike of her axe deep into the ice wall. Her arms took her body weight as she came to an abrupt stop. Letting her breath out slowly, she looked carefully around. She couldn’t see below her, the drop off was far too deep. Ice balls clung to the walls of the abyss, a bad sign. She hadn’t had time to put her crampons back on her boots, so she couldn’t really dig into the ice wall for more stability.

I’m in trouble, Traian.

Above her head, an ominous scratching noise alerted her. She looked up as ice fell. To her horror, ice flakes rained down on her, the small wiggling parasites dropping onto her head and shoulders. She had to force her body under control, refusing to give into the impulse to try to shake them off. The scraping sound continued, growing louder. She risked another look above her. The slug-like creature seemed to have grown even larger with the enormous jaws hanging over the edge and the cold, red eyes glaring at her. The thing opened its mouth wide, displaying teeth and the venomous curved scythes.

Her heart skipped a beat and began to pound. Those hideous snake heads were going to come at her face any moment, no doubt delivering a bite she wouldn’t survive. She was going to have to let go of her lifeline with one hand and reach for her knife. If the thing was really fast, she was going to have one very slim chance.

Swallowing hard, never taking her eyes from the monstrous red eyes peering down at her with so much malevolence, she eased her death grip on the ice axe, transferring her weight to one arm. She’d climbed since she was practically a toddler and had the body strength, but it was cold and she was losing strength. She kept her movements slow, not wanting to trigger an attack. Her fingers closed around the hilt of her knife secured in her belt. She eased it out slowly.

Arms caged her against a hard chest and Traian’s scent filled her lungs. I’ve got you, he whispered in her mind.

Power snapped and crackled as the energy built around her. Relief made her sag against him. There was no controlling the terrible trembling that started. Flames burst from Traian’s hand, a fiery ball that blasted straight down the creature’s throat. It screamed, a loud, long, drawn-out piercing cry that shattered icicles. A volcano of parasites burst from it, on fire, falling like ash around them.

Joie buried her face in Traian’s chest. “They’re in my hair.”

“Ssh, I’ll get them off of you,” he soothed, his voice gentle. “Your helmet prevented them from getting into your scalp.”

She felt the soft warm air he used to rid her of the debris that had rained down on her. The thought of the tiny maggots crawling over her skin was worse than the sensations of the thousands of crickets moving over her in the ice chute. She forced air through her lungs and made herself reach out to retrieve her ice axe.

“Are you hurt? Any bites? Did those parasites get under your skin?”

She shook her head, clinging to his strength, not bothering to pretend the encounter hadn’t shaken her. He moved quickly through the air, so fast the cold air bit at her face, numbed her arms and tore tears from her eyes. Joie buried her face against his chest again and pushed her body tightly against the unnatural warmth of his, allowing herself a few moments to recover before she faced her siblings.

“You are teaching me the meaning of fear,” he said.

“Really? I thought it was the other way around. I don’t think your world is the calm environment a woman like me should be in.” Her voice shook, embarrassing her. “Frankly, Traian, this is a very terrifying place. And I’m not known for finding environments or situations terrifying. I don’t want Gabrielle and Jubal to see me like this. And it’s a little humiliating that you are.”

“Having courage does not mean being unafraid.”

“True, but everyone doesn’t have to know I was shaking in my boots. Literally.”

“I am not everyone. I am your lifemate, the other half of your soul. We do not hide things from one another. I need to know how you are feeling or if you are injured in any way.”

“I have no idea what that means. Nor do I have any idea of this kind of existence. What was that thing?” She shuddered again. “I’ve been in caves all around the world and I’ve never encountered anything like we’re finding here.”

“I have no idea what it was. I have never seen one before either. I was on my way to my homeland when I encountered the packs of vampires. That was unusual enough that I needed to learn more about them. Unfortunately, there were more of them than me and with three master vampires, I ran into Armageddon. Masters are very old and very experienced. They use newer vampires to hunt for them and to weaken prey before they move in for the kill.”

“I don’t like the sound of the word ‘prey.’ ” Another shudder went through her. “We’re going so fast, I would have thought we’d cross over the crevice fast.”

“We discovered traps all along the strip leading into a tunnel. I had to take them further into the mountain. We’re going to enter it soon and it is very narrow. Getting your brother through it was difficult.”

