Chained (The Siren Series #2)

by L. A. Griffiths

  Was this all going to happen again? No, I won’t let it. I won’t let them take me again.

  “I need to think about this, I cannot go back to that dungeon. I won’t!” I ran out of the room and down the corridor pushing past Sophia.

  “Ellie?” she called after me but I didn’t stop.

  I ran back to my room trying to avoid the many runaways that filled the halls. I closed my door hoping it did not lock me in. I just wanted to scream, I felt trapped. I would not allow myself to go through that again. I clenched my teeth together wishing that the rage would pass. Rhea had no right to be putting me in that position again.

  Chapter Five

  It was getting late but I was too upset to sleep and my stomach started to growl in protest. I decided to get a snack from the kitchen. Quietly, I walked down the many halls, not wanting to disturb the others. Some of the runaways were in the sitting room reading or just chatting quietly away to each other. Every room had at least two protectors watching over their charges, once they saw me they would watch me with interest. Many of the runaways smiled and waved at me while I walked past trying to find the kitchen. Slowly, I was finding my way around this maze; god knows how many corridors there are. I would have to get used to this place sooner or later and right now I just wanted to find the kitchen to get some food.

  The kitchen was devoid of people, it was nice not to have the idle chit-chat with a total stranger, I prefer my own company. I opened up the fridge and it greeted me with its cold chill. Inside was food different variety of foods with fancy names that I hadn’t really heard of. I didn’t even know what half of it was and I didn’t want to go around smelling them if they were edible. I didn’t know whether to put it on my face or eat it. Instead I settled for some toast, it amazed me that they had electricity down here. I prepared my toast and sat in the kitchen eating in silence.

  I was almost done with my simple snack when I could hear footsteps coming towards the kitchen. Was I allowed out at this time of night? Crap, crap. I quickly tried to tidy up the crumbs I had left but it was too late. Behind me I could hear someone clearing their throat. Oh crap!

  I turned around to be greeted by one of the protectors that I had met inside Rhea’s room. Was he stalking me?

  “Sorry, I’ll just move on. I should get back to bed anyway.” I said sheepishly.

  I tried to tip toe around him, but his words stopped me.

  “You’re Ellie aren’t you?” he asked and I stopped dead.

  “Yeah, why?” I asked.

  He leaned on the wall and crossed his strong arms around his chest. “Just that I’ve heard things about you that’s all, good things though.” He added.

  I chuckled nervously. Oh god I’m acting like a school girl. (Well I am one.)

  “Well I’m glad people have been saying good things about me, for a change.” I said to him.

  “What do you mean?” he asked.

  “Uh, it’s nothing. Rhea said your name was Marcus, was it?”

  “Yep, that’s me.” He then smiled with a devilish grin.

  “So you’re here to protect us then? I don’t really know what’s going on around here. I’m kinda’ new to the whole supernatural scene.”

  “Well if you have any questions you should come to me.” he said “I’m new to this whole protector thing myself, I only became one a few weeks ago and they send me here, but I am not complaining.”

  “Are you enjoying it?” I asked.

  “Yeah, it runs in the family. Even my past generations were in the protectors, so I’m doing my family proud.” he said.

  “What do the protectors do anyway?” Marcus laughed and I felt my cheeks flush with colour.

  As Marcus moved his belt shimmered with light as it did before. With a closer look, strapped to his belt was a long thin sword sheathed in its holder. Did they really need these with them?

  “You really are new to the scene aren’t you?” he cleared his throat “well the jobs in the title, the protectors, we help supernatural beings like yourself, when they are in need. And sometimes we do special jobs, like tomorrow. Are you coming with us?”

  I didn’t really know how to answer his question. “Maybe, I don’t know yet.”

  “I’ll protect you, it’s my job after all.” he said with a wink.

  “I’ve had many people claiming to protect me.” I said.

  “There’s nothing to worry about.” replied Marcus.

  “You’d think, but there is always that doubt at the back of your mind that everything could go wrong in a matter of seconds.”

  Marcus didn’t give an answer, he just remained quiet.

  “I think I should go back to bed.” I mumbled.

  “Night.” he replied.

  I walked back to my room with a silly school-girl grin across my face.

  I awoke from my peaceful sleep to see Sophia’s face inches from mine while and I screamed in fright. Sophia was thrown back a few steps before putting up one of her barriers just in time.

  Quickly, I shot up from the bed. “I’m so sorry Sophia.”

  “It was my own fault Ellie. I shouldn’t have woken you.”

  “What were you doing?” I asked her.

  “Watching you sleep.” she replied.

  “Are you ok?” I didn’t want to hurt her.

  Sophia regained her composure.

  “It’s fine, really. I came to tell you we are getting ready to leave.”

