Hello Lovelies! Super short chapter for you guys, but it's from the female's POV so it actually covers more with less words if that make sense. BTW, I went back and reread the last chapter and was a little appalled. The writing was pretty bad, and I apologize to you guys for that. I edited it completely and reposted it, so if anyone reads through that again, just know that I made sure it was up to my usual standards for you guys. No more posting five minutes after finishing!
Chapter 13 – Inside
The rock is cold. Hard and cold. The fallen are cold, minimal heat comes from their bodies. This lair is underground. No heat from the sun. Shanks gave off heat; they were the only source. It is colder, advancing through this tunnel. But, the scent dissipates. It is better further along. And, his scent is easier to follow.
Ghost is here. Ghost decided to follow. This is pleasing. Well, pleasing and not.
She must do this. She felt it, it was necessary. The danger was irrelevant, but not for Ghost.
I want Ghost here, but I want it safe. I will be distracted, attention will be split.
Ghost is worrying, even now. Always worrying.
She could hear it, clearer than before. Not just feelings, thoughts: there were too many fallen, it could not speak, she was its… guardian. Strange—Irrelevant, for now.
This, all this was why she must continue. She felt, she heard, she saw, and she remembered. Memories, new and old returned. Everything was clearer. However, she kept much of this from Ghost. She didn't want it to know. Didn't want it to be hopeful. Not yet.
Tunnel terminates, but there is another corridor. There are rooms, smaller than below with doors. Curiosity blooms. There were no doors below.
His scent is stronger. Advancing further.
Ghost is close, scanning as they move.
Advancing further. Passing many doors. More curiosity. Privacy?
Ghost has same conclusion.
These are personal rooms. Previously, there were only dreg type fallen. Deeper into the cases, there must be only higher classes. There is more room, more privilege. Ghost said fallen are strictly hierarchal. Yes, this conclusion is sound.
Advancing further. I am closer now. His scent is strong.
This room. This room is the correct one.
She was certain.
What should I do next? There is uncertainty. If I enter, there are too many unknowns. Too many undesirable outcomes exist. However, if I stay hidden and wait, this accomplishes nothing. I want to enter the room, I want to see him, but there may be other fallen in th—movement!
Door sliding open. He is leaving. Should I show myself or simply follow?
There is another vandal. Is it the same one?
Yes. She could tell. His scent was familiar too.
I need to make a choice. I am still unsure why I am here. Perhaps waiting is better. I can learn more.
Yes, she would follow them.
Ghost is worrying again.
Moving about is easier than expected. Most doors are closed. No other fallen. Lighting is sparse. Abundant shadows exist.
New fallen, same type. It is moving opposite them.
She froze. It would pass them.
Breathing slows. Will it notice them?
…
It is passing. It does not pause. He…
He is gone. They are further away. Moving again, faster. I must follow.
Many tunnels, many curves. Where are they going?
Temperature changes again, even colder. Deeper into caves; there are even less fallen here. Another curve—pauses. Tunnel terminates. One door with vandal guard. Interesting.
"This report is expected by the captain," states second vandal from hollow.
Captain…
"This lesser vandal. He is here why?" asks guard vandal.
"Information he has is relevant to the report."
Guard vandal pauses. Perhaps evaluating. Lower arm movement.
She has seen this before. It was important, meaningful. However, the movements were hard to decipher. She needed more time.
"This is accepted." Guard vandal moves toward door.
She must decide quickly.
Ghost is worrying. It does not wish to follow. It doesn't like the situation: they would be further trapped, they had no knowledge of the lighting or room layout.
She agreed, there was no guarantee of remaining hidden. But… she must do this. She would warn Ghost.
Ghost. Leave if trouble. Leave me.
Moving, quickly and silently. Closer. Approaching the door. Guard vandal is closing it! Close. So Close. So little space to maneuver. Not enough!
No, just enough.
They were in.
I hope to get another chapter out soon, but we all know how that goes. Anyways, thanks for reading!