“I’ll bet.” She took a cautious look around. The bridge appeared more fragile than ever with a deep drop off on either side. The ice appeared solid enough on either side of the bridge, but she could see a hole about five feet in. She drew in her breath. “You tried to set them down there to come after me.”

“Yes, your brother went through. I caught his arm and jerked him back. The ice only looks thick. It is an illusion as is much of the ice bridge.”

Joie shook her head. “This cave system is one huge death trap.”

Traian paused outside the entrance to the tunnel, hovering just above the cap of ice. He touched her face with gentle fingers. “I cannot believe you came to find me. I still have a difficult time believing you are real and not an illusion,” he said softly. His lips moved against her cheek, a brush lighter than a butterfly wing, yet she felt it all the way to her toes. That small caress sent blood rushing through her veins, her heart leaping; his touch warmed her as nothing else could.

Joie closed her eyes for a moment, savoring his touch. “I have no idea what’s going on between us, but I feel it too. I just having a difficult time believing that any of this is real,” she admitted. “And what’s up with the wolf? Telepathy, okay, I can accept that. Even your strange little blood fetish, but don’t you think changing into animals and flying through the air might be going a little too far?” She knew she was being flippant, but she did think maybe she was bordering on crazy just a little bit. She felt caught in a horror story.

His arms tightened possessively. “You do not enjoy flying?”

“I don’t enjoy anything when I’m not in complete control.”

His arm was curved around her, pressed against the underside of her breasts. “You will not be in complete control when I make love to you, Joie,” he told her softly.

She closed her eyes at the velvet sound of his voice. Danger surrounded them. Her family was close. It didn’t seem to matter. She was so aware of him, her body ached with need. With hunger. With absolute longing. She felt edgy and hot; a terrible pressure building inside her.

I feel the same way.

She often spoke with her brother and sister using telepathy, a secret they all shared, but this was different. So much more. An intimacy that whispered of erotic nights and appetites that would never be sated. Why? Why with you?

I am your other half. We belong together. I have searched the world for you. Waited lifetimes for you.

Joie tightened her grip on his shirt, burrowed closer to his heart. She was a woman who knew herself well. An adrenaline junkie. A feminist. A believer in justice. She loved her life. Traveling from country to country. One assignment after another taking her into danger. Her recreation time was spent caving, white-water rafting, or skydiving. She was not a woman who wanted or needed a man. She was not a woman who clung to a man and yet already, she couldn’t imagine herself without him.

Joie looked up at Traian, the light from her helmet shining on his face. He had changed her very existence for all time. “I’m not altogether certain I approve of you.”

Laughter rumbled in his throat. “Fortunately, your approval is not strictly necessary. Lifemates simply are. We have no choice in the matter. We are like two magnets that cannot be torn apart.”

“Great. I don’t know a thing about you except I can’t exactly bring you home to my mother and father. My family is very close, by the way.”

“I had not noticed that at all,” Traian said with drawling amusement.

He took her into the narrow opening leading to the left. He was staying with his initial plan, choosing to go left to find a way out.

“You can bring me home to your parents.” He said it softly, honestly, as he followed Jubal and Gabrielle through a narrow hail. “I would never embarrass you, or frighten them. I want to meet them. Anyone important to you is important to me.”

Joie tried to prevent her heart from going crazy. She was no young girl, but a fully grown woman. A man shouldn’t have such an effect on her, yet he did. There was honesty in his voice. A simple sincerity that shook her. She knew nothing about him, not even what he really was, yet she knew everything. She knew what kind of man he was. The knowledge was instinctive, the one thing she was certain of.

“Where is your family?” she asked.

“I have only my people. My prince.” His eyes were a deep black in the soft glow of the helmet lights. “You are now my family. Your brother and sister have become my family.” He arched an eyebrow at her. “And we have only just met. A very strange concept for you, but completely natural to me. Lifemates are two people who meet and need to be together, two halves of the same whole—married in your world—but more. Finding a lifemate is what every Carpathian male dreams of and longs for and fights to keep our world together for, yet few of us ever gain such a treasure. I never thought to experience such an earth-shattering event.”

“Are you disappointed that I’m not what you thought I’d be?”

Traian looked down at her. “You do not yet understand the concept of lifemates. I am surprised and even shocked by the idea of a human lifemate, but I could never be disappointed with you. We were made for one another. We complete one another. You are fascinating to me. You always will be.”

