As we made our way in, huge pipes lined the walls, and looking up, the ceilings, too. Large square containers, monitors and barrels came into view, but so far, no others, mortal or otherwise.
Like an unwritten rule, we all stayed silent, watching from above and around us as we each took a step onwards.
Finally, another door, another way and instinctively we turned to Lycaon, who rubbed his face, then used his lock pick to open it.
Making large eyes at us, he turned and stepped through, then back.“It’s empty, but I can see some rooms. We’d best walk closely together.”
Another chill ran down my spine, my mouth watered as we ventured out. Before us, I could see the frames of windows and doors set into the walls. Sounds of bubbling along with beeping from monitors echoed through the hallway.
I felt a presence, something heavy, cloying at me. Squinting, I surveyed the walls and the ceiling. Bracing, I could see something climbing, clinging to the walls, the ceilings. Dark shadows moved, like long legged insects, crawling. I remembered about the soul stealers, an urban myth of creatures from the realm of purgatory that crept silently in the shadows waiting for others, for death. These creatures would steal the souls of the dying.
It seemed this place was packed with them. No doubt thriving on the tortured souls of Adara’s experiments. Carefully eyeing my friends, I said nothing. I suspected Austin was aware, but to tell them all, well it would only unnerve them. Taking a deep breath, I’d have to be ready to use magic if needed, much against Austin’s advice.
As we walked on, these creepy shadow monsters followed. Their long heads, some like some kind of mutated humans, elongated limbs crawling like spiders all around. They saw me staring but for the moment made no effort to attack.
Lycaon and Austin walked ahead, with Jax and me together, Hakon and Anthony behind.
Austin peered through a window, then dramatically lunged his head back, his eyes screwed up as he whispered, “I can’t un-see that! I wouldn’t look. I mean, really, don’t.”
I watched Lycaon’s response. His cheeks paled as sweat literally broke on his forehead.
My gut wrenched, and Jax grabbed my arm, leaning in. “Let me look. If I think it won’t ruin your mind forever, I’ll let you know!”
Before I could blink, the vampires had front row seats. Hakon’s face wrinkled, whilst Anthony only looked mildly surprised.
I broke away from Jax. “No, I’m here. I need to know. My coven leader is part of this.”
Jax raised her brows. “Don’t you mean ex-coven leader?”
Nodding, I whispered, “Yes.”
“Ok. Have it your way. I don’t see what could be so bad-”
His hands out, fingers splayed, Austin implored us, “No! I mean, oh… too late then.”
It really was like a real Frankenstein’s laboratory. I don’t know, perhaps I’d read that book too many times.
Before me, behind the glass, a werewolf was strapped into a medical chair.
His head had multiple wires coming from it leading to a monitor displaying brain activity. Other wires indicated his heart rate, the constant beeping from the machine.
It was only then I noticed a hole in his chest, congealed blood around it. It looked like a bullet hole so either he’d been shot, or they had used their weapons on him and were assessing the damage. As the bed was upright, and this was Adara it was unlikely they were trying to help him.
But his fur around the wound wasn’t just dark red, it looked burnt making me wonder if he’d been shot with angel’s blood as that scolds the insides…
The room was heavingwith the soul stealers, like ants around an anthill. Some crept around the werewolf, others sat up on hind legs, but I only saw them in shadow form. Sweat broke on myforehead, wiping my face with my cloak, I took a step back. And with every step I took, my legs felt heavier and my shoulder’s weighed down.
Calmly, Anthony broke the silence, “I think they’re testing their ammunition on him, either that or they captured him and are keeping him alive for questioning.”
Hakon pointed,his face whiter than usual, and said, “they don’t need an excuse. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is just their sick fascination.”
“Can we turn off the machine? I have to turn it off! Maybe we can help him?” I shifted my gaze, looking for the door handle. The poor creature, I couldn’t let it be. My brain numbedat the shock, the dread. Although it was surrounded by those crawlers, I couldn’t leave him to suffer.
Lycaon grabbed my wrist. “We will. We can’t now.”
“Holy hellfire, I think we can. Follow the wires. Is there a camera in there?” Even Jax’s face paled.
Lycaon raised his voice, “Everyone stop! We can’t touch anything! I’m as horrified as the rest of you but we cannot forget why we’re here.” His voice was gruff as he pointed, with a shaky hand at the werewolf in the room.