  Leave? They must’ve been getting ready to leave for the mission. I didn’t really want to go but did I even have a choice? Will Rhea let me out of her sight again?

  “Just to tell you, I’m going as well.” she said.

  “What? Why? Shouldn’t we leave things like that to those protectors?” I asked her.

  “Well I have been on a few missions with Rhea before, besides I’m quite excited for it.” I could feel the excitement flowing from her. “We know what we are doing; you’ll be safe with us.” Sophia walked out of the room and l quickly got dressed.

  The many runaways filled the halls, all trying to get a peek at the leaving party. I carefully weaved my way through the adoring crowd, where Rhea, Marcus and Sophia stood waiting for me.

  “Morning.” said Marcus.

  “So you have decided to join us then?” Rhea asked.

  “Like I have a choice.” I mumbled.

  “I’m glad.” she replied.

  I looked around at the small crew, was this it? I didn’t really feel much safe with just a small group.

  “Is this it?” I asked them.

  “No there is one more, he is late.” Rhea’s tone was sharp.

  From within the crowd there were shoving and unhappy yelps. Something was moving towards us and it wasn’t in a good mood.

  “Move, move out of the way.” said a voice from the crowd.

  The group of people parted revealing a middle age short man. “Him?” I asked surprised.

  “Yes, missy, me.” he said as he came closer.

  “Ellie do not be deceived by his small stature, we all have our uses, even him.” said Rhea.

  “Charming, Com’on I’ve got places to be and I don’t want to be here anyway.” The balding man said.

  “Robin, you owe me. So you will do this for me.” Rhea said.

  “Where are we going?” I asked.

  “There has been lots of leach activity outside of the city, so we are going to check it out.” Marcus answered.

  “But shouldn’t we have more protectors with us?” I asked.

  “No, they need to stay here and we only need a small group otherwise we will attract attention.” Rhea explained.

  We all formed a circle, Rhea on my right and Marcus on my left. He was about to take his hand when I quickly flinched away.

  “Sorry.” He quickly said.

  “Uh, no it’s my fault.” I blushed.

  “Ready?” Rhea’s voice carried throughout the small halls. The group of runaways stepped back allowing us to safely teleport.
>
  Before I could prepare myself, I was torn away from the underground hall and sent spiraling off into different directions. My stomach filled with knots and I wanted to throw up. We all landed onto a soft ground and I had to sit down for my head to stop spinning.

  “You ok?” Marcus asked.

  I waited for my dizzy head to fade before I was ready to join them. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

  “Remember, stay close and no one do anything stupid that can get us killed.” Marcus’s eyes were on the new guy.

  “What’re you looking at me for?” he said.

  Robin and Marcus were talking (well arguing) while I looked around. We had teleported outside a city entrance that was bellow a busy motorway. It was very early in the morning and the sun was about to rise. I wanted to take a seat and watch but I knew I didn’t have time. I stood close to Sophia and she greeted me with a soft smile.

  “Are you nervous, Ellie?” Sophia asked.

  “Just a bit.” I replied.

  “Just stay close to Rhea and you’ll be fine.” Sophia gave me one of her brightest smiles and inside it did make me feel a bit better, but I still had doubts.

  Marcus and Robin were still arguing and Rhea had to step in.

  “Gentlemen, please. Can we finish this.” asked Rhea.

  Marcus nodded. “Stay close.” he whispered.

  Rhea made her way to a large sewer pipe leading deep into a complex of twisting tunnels that was the underground sewer system. We all followed behind her one by one into the dark tunnels. The smell was awful, the memories of the leaches flooded in and I tried to ignore them swimming around in my mind. I could feel myself tensing up, I just wanted to run away, but how could I face Rhea again if I did that? I didn’t want to keep running from my problems all the time. I took a deep breath of the tainted air and continued through the dark winding tunnel.

  Marcus tailed behind, his sword at his side ready to strike at anything that would harm us. I had nothing to fear while he was at my back, It was his job to protect me.

  “Are you ok?” he whispered into my ear.

  I tried to muffle my surprise with both hands clasped to my mouth.

  “Don’t do that! I don’t like being snuck up on.” I whispered back.

  Again he came in close to give me his answer. “Sorry.” He whispered deeply into my ear and my body exploded with excitement. (Focus, Ellie!)

  We continued through the sewers and stopped. In front of us the stone floor was no more, murky water had taken its place instead.

  “I’m not walking through that.” I said

  “It’s only water Ellie.” Marcus whispered.

  “Ellie’s right, and plus it stinks.” added Sophia.

  “Oh for heaven’s sake.” Rhea took the first steps into the water while waiting for the others.