Joie liked the sound of it. She couldn’t imagine ever growing tired of Traian. She needed to climb and find new places to explore. It was as much a part of her as breathing. She needed a man who would welcome challenges. Traian had already proven he was more than up for the task.

The narrow opening widened, spilling into a chamber that clearly widened into another gallery. Jubal and Gabrielle stood close to one another, their faces anxious as they waited for Joie. Traian put her carefully on firm ground. Jubal and Gabrielle rushed to her, flinging their arms around her and hugging her close.

“What the hell happened?” Jubal demanded. “I knew something was wrong when we were trying to find a safe opening. Traian nearly went as ballistic as a man like him can go.”

“But he wouldn’t say anything,” Gabrielle added, sending a look of reprimand at the Carpathian.

Jubal ran his hands over his sister. “Are you hurt?”

Joie shook her head. “There was a very disgusting creature with teeth, venom, and parasitic worms,” she looked at her sister, “they looked like maggots, but worse.”

Gabrielle looked more intrigued than scared. “Did you get me a sample?”

“I didn’t think of it, sorry,” Joie said. Now that she was away from the creature, she couldn’t believe she hadn’t collected a sample of the worm. They all carried containers for just that purpose. Gabrielle came with them for the express purpose of collecting specimens more than because she loved climbing or caving. Joie hated disappointing her after all that had happened. “I should have . . .”

Gabrielle laughed unexpectedly, the sound almost shocking in the cavern. “Don’t be silly. I would have run for my life. I’m just glad you’re safe.”

“We are not safe yet,” Traian reminded. They were all shivering and didn’t seem to notice, but even with his help and their good ice-climbing clothing, the temperature was getting to them. “We have to keep moving.”

Joie immediately sat down to put her crampons on her boots. She wasn’t going to take any more chances without them. “Let’s find a way out of here,” she said, standing.

“Wait, Traian,” Jubal objected. “We found something—something really important. You said those vampires were hunting something. You have to take a look at this. We’ve never seen anything like it.”

Traian caught Joie’s hand as they followed her siblings through the chamber into the open gallery. She felt a little silly holding hands—she’d never really done it, not even in high school, but there was something warm and comforting, something extraordinary about being close to Traian.

The chamber opened into a high-ceilinged gallery and someone—or something—had carved out rooms and alcoves. Sconces adorned the walls, very high up, and they had no idea how to turn them on, or even if they worked. Joie frowned and looked up at Traian hoping she might find answers to how there could possibly be an ice cave occupied by someone. It had taken time to carve the great columns of ice and all the recesses.

Jubal turned toward a shallow alcove in the wall, directing his headlamp onto the ice. There was a sudden silence as all of them caught their breath. The creature encased in ice was large, an enormous beast with scales covering its body, a wedge-shaped head, a serpentine neck, and a long tail ending in a sharp spike. The wings were folded in close along the body. It had sharp claws for rending and tearing. One eye was wide open and staring at them through the more than ten-feet-thick wall of ice. The ice was so thick, the creature was somewhat distorted.

Joie let her breath out slowly. “That’s no dinosaur.”

“It has to be,” Gabrielle said. “It can’t be a dragon. Don’t tell me it’s a dragon.” She looked to Traian for answers. “Please tell me it’s possible that the air is bad down here and we’re all having a mass hallucination. That there aren’t vampires. You can’t change your shape, and there aren’t dragons.”

“I wish I could, Gabrielle,” Traian replied gently.

She shook her head and touched the ice with a gloved hand. “It is truly beautiful. No one will ever believe us either.”

“Is it real, Traian?” Jubal asked. There was awe, even reverence, in his voice.

“Yes. It is real. I had no idea it was down here.” Traian approached the ice wall, his gaze moving over the large dragon. Like Gabrielle, he put his hand on the wall, but there was something much more intimate, more than awe, more than reverence, a kind of loving tribute. “I have not seen a dragon in hundreds of years.”

Gabrielle gasped and stepped away from him, moving closer to Jubal as if for protection. They exchanged a long look, but Traian didn’t seem to notice. Joie couldn’t take her eyes from the rapt look on his face.

“Do you think this is what the vampires are looking for?” Joie asked.

