‘I don’t think so.’ It was curious that the sign said Underworld rather than Understream; it suggested that the vampires wanted to portray a theme-park vibe to any non-fanged visitors rather than real life.
I stepped forward then jumped when blasts of red smoke appeared overhead and a disembodied voice boomed out, ‘You are entering the Underworld!’
She Without An Ear miaowed loudly, as discomfited by this dramatic display as I was.
The voice went on, ‘There are many rules and laws that you must observe while you are here. The most important one, which may result in your death if you do not obey it, is that you must not speak of this place to anyone.’ The sentence was followed by a clash of forbidding music. Jeez.
‘Does this actually work on visitors?’ Thane asked. ‘It’s not like any of the other Understream entrances I’ve seen – it’s much more camp. MoreRocky Horror Picture Show.’
I shrugged. Most of Coldstream’s above-ground inhabitants hadn’t a clue about the Understream’s existence so maybe it worked for those who were lucky – or unlucky – enough to visit. But he was right that it felt far removed from reality; it was weird as hell.
The music faded away and the voice continued. ‘All first-time visitors must proceed directly to the Suite of Bureaucratic Affairs. An escort will be provided. They will arrive…’
‘That’s our cue to get out of here,’ I told Thane.
‘And quickly,’ he agreed. He pushed on the door in front of us. ‘It’s locked.’ He flashed me a grin. ‘Not to worry.’
‘Don’t kick it in. We can’t let anyone know we’re here.’
He winked. ‘I’ve learned a thing or two from you since we last did this.’ He selected one of the small bottles strapped to his chest and withdrew a pinch of powder, crouched down and blew it at the centre of the door. ‘This is the good stuff. It cost me a pretty penny but it’s worth it.’
For one long second nothing happened, then the booming voice – which was still listing the rules for non-vampiric visitors – stopped abruptly. A different voice took its place. ‘Intruder! Intruder alert!’
The red smoke dissipated and there was a loud hissing sound. That wasn’t good. She Without An Ear squeaked and buried her head in my hair as I eyed Thane. ‘The good stuff?’
He grimaced. ‘It was supposed to open any door.’
‘Any door that’s not protected by vampiric means?’ I asked drily.
He winced. ‘Yep.’
I clicked my tongue. Angry vampires would already be heading this way and, if I wasn’t mistaken, that hissing noisesuggested something unpleasant was being pumped into the room. It would be a miracle if we weren’t unconscious soon – or worse. I covered my nose and mouth with my arm but that would only buy me a few extra seconds. It wasn’t a solution.
There was a muffled thud from the other side of the carved door and I tensed. ‘Get ready,’ I muttered. ‘We’ll have to fight our way out of here.’
Thane didn’t answer. When I glanced at him, I saw that his eyes were glazed: the magical gas was already affecting him. My stomach tightened. This was very bad indeed.
Then the carved door opened and Thomas reached in, grabbed me and then Thane. He hauled us through the doorway and shoved us roughly into another room.
Thane was choking and gasping. My eyes were watering and my throat felt tight. She Without An Ear was equally shaken and spluttering into my hair with heaving breaths.
Thomas grimaced. ‘It’s jimson weed. Don’t worry. The effects will pass shortly.’
I stiffened as another vampire appeared behind him. The siren stopped abruptly and managed a toothy smile. ‘I’ve shut it off,’ she whispered. ‘It’s alright.’
Thomas frowned. ‘Why are you whispering?’
‘I don’t know,’ she said. ‘It feels like I should.’ She looked at me. ‘You’ll be fine in a minute or two. Just breathe deeply.’
‘This is Elizabeth,’ Thomas said. ‘She’s a friend. She’s on our side.’
Ourside? That was unexpected even given what had happened to Penelope. I gestured to Thane, who was looking a darn sight healthier than he had moments before. ‘This is Thane. He’s also a friend.’
‘More than a friend,’ Thane managed to growl, as if Thomas might possibly have a romantic interest in me. Or vice-versa.
Thomas nodded. ‘Penelope was more than a friend of mine.’
I smiled like this was news then pointed to my shoulder. ‘This is She Without An Ear.’
