Chapter 7

We walked in silence for long moments, descending farther into the underground. The air was cool and damp against my skin. I wrapped my arms around myself, pulling my leather jacket in around my body. As my eyes adjusted, I noticed little things with each step I took. The cave that'd been rougher smoothed out, and a clear walking path was worn into the floor. Though the walls were still rough rock, they were hollowed out, making room for people to pass. Those glowing butterflies seemed to flutter up and down the caves of their own accord. They brightened the way just enough to make the path visible.

"Linford?"

"Yes?" He didn"t stop walking.

"What is Terrea? Is it in Vegas? Is it on Earth?" I placed my hand on the wall to steady myself.

"I know not of this place called Vegas." He glanced over his shoulder. "But Earth is a far-off world which we do not travel to."

"Then . . . then how did I get here?"

He shrugged. "I do not hold this knowledge."

"Then where are we going?"

He paused and turned to face me. His face pulled up into a kind smile. "It appears to me that you're in trouble, you need help, and you can be quite dangerous—"

"—I didn't mean t—"

"— There are no accusations here, only help. The years have not been kind to demon folk. At least here we are what we are. Dangerous or not." He eyed the single petal that fell from my hand.

I curled my fingers in toward my palms and little puffs of purple magic drifted up from my hands for a moment before fading away. "Demon folk?"

"You know, vampires turned demon. We aren't well-liked. It's been a tough few years, but we earth demons have adjusted well enough."

He motioned to the opening at the end of the cave, and when I glanced up, my eyes widened. It opened into a huge cavern deep underground. I hesitated for a moment, taking it all in. Monty cooed on my shoulder and rubbed his head against my cheek. That one little motion brought me more comfort than I thought possible. I stepped forward into the huge, open cavern. Little huts were carved into the walls that towered over us. They were piled like apartments at least five stories high, and the cave still had room overhead for more apartments before it turned into the shape of a dome. Each one had an open door, but small porthole-like windows ran the length of each apartment. They were covered with thin slivers of crystals that looked like stained glass. Faint lights from behind that glass projected rainbow colors over the walls and roof of the cavern. It wasn't bright or vibrant. The colors were light and barely glowing. It was beautiful in a dark, gothic kind of way. Sharp stalactites dripped from the roof of the cavern and down the sides of the walls.

Those glowing butterflies seemed to be fluttering everywhere, giving just enough light to see, but still it was dim at best this far below ground. The air was so cold I could see my breath fog from my mouth. Ripped fishnet stockings were not going to cut it this deep within the earth. My body quaked, yet I kept on following Linford.

The people wore thick brown coats and pants with off-white peasant-looking shirts underneath. Their faces were smudged with dirt and grime. Yet this whole underground town seemed to be somewhat peaceful. As we walked farther, I noticed little vendor stands up and down a small pathway that looked like it might be considered the Main Street. I expected them to be made of wood, but instead it looked like they'd been carved out of stone to form perfect tables. One table held dishware that looked like handmade ceramic. Another had statues carved from crystals of different colors and shapes. Farther down, people gathered around one stand that had an alarmingly low supply of brightly colored fruits and vegetables. People clamored for every piece they could get.

When I got a closer view, I realized the people did look pale, hungry, and thin. "Linford, are all these people demons?"

He chuckled. "What other kind of folk live underground like this?"

"Dwarves? Like, Lord of the Ring style?" As we passed, they all turned to stare at me. I was just as dirty as the rest of them, but my clothing was far from their style and had no function whatsoever in this world. I even hobbled along on my broken boots.

"Who is a ring lord?" He glanced back at me. "Never heard of him."

I chuckled. "Yes, you might not have."

Linford seemed like a no-nonsense kind of guy, like everything was black and white. He waved for me to keep following him, and we walked farther down Main Street. I passed demons using their power over earth to make all kinds of things from dishes to furniture to weapons. When my eyes locked on the long swords, the vendor waved this hand and a curtain of dust rose from the ground, covering him like he'd pulled the land over himself. Everything was so beautiful and smooth but also full of colors from crystals. Overhead, long stone bridges connected one level of homes to another. The demons all looked so normal . . . until their powers showed, that is. Each of their powers had a hue of brown or gold that flowed from their hands like dust. Horns sprouted from their heads each time they used their magic. But the second they stopped using it, their horns disappeared. Their nails looked like tiny tan shell-colored claws.

I glanced down at my own hands, noting how my own nails looked like black claws. "Um, Linford . . . am I a . . . a demon too?"

He spun around and held his butterfly lantern higher so that it illuminated his face. "Well, of course you are . . . What else would you be?"

"I don't know . . . Human?"

His lips turned up into a full smile, and his belly shook as he chuckled. "Why would you want to be that?"

I didn't have a good reason. "I guess it's what I'm used to?"

He looked me up and down. "Best get used to this then."