Traian shook his head. “They have no interest in the remains of a dragon. But this is definitely a cave the mages use or used to use. I suspected as much. It could be a gold mine of information for our people. Mages have incredible power and knowledge. They probably are the ones to capture and ultimately kill and preserve this dragon. As a rule, dragon-kind destroyed all evidence of their existence.”

“Why would they want to kill such a beautiful creature?” Gabrielle asked.

“Why do humans kill big bats and rhinos? The belief is, certain animals have magical powers. The dragon has long been gone from this earth. Shape-shifters can take the form, but they do not have the wisdom and power of a true dragon—well, there is a lineage in our people—the Dragonseekers—and they have enormous power and some say matching wisdom. Long ago there was a legendary Dragonseeker, some say, whose lifemate was a shape-shifting dragon. How true that was, no one really knows.” He shrugged. “Perhaps it is so.”

“If it’s true that the mages used dragons for power, wouldn’t it be conceivable that vampires would want to do the same?” Gabrielle speculated.

“One would think,” Traian acknowledged. “It would be terrifying to think that the vampires might get hold of any of the power the mages wielded. But no, they would not have the ability to use such a resource as a true dragon. One has to have the natural talent—to be mage-born.”

“You do incredible things,” Joie pointed out.

“I am of the earth and she grants me certain gifts, but the type of thing we are speaking of is entirely different. The power can come from evil just as well as from good.”

“Can you get it out of there?” Joie asked.

“Not without possibly bringing tons of ice down on us. It is best to leave this place quickly.” Traian turned when Jubal stepped away from the wall to wander across the gallery, drawn by an alcove filled with what looked like ancient, twisted wood.

“Do not touch anything,” Traian warned sharply. “We must be very careful in here. The mages used spells and traps to guard what belonged to them.”

“That’s what you meant when you said the bridge could be a trap. You thought the mages had made it,” Jubal said.

“You saw that the bank was a trap. That was not natural, the illusion of a solid wall of ice was too good. They are masters at such things.”

Gabrielle held up her hand. “Wow we’re talking about things found in fantasy books. Legends. Myths. There has never been evidence of dragons existing. Not even when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. And yet we’re standing right in front of one. This is so surreal.”

“Surreal or not, we have to get out of here—and carefully,” Traian reiterated.

He pulled Joie closer to him. He was well aware of the effect of the cold on their bodies and brains. It sapped strength and being inside the cavern was disorienting. He could feel the subtle influence of power now, working at all of them to drain resources and keep them prisoner.

“I need to seal this area off, slow the vampires down, and get all of you out of this cave,” Traian said.

“I’m not so eager to leave,” Joie responded, studying the huge body of the dragon. “This is a treasure. There must be other fascinating things down here.”

“You are being hunted,” Traian said severely. “I am getting you out of here now. I will come back later and find whatever the vampires want so badly.”

“When you’re alone,” Joie guessed.

“When I am alone,” Traian confirmed. He urged them toward the narrow hall. “You must not touch anything, no matter how inviting it appears,” he added as a precaution.

Jubal glanced at Joie. “It isn’t like you to agree to stay behind. Are you certain he doesn’t have you under a spell?” He groaned. “That sounds so melodramatic and stupid. I can’t believe I said it.”

“I’m a professional, Jubal, and I don’t need to make a point. This is his area of expertise, not mine.”

The hall opened into another huge gallery. Tall columns in a gothic style were carved into the walls. The high cathedral ceiling was impressive. Pillars of ice and crystal formed two rows down the room, each holding several round globes of varying colors. As they walked into the huge ballroom-sized room, lights flickered, flames dancing under man-made glass running up the sides of the thick ice wall.

Traian held up his hand to warn them all to stop moving. “Watch where you step. There has to be a way out through this gallery. A powerful mage has made his home here, at least at some point, and he would have a way to get out fast. Spread out and look, but do not touch anything at all.”

Joie was drawn to the aisles of globes as were her siblings. She crossed the ice floor with care, walking along the row of the various-sized spheres, Jubal and Gabrielle close behind her. She peered into one of the largest, a milky blue natural sapphire. As she stared at it, the color deepened, darkened, began to swirl with alarming speed. Mesmerized, she moved closer. The ground beneath her tilted, rippled. She felt a pulling, a drawing as if the swirling sphere called to her.

