Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 92232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
“We are not leaving,” Yanique says.
We’ve moved from corridor to corridor so far. The last one we went through seemed so much more still than this one. A stone bridge-like overpass led us to this passageway.
“Then where are you leading us to?”
“Shh,” Yanique says and waves her off.
We continue to walk the narrow cave route as it leads to another stone overpass. It’s warmer in this area. I look over the edge and see flowing lava below.
“Gods, it’s hot,” Annaniah says.
I gently squeeze her hand. We make it across the bridge, and I take a deep, relieved breath. As we go, the air becomes thicker.
The temperature changes again as we pass into another area. It’s almost stifling. As if the warm air and icy temperature are fighting against each other.
It’s icy cold as we continue. Annaniah takes off the blanket she has around her shoulders and places it over mine. I tighten it around me and give her a smile. She reaches to pat my still-flat belly.
“Where are you taking us?” Zandra hisses.
“Allow her to lead,” I say as my teeth chatter.
“But where in the heavens is she leading us to? Our deaths? I’m freezing. I don’t have a good feeling about this place. It doesn’t feel like we should be here,” she says as she looks back at me nervously while wrapping her arms around her middle.
“Would I ever lead you into danger?” Yanique mutters.
“No.” Zandra pouts.
“Then be quiet and keep up. We’re almost there.”
We step through another passageway onto another bridge-like path. This time, when I look over, there is water rushing below. I knew I heard water somewhere.
This time, when we step from the bridge-like structure, we step down into a circular room. There’s a symbol carved in the center of the floor.
Yanique steps into the center of it and it lights up. It’s a sword and crown. Sconces on the walls begin to light up as well. It is once they are lit that I can see the surroundings clearly.
The walls have engravings on them as well. Moss and foliage seem to be growing and bursting through the cracks. The ceiling is covered in vegetation. The surfaces in this room not covered in greenery look more like they were created and not formed by nature. There is a power here that seems to be at rest.
“Where are we?” I whisper.
“We needed sacred, immortal ground. I have led us to the Den of Kings.”
“Their resting place?” I gasp and spin in a circle as I look around with wide eyes.
Kendrick has never shared this location with me. I didn’t think anyone knew how to find it. I stop and stare at Yanique.
Confusion fills me. I can’t help but voice my questions.
“How did you know where to find this place? How do you know this is their temple?”
“I can feel him. He knows we are here. If we’re going to do this, we have to move fast.”
“He who?” I ask.
“You are both starting to give me crazy vibes. Have you two been rushing your magic?” Zandra says.
“No, and I don’t have time to explain. Give me the scrolls,” Yanique says in impatience.
I take the scrolls from my satchel and hand them over. Chewing on my lip, I begin to second-guess going through with this. Yanique takes the scrolls from me while she murmurs to herself as she looks between the three of them. Placing two under her arm, she then begins to mutter an incantation.
“Did you just…” Annaniah gasps. “I can hear your voice in my head.
“Me too,” Zandra says with a frown. “What did you just do?”
“Those are the words you two will need to cross time. Venus and I will cast to find Kendrick’s mate. When we give the signal, you will repeat the words I’ve given you.
“Once we succeed in placing her in that time, she will have to do the rest,” Yanique instructs.
She then takes another scroll and murmurs again. I watch as the scroll in her hands becomes four pieces of parchment. She hands one to each of us.
“This will bind you to your future lives. Once I get Venus to hers, I will guide everyone else. Remember, we will always be sisters. No matter what, we will find our way back to each other.”
“I love you all,” I say.
“As we do you,” Yanique says.
I reach for the parchment and place it in my satchel. Pain slices through my abdomen. I double over and whimper.
“Venus, are you okay?” Annaniah says as she places a hand on my back.
“I am fine,” I say through my teeth.
“Come, we need to begin. Zandra, you and Annaniah take the north and west positions on the outside of the crest. Wait for the signal. We cannot transfer spirits until we find the right point in time.”
“What’s the signal?” Zandra asks.