But how could I? I'd been thrown here, attacked, and taken to an underground kingdom of earth demons . . . and now I find out that I too am a demon!? I reached up and ran my hand over my ears and felt the delicate points at the top. They were so sensitive they nearly hurt. I wasn't sure I wanted to get used to this, or even how I could. "Yeah, maybe."

"Well, come along."

"Umm, where are we going?"

"To meet the missus." He turned and began walking once more. "She'll know what to do with you."

For long moments I followed him through pathways and around towering walls full of carved-out homes. Slowly, I began to notice the demons of the underground seemed to look at Linford with a kind of reverence. They all waved and offered quiet greetings with small bows of their heads, acknowledging him as they passed. He gave simple greetings in return, yet somehow I felt like they all looked to him as a leader in this community.

"Are you the leader here?"

He made a noncommittal sound in the back of his throat and shrugged. "I help where I can. But the demons have a leader."

Visions of the dark-haired vampire plagued my mind. He'd been cruel yet still so beautiful. Did he rule these people? What reason could he possibly have for bringing me here? "Who is he?"

Linford turned to the right and walked up three stairs and stopped in front of a solid wall. He glanced up at the wall and smiled. "He was once a duke, and now he's made himself a king."

Monty snuggled in closer to me every time I felt the least bit unsure. It was like he knew I needed him by me. When he gave a small purr, I felt it vibrate on my shoulder. I reached up and ran the tips of my claws through the fur on top of his head.

"That ferinx has taken a liking to you."

"I've taken a liking to him." I dropped my hand. "It's nice to have a friend."

"Well, you've got one for life. Once a ferinx bonds, it's bonded for life. It's a rare thing." He turned away from me and waved his hand toward the wall. Dust sprinkled from his palm in a translucent cloud. The wall in front of us dented in and intricate carvings wound around each other like filigree until a door formed in front of us. It came to a point at the top and looked like it'd open up like French double doors. They drifted open and dust rained down before us. Linford said nothing. He simply walked into the dwelling as though he knew I would follow. I glanced over my shoulder to find a small group of demons had followed us through the town. They looked at me with open interest, yet I felt no hostility from them.

"Come along."

I jumped at the sound of Linford's voice and hurried into the small home. He waved to the demon's watching me. "Be off with you then."

They all scurried away, and Linford walked farther into the dwelling. The walls were smooth and a darker brown, and the room was sparse at best, with simple furniture that rose from the ground and was carved into smooth stone. Thick woven blankets and tapestries were thrown over the furniture and draped on the walls. Glass lanterns full of the glowing butterflies were hung everywhere to try to bring some light to the darkness. Beyond the room I stood in, there were narrow paths that shot off deeper into the earth. They were too dark to see past the darkness.

Linford dropped his lantern on the center of a table, then sat down on a small stone stool. "Carlotta! Where are you?"

"I'm coming! I'm coming!" A tiny round woman hurried from one of the darker tunnels that was attached to the main room. She had wild black curls that stood out from her head with small streaks of gray running through them. Her skin was dark and smooth, with a light sheen covering her, as though she'd been digging around in the dirt as well. Her eyes were nearly as dark as her skin, and like Linford, she barely had retinas.

She stopped when she spotted me and ran her hands over the apron strapped to her front. "What have we here?"

"Found her in the caves. She killed a couple of the Duke King's soldiers." He leaned back and held his hand out to his wife.

She walked toward him and took it, then leaned into his side, running her hand over his shoulders as she stood next to him. "Is that so?"

"I didn"t mean to." Monty peeked his head up, watching the two of them.

"No one said you did." Linford shrugged. "These things happen."

Carlotta shook her head. "Do they, Linford? Do they really?"

"For a new demon? Yes." He turned his gaze toward me. "Is that right?"

She motioned to me. "She's barely got clothing, she's killed soldiers, and to top it off, there's a ferinx wrapped around her neck."

I reached up and patted my little friend on the head. "He's harmless really."

"You're right. She does need help. A ferinx is never harmless." Carlotta rolled her eyes and turned back toward one of the tunnels. "I'll get her something to cover up."

"Thank you!" I called after her, but all I got was the wave of a hand. I glanced at Linford. "I don't want to make trouble for you."

He motioned in the direction his wife went in. "Don't fret about it. Today is a hard day for us all."

"Why?" I sat down on the stool opposite him.

"Havestia is when we lost everything. Some in the other lands celebrate it, but for us it signals the end of the lives we knew."

"And Havestia is today?"

He nodded. "Worst day for demon folk in history."

His face fell and sadness was pain on his features. "I don't mean to pry, but why?"

"Fifty years ago, an evil man sought more power over Terrea and wanted to invade your home . . . Earth. He took a root from our sacred tree and brought it back to his land, where he caused a huge magical explosion. We were once united with the vampires . . . one land . . . but the explosion divided us, turning the vampires on the west side of the island into demons."