Traian clapped his hand over her eyes and pulled her away from the globe. “Do not look at them. Gabrielle, come away from there.” There was urgency in his normally calm tone. “Jubal, just pull her with you. I can feel the aura of power in all of these objects. Until we know what they are, we need to give them a wide berth.”

Joie was stunned that she had been so quickly pulled into the globe’s influence. “I thought mages were supposed to be good.”

“Absolute power corrupts. It is something one learns when one’s life spans hundreds of years.” Traian crowded close to Joie, keeping his body between her and the tall pillars.

Joie laughed. “Don’t let Jubal or Gabrielle hear you say that. If you tell them you’ve been alive for a few hundred years, they might change their minds about us.”

“I heard it already,” Jubal said. He was pacing right behind Gabrielle, pushing her through the long, wide-open room. “I have to say, this is the right up there with the dragon. It’s amazing.”

There were clear crystal sculptures of mythical creatures. Small blood-red pyramids made of stone were set into chiseled-out archways in the walls. It was difficult not to stare at the gems and strange objects surrounding them, but Traian was obviously fearful of their safety, and they were ever conscious of the deadly creatures following them.

“Jubal,” Joie called.

He turned to find her frowning. Gabrielle and Traian were both staring at him as well. “What is it?” he asked.

“Every alcove you walk past, the lights turn on.” There was suspicion in Traian’s voice.

Jubal shrugged, obviously puzzled. “I must be triggering a hidden switch or something.”

“It isn’t just the lights, Jubal,” Joie said. “The objects on the shelves lean toward you. A few have actually levitated as if trying to reach you.” She didn’t like the sudden suspicion she heard in Traian’s voice or felt in his mind.

Deliberately, Traian moved close to an alcove where weapons lined the racks. No light illuminated the case nearly hidden by the surrounding ice and certainly no weapon moved toward him. He beckoned Jubal over.

Reluctantly, Jubal followed the summons. At once the alcove lit up and the weapons moved as if coming to life. A strange-looking device actually came away from the wall where it had been hung. Star-shaped, it was ringed with curved blades. Obviously a weapon, it floated through the air straight toward him, although there was no seeming threat.

“Hold out your hand,” Traian commanded.

“No!” Joie hurried toward her brother to stop him.

Traian caught her as she went to rush past him, his grip impossible to break. “Hold out your hand,” he said again, his tone brooking no argument.

Puzzled, Jubal did so. The strange weapon floated easily to him, at the last moment, opening as if hinged in the center to wrap itself around his wrist. It locked with a firm click.

Gabrielle gasped and stepped toward her brother. Traian’s arm kept her back. “Who are you?” he demanded. “Only a mage can command such a weapon.”

“I’m not mage,” Jubal protested.

“We have the same parents,” Joie snapped. “He isn’t adopted—Mom gave birth to him and Dad is his father. If he’s mage, we all are.”

“How the hell do I get this thing off?” Jubal demanded. He pushed at it with his fingers. “It’s very lightweight. I can barely feel it on me. As for commanding it, Traian, I’d have no idea how to do it.”

“He isn’t mage,” Joie said again. She pulled away from Traian, one hand sliding to the hilt of her knife.

Traian stepped close to Jubal and placed both hands on either side of his head, fingers over his pulse. He allowed his mind to merge with Jubal’s through their blood bond. The man was extremely intelligent, brilliant even, but Traian could find no hint of evil, no hint of magic or mage training.

He let out his breath slowly. “You can remove the knife from my balls, Joie.” He could easily read his lifemate’s mind, just as he could pick up the thoughts of her siblings. Joie loved her brother and sister and would willingly sacrifice her own happiness for them if need be. If he dared to harm her brother, she would have tried to kill him.

“You all right, Jubal?” she asked, sliding the knife carefully away from Traian.

“Yes. I felt Traian moving through my mind, but I didn’t feel a threat, only reassurance. Whatever the reason, this place responds to me—and I have no idea why—I don’t have a clue about any of the things in this cave.”

Gabrielle shook her head. “He would have killed Jubal. Are you certain, Joie? This is your choice? We don’t really know him at all.”

Joie felt the possession in Traian’s touch, felt the brush of his mind in hers. She smiled up at him in reassurance. At the same time, she reached for Gabrielle’s hand.

