Dark Flame (Flame 3)

He was about to follow after Roche and his men, but Juliet held him back.

What is it?

Juliet shook her head. I can sense Mary, though faintly. Give me a sec. We might need to take a different route.

You got it.

It didn’t take her long. She pointed toward the far passage. She’s down there.

Lead the way.

To his continuing surprise, Juliet levitated and flew swiftly, careful to avoid anyone walking up the corkscrew.

He joined her, moving fast as well. He knew Fergus would have no problem keeping up.

He liked that she’d gone a different direction entirely from Roche and his men.

But even as this thought went through his head, he knew it was only a matter of time before Roche figured out they were somewhere in his domain.

CHAPTER SIX

Juliet had never been to this part of Revel Territory, the subterranean world where hundreds of fae, possibly even thousands, lived and rarely left.

The ramp she levitated down was a broad spiral with tiled, curved walls all in a flowing mosaic of colors that ran the entire spectrum then repeated. It was so beautiful. She got lost in it for a moment and was surprised when the ramp opened onto a vast court with trees, planters filled with flowers and shrubs, and a host of food stalls. Dozens of fae milled about.

She moved off to the side. Brannick and Fergus joined her.

She was completely awestruck by what lay before her. There were even vendors selling all kinds of things, watches and jewelry, specialty t-shirts, hair extensions, and even some hardback books.

What the hell?

Juliet stared at Brannick. I know, right?

Fergus added, It looks like an airport food court or something at a mall. I wasn’t expecting this.

Light poured down from dozens of massive fixtures, some mounted on the walls, others on the rock ceiling. No wonder the plants thrived.

Brannick drew closer to her. Your people have created something amazing here. Why hasn’t the rest of the province heard about this place?

You have to remember, we’re a secretive bunch. And even though I knew it existed, I never imagined it would look so modern and cared for. I suppose I always pictured huts or s

omething. I don’t know.

Fergus glanced up at the ceiling. A lot of ducts and venting as well. He groaned softly. Am I smelling barbecue?

Brannick added his own grunt of interest. You are and maybe some pulled pork. Yeah, definitely.

Juliet glanced at both men. She was about to remind them that they weren’t here to eat, when it occurred to her she no longer sensed Mary’s presence.

Shit. She’d uttered the word telepathically, forgetting for a moment she was linked with Brannick and Fergus.

Both men turned their heads in her direction.

What? Brannick frowned. What’s going on?

I’m not feeling Mary anymore. I was the entire way down then I got sidetracked by the view. Now, nothing.

Brannick looked around. He took Juliet by the elbow and began guiding her in the direction of a poorly trafficked area of the court. Come this way. Fergus, stick close. We’re going to have to get creative.