"I'm so sorry." They'd been separated from their lives and turned into something they didn't know or understand . . . I could relate.

"Much like yourself."

Observant demon. "Yes, I suppose that's why you took pity on me?"

"Indeed. I know what it's like to lose all that you've known."

Carlotta sauntered back into the room with a stack of clothing in her hands and a small bowl with a rag and the tiniest bit of water. She dropped them down on the table in front of me. "These should suit you better. They were my daughter's, and you are about the same size. Here's a bit of water to clean yourself up with."

I ran my hand over the soft fabrics. "Please thank her for me."

They shared a look and both of them said nothing. I waited for long moments for them to say something more. If there was one thing I'd learned as a social worker, it was what grief looked like . . . and this was it. "I'm sorry. Did I say something wrong?"

Carlotta shook her head. "No, we lost our daughter in the explosion. She was visiting friends in the north, and when the explosion happened . . . we think she's trapped there now, but it's difficult to find lost family across the clan lines."

"Why?"

Carlotta sighed and motioned to an empty spot next to me as though asking Linford for a place to sit. Linford waved his hand, and before the stool even appeared, she began to sit. By the time she was about to fall, the stool was there to catch her. "When the explosion happened, the magic mixed with the land and infected all the vampires in the area, and now because of it, we are essentially trapped to the land our demon powers originated from. There are four clans: Cinder, Swamp, Tempest, and Slate, where you are now."

"And you can't travel to any other clans? Or get messages back and forth?"

She shook her head. "If we do, we lose our demon power and start to sicken. For some it's a slower process, for others it's very quick. There's no telling how long you have until you cross into another's territory and the effects kick in. It's very dangerous to every try to cross the land. Some have even died."

"It's like drowning." Linford grumbled. "Slowly drowning."

"I miss the warmth of fire, or the cool flavor of ice water . . . even standing at the top of the mountains after a hike and feeling the breeze on my skin." She closed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath as if remembering all those sensations. "Fire doesn't keep this far underground, and our water supply is so limited we only use it for drinking."

I felt awful using what little water she'd given me to clean up. But the dried blood on my legs was starting to cake and itch. I wouldn't be rude and decline what was so clearly needed but also offered to me.

"Does that mean I'm an earth demon?" I held my hands out, looking down at them, almost waiting for a petal to emerge.

Linford shook his head. "No, I'm not sure what you are."

"What if I'm bound here? Has no one ever traveled between the clans?"

"Only the former Lord of Shadows."

"And the Duke King," Carlotta added.

"Duke King, bah." Linford grumbled the words and waved his hand as though he couldn"t stand the man.

I made a mental note to find out as much as I could about this Lord of Shadows and the Duke King. "Why can they travel around?"

"Not quite sure, but the rumor is that they were closest to the blast when it happened. My theory is that the magic was mixed together at the blast point, and as it traveled over the land, it changed and adapted to the environment, which changed all of us."

"How do we find out what I am? Or how far I can go?" I would travel back to the ends of this world to get home to my sisters. I wanted to go home now and forget this ever happened.

Linford shrugged. "Only one way to know . . . try."

"And hope you don't die in the process." Carlotta rolled her eyes.

If I left this place, I might die? Linford and Carlota were nice enough, but the thought of being trapped here forever sent a shiver down my spine. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to find some kind of comfort.

"You"re cold. Best get you dressed. It'll be colder here the deeper we get into night." Carlota nodded toward Linford, and he waved his hand and more of that dust flew from his palm. The table transformed from a flat surface to a curved wall that almost surrounded me completely, like a dressing curtain.

I leapt out of my seat and held my clothing close to my chest. I didn't want to be rude to their hospitality. At some point I would figure out how to get back. All I had to do now was blend in. "Well, that's . . . handy."

"Just let me know where you're done, and I'll take it down," he said so simply, like this kind of magic wasn't the coolest thing.

But the more I hung around Linford, the more I realized how powerful this demon really was. He could erect walls with the flick of his hand, yet he seemed so blasé about his powers and remained so steadfast. Most men with power like that would use it to their own ends. The more I knew, the more I found myself respecting Linford. Monty climbed down from my shoulder and curled into a little fuzzy ball at my feet. I let my jacket fall from my shoulders and onto the floor along with my broken boots. I peeled off what was left of my shredded Cher costume and dropped that there too. I used the water and small rag to clean up my scratches and wipe away the dirt and blood.

