Page 46 of The Devil of Hollywood

Guards in dark blue uniforms escorted us past torch-lined walls, and the scowls the men wore weren’t hidden as we turned off, moving deeper into the real catacombs of London. I wasn’t sure how far we’d walked, or how many turns we’d made, but when we finally reached a two-story arched double door, I knew we’d arrived.

The front two guards walked forward, opening the shiny white and gold barriers as we all headed inside. A set of guards walked just ahead of us while another set stayed at our backs. I didn’t like that none of our own men were allowed to come, but The Unavowed wouldn’t budge, and Bram assured me and Elec that it would be fine.

We weren’t so sure…

“This way.”

One of the front guards gestured as we followed and entered a large, open room full of tables. Some were occupied while others were empty. There was a set of stairs that led up to the second story, and I could see from the landing that squared off, people were walking above.

We headed through the room, passing the stairs and into another hallway. Rooms rested along each side, but the length wasn’t long. A door came into view, and we went through it, entering another large, open space. At the back were looming thrones. Only one was occupied. Next to it, on the floor, sat Penny. She was in a white slip dress, and her head was mostly cast down, but she was stealing glances up as we approached.

My gaze lifted, and I couldn’t stop the glare as I faced the largely built man in the suit who sat on the throne. His eyes swept over Bram and Elec, stopping on me. Immediately, his head tilted like it had last time he’d seen me, and I couldn’t stop the challenging smile that tugged against my lips. It was enough to have him assessing me as we came to a stop a good twenty feet away

“We’re here for Marian LaRoe.” Bram’s voice was deep. “You need to collect her and bring her to us.”

The Unavowed’s lids narrowed threateningly.

“I told you. Marian is indebted to me in lieu of her mother. She must do her time.”

“Bullshit.” My head shook. “If Melissa owed you, I’ll make the payment, but you’re not going to take it out on what’s mine. You’ve already had her long enough.”

The man sat straighter, ultimately standing to come closer. He eyed me up and down, walking to the side as he took me in.

“You hoped I’d come.” I lifted one of my eyebrows at him. “Well, here I am.”

He smiled. “Here you are. I thought it might be you. I’m impressed. Great mask. I couldn’t even tell.”

“I want Marian. She’s done her time. If Melissa owed you money, you’ll get it from me.”

Slowly, his head shook as he stepped back.

“This is about blood, not money. Only Marian can pay for her mother’s crimes.”

“Her mother is dead.” Bram’s face hardened. “I’m not here to negotiate with you. You will release Marian LaRoe, and you’ll do it right now.”

The Unavowed made a dramatic cringing expression.

“Yeah… I can’t do that.”

Bram took a step forward. “You will do it, or you will not like the consequences from The Collective High Council. Not only will we take Marian,” Bram glanced to Penny, “you will lose your own chosen, not to mention your life. Right now, The Council is willing to overlook your crimes, but if you do not release Ms. LaRoe, you lose them both.”

The man’s face drained of patience, and his head lowered while his eyes cut up. “You try to take her, and I will kill you all. Penelope is mine.”

“And Marian is mine!” I took quick steps towards him. “You have my chosen brought to me, right now. I want to see if she’s okay. If you’ve hurt her⁠—”

“Oh… she’s hurt.” The Unavowed’s expression morphed, dripping with vehemence. Violence was something he wanted, and I didn’t miss the wild look in his eyes. “On top of her payment, the slave broke rules. She’s facing the consequences for that. Every hour. Every guard. Sometimes multiple guards.”

“You son of a⁠—"

Elec and Bram grabbed me as I lunged forward, pulling me back as guards crowded in. I fought against them, managing to point my finger.

“Get her… now. You bring her to me right now!”

His lips twisted. “I can bring her in, but she’s not finished. Her mother ruined multiple marriages. She took money and property from my Masters without their knowledge or consent. The High Council decided not to return them. So, Marian can work off the cost. I figure.” He looked down at his watch. “She has another four lifetimes to go. Maybe five.”

“You want the properties back?” Bram held to my shoulder. “That’s what you’re saying? You want what was stolen?”

“Maybe you missed the part about marriages? About the lack of knowledge or consent? What she’s done⁠—”