“I know him. Deep inside, I know him. The one thing that matters to me is family. I hope I know what I’m doing, Gabrielle. You know I’ve always relied on my instincts. I feel this is right—he’s right. I don’t understand any of it, but maybe I’ve been preparing for him all of my life. I fit with him. You’re right, I don’t know him yet, but I fit with him.” She rubbed her face, smearing mud across it. “A one-and-only sort of thing.”

Jubal groaned. “Joie, I never thought you’d turn all mushy romantic on us.” He slung his arm around Gabrielle’s shoulder. “He’s solid, honey. Weird, but solid.”

Gabrielle exchanged a long look with Jubal and turned to Joie. “Well, I suppose your life with him will always be interesting.”

“My sisters have already put gray in my hair,” Jubal announced. “I won’t survive Traian hanging around, howling at the moon, biting Joie’s neck. And, just for the record, stay the hell away from mine, Traian. Having a woman bite my neck might be a turn-on—kinky, maybe, but I could handle it. Having a man bite my neck is out of the question. Doesn’t do a thing for me,” Jubal said dryly.

“Ouch. That hurts, Jubal,” Traian said. “I was really looking forward to a snack later.” He leaned down to brush the top of Joie’s head with his chin. He had to touch her, keep reminding himself she was real. Even when they were speaking telepathically while he searched the complex of caves for whatever the vampires were frantic to find, he almost believed he had made her up.

Gabrielle managed a grin. “Well, he fits in with our weird family, Joie. I can’t wait to see Mom and Dad’s reaction.”

Jubal touched the weapon on his wrist. “Do you think they can track me with this thing on me?”

“Since we don’t know how to get it off other than to chop off your arm,” Traian said, “we will just have to chance it.”

A deep boom shook the network of caverns. “Go,” Traian ordered. “Through that left chamber.”

He relied solely on instincts now, rushing them through the narrow hallways that opened into one chamber after another, down a maze of halls into another, larger chamber, again filled with the strange lighting system. They ran from one wall to another, examining each, but they all appeared solid.

“There has to be a way out,” Traian said. “Mages are not able to shape-shift or fly. They are nearly as human as you are, only with longer lives and the ability to weave elements together and bend them to their purpose. There must be an opening leading to the surface. Look for something that does not feel right. There will be a hallway leading up to the entrance.”

“It’s here,” Jubal said. “I can feel it.”

“Like the rocks outside the cave. The pattern was all wrong,” Joie said. “Jubal, you’re good at patterns. Find us the opening, and hurry. Jubal’s rather infamous in our family for his mathematical mind,” she told Traian. “He can see a pattern in just about anything. That’s how he makes all his money.”

They could hear scratching, a terrible sound amplified by the acoustics of the cavernous room. Great claws scraping at the earth, digging to get at them. They spread out, walked along the wall, carefully examining every surface. All the while they could hear the vampires tunneling furiously through the mud and ice. The sounds grew louder, closer, and Traian dropped back, facing the wall where the creatures were certain to break through.

“I’ve got it!” Jubal said triumphantly. “We were expecting up, but it’s down. The floor. See the pattern on the floor, Joie?”

“Open it,” Traian said tersely, not looking, his attention centered completely on the far wall.

Jubal studied the squares, pyramids, and starburst patterns of stone beneath the layers of muddy ice. In the center of each symbol were hieroglyphics, pictures carved into each stone. He stepped on various ones, taking his time, choosing each stone carefully, following the pattern he could see laid out before him.

At last a large stone slid aside to reveal steps carved into the ice. Jubal hesitated. “Are you certain this is the way?”

“It has to be the way,” Traian said. “Take your sisters and go.”

Jubal was cautious, shining his light down the narrow staircase. The stairs appeared to be a bridge over a dark, fathomless abyss. “It’s another bridge, Traian. Do I trust it?”

“You have to. It must have been their way out.”

Jubal took a deep breath and stepped onto the first stair, found it solid, and reached back to aid Gabrielle. “Hurry, Joie.”

“Come with us, Traian,” Joie pleaded.

Water gushed in a dark, muddy stream from the side of the wall. Insects poured into the gallery. The wall to Traian’s left collapsed in an oozing pool of dark sludge.

Two hideous creatures flopped onto the floor of the chamber, abominations in the crystal perfection of the room. Gaunt and cadaverous, they were covered in black muck. Baring their jagged, spiked teeth, they stared at Traian from red-rimmed eyes filled with venomous hatred.