Once I was as clean as I could get, I quickly slid my legs into a pair of brown trousers that felt almost like suede against my skin. They hugged my hips and stretched across my back side. The front was lace up, and I tied them as tightly as I could, then I slid into one of those off-white peasant shirts and let it hang down to my hips. It was low-cut across my cleavage and baggy around my arms down to my wrists. I felt like my breasts were flying to be free in a shirt like this, but Carlotta must've known because at the bottom of the pile was a brown leather vest that also laced up the front. I slid it over my head and pulled it tight around my body. When I pulled the laces tight, it suctioned me in almost like a corset . . . It would do for the boob control. Last was a set of knee-high boots that also had lacing from the top of my foot all the way up. Even if they didn"t fit my feet, they'd stay on and protect me.

I slid my foot in and pulled the laces tight around my legs. They were only slightly too big but would stay up comfortably. I sighed, feeling a bit relieved to be covered up. I pulled my jacket back on over the outfit and started to feel the cold leave my body. "I'm ready."

The wall dropped down into a pile of sand. It swirled around at my feet like a mini tornado then rose back up to become the hard table and chair once more. Linford gave me a small smile and motioned to the chair. "Now we have to find you a place to rest easy for a time, at least until the mess about the guards is forgotten."

I swallowed, and my heart started to race. Monty ran back up my leg and wound his way around my body until he was perched back on my shoulder once more. Was I on the run for murder? "For how long?"

Three loud bangs came from just outside the door. Linford rose to his feet and moved to stand in front of me. Carlota grabbed his arm, and he let her drag him back. "No, no fighting."

"Open up in the name of the King!" a voice called through the thick stone.

Linford pulled his arm free of his wife. "I'll not let them take her."

I refused to put these people in danger. "No, Linford. You barely know me. Don't let me cause you any trouble."

Three more loud bangs and a smooth calm voice. "Come now Linford, other measures will be taken."

"Linford." Carlotta grabbed his arm. "Please."

Tension filled the room and the walls rumbled as Linford curled his hands into fists. "A self-appointed king is no king of mine."

"Now is not the time!" Carlotta pressed her fingers into his arm, holding him tighter, pleading.

I didn't want him or anyone else to get in trouble because of me. I had to deescalate the situation and not make it worse. "Linford, please, you've done so much for me. Don't put yourself or anyone else in danger. I'll go with them. Please . . . I want to go."

"You'd be walking into a den of poisonous snakes."

"I grew up in L.A . . . Same difference."

His brow furrowed in confusion. "What?"

I shook my head. "It doesn't matter. Just trust me and know that I'll be okay."

Carlota shook his arm harder. "Please, I can't bear to lose you too."

He groaned, and with a reluctant wave of his hand, the wall quaked and the two double doors began to part. Heavy dust rained down on the soldiers . . . all but one. The man with the long black hair who'd thrown me into this world. Green smoke billowed around him, and when he snapped his fingers, sparks flew from his fingertips. The smoke caught fire and flames danced around him. The dust evaporated within the flames and the man stepped through like something out of my nightmares.

The guards all hurried into the room to surround us. They all stood shoulder to shoulder, each one looking like the next in their thick breastplates and helmets. He stepped in front of them all and glared at me. "Surrender yourself now."

"Okay. I surrender."I shrugged. What else was I going to do? Kill an entire room of people I didn't know just to run into a world I was unfamiliar with and couldn't survive?

He clenched his teeth and the muscle in his jaw ticked. "Now."

I took a step forward and the soldiers all stepped back."Or you can take me back to where I came from now."

"You have no room to make commands here." Those glowing blue eyes bore into mine, and puffs of smoke drifted up from his hands.

"Lord of Shadows, Avalon." Linford rose to his feet, and they all placed their hands on their swords. He ignored them and caught this Avalon's eye. "She means no harm."

"And yet three of my men are dead." He curled his hand into a fist at his side and small sparks flew from his fingers.

"Listen, buddy, I don't even know who the hell you are. Or why I'm here. But if you send me home, then I'll be gone, and you can spread your hate of me to someone—"

"—Seize her now."

I backed away, and my heart hammered in my chest. Purple smoke seeped from my hands, and Linford jumped in front of the encroaching guards. "Don't startle her or you'll die."

One of the soldiers grabbed his shoulders and shoved him out of the way. "Is that a threat?"

Linford fell to the floor and rolled onto his side. Carlotta dropped down beside him. "It's fact. Just ask her and she will go in peace."

I crossed my arms over my chest and pressed my hands into my sides, trying not to let those petals form. "I'm thinking on it."

Dark smoke covered Avalon from head to toe, he snapped his fingers and disappeared in a ball of flames. Not even a second later, a deep growl came from behind me. His hands wrapped around my arms and forced them behind my back. He wrapped my wrist in a death grip with one hand and my hands with the other, then held them in tight fists. His skin burned against mine, yet I refused to flinch. I ground my teeth together against the pain. He shoved me into the wall and held me there as another one of his soldiers wrapped my hands with some kind of binding that kept my hands in fists and my wrists stuck together.

Once I was secured, he yanked me back against his chest. "You aren't worth my hate."