  “Fine, but you owe me new shoes.” Sophia said.

  “If that’s what gets you to move.” Rhea said.

  The bog filled water filtered through my shoes and socks, it didn’t feel good and it made me feel a bit sick. As we waded through the dirty water Rhea stopped, I peered around her and out in front stood many entrances, we didn’t know which way to go.

  “Can you sense anything, Robin?” whispered Rhea.

  He placed his palms and his ear to the slime covered stone and closed his eyes. His face scrunched up and his eyes flickered rapidly from side to side.

  “What’s he doing?” I asked.

  “He’s trying to sense supernaturals.” Sophia replied.

  “Hush, I’m trying to concentrate.” Robin ordered.

  His eyes shot open and he backed away from the wall slowly. “They’re here, many of them.”

  “Good, now go find them.” Rhea said.

  “Are you serious, I’m not going into the heart of that!” he said.

  “Keep your voice down!” Marcus ordered.

  “I’m getting the hell out of here.” Robin added.

  He tied to push passed but Marcus stood in his way.

  “Hey, if I’m here so are you. We stick together.” I whispered harshly.

  “But you’re the Siren, the all and powerful.” He said.

  “Yes, but I’m petrified at the same time, I feel like running away but I don’t because I know I’ll never forgive myself. So shut up and deal with it.” I told him.

  Robin breathed a deep sigh and took his place.

  As I said my piece, I could feel all eyes on me. I looked around, realizing that everyone just stood there, watching me.

  “What?” I asked them.

  “It’s nothing, just sometimes I forget how strong you really are.” replied Rhea

  I was shocked at her comment, was everyone else in agreement? Well I didn’t really feel strong.

  Robin pushed forward through the bog water and we followed after him.

  “It’s this way.” He pointed to the far right of the many tunnels and we continued on through the darkness.

  The tunnel scuttled with rats and worms and other strange looking creatures that ran away from our approach. I followed behind Sophia, careful of where I stepped. The smells were getting worse, and I had to put my hand over my mouth to stop myself from gagging on the foul fumes. Marcus held his sword high, ready to strike. I felt a bit relived with him at my back and at the same time nervous. Robin took us down more narrow walkways with slime covered walls. What the hell was this stuff, I didn’t really want to give it a full examination. Weird noises echoed through the sewer tunnels. Scratching, scuttling and muffled moans. Where the hell were we going? Wherever it was it didn’t sound good.

  We were ordered to stop, Robin stood his ground to make sure the way was clear.

  “There is something around the corner.” whispered Robin.

  I held my breath. The creature made its all too familiar groaning noises. Visions of being back in the dark pits came rushing back and I tried to fight them off. Finally the leach slowly appeared around the corner while we all remained still as it sniffed the air. The faceless creature snapped its head in my direction and the all knowing terror rippled through me. Before it could make any noise, Rhea threw out her hand and black ash scattered into the air.

  “That was a close one, he could have warned others.” Marcus said.

  “Let’s keep going.” Rhea added.

  We stepped over the creature’s pile of ashes and carried on down the maze of dark tunnels. I wanted to hold onto Marcus’s hand and never let go, but that was never going to happen.

  “It’s just up ahead, you better be ready.” Robin told us.

  My hands started to shake and my forehead ran with sweat. I tried to throw off the horrible feeling and walked on. The tunnels opened up into a large clearing with what looked like frog spawn covering the walls and the floor. The slime covered sacks littered around the area, inside something was moving around, trying to claw its way out.

  “Ugh, it stinks.” I said while covering my mouth.

  “Yep, it does, but don’t think about it too much.” Marcus replied.

  While looking around for any of the leaches my body froze. Lying on the floor was a body, it was of young girl. Darkness had hid her face from me and I moved closer to get a better look at the laid out body. Once I saw the face I stumbled back in shock, it was the cheep blonde from the cinema. Her body displayed bite marks and scratches to the face and stomach. I had to tear my eyes away from the lifeless body. That could have easily been Becky or Lilly on the floor, the thought of my friends taking her place made me sick but I had to move on.

  “Are you ok, Ellie?” Marcus asked.

  I didn’t say anything I just pointed to where the young girl laid. Marcus moved closer to the body, inspecting what was left of her.

  “Did you know her?” he asked.

  “No, not really, I met her at a cinema and I used my powers on her, she wasn’t a nice person but to have this done to her, it’s wrong.”

  “What did you find?” Rhea asked.

  “Just the leaches prey.�
� answered Marcus.

  “Alive?” she asked bluntly.

  I replied to Rhea with a shake of my head.

  “Where are the leaches, Robin?” Marcus asked.

  “I don’t know, I sensed it, they should be here.” Robin replied.

  “Can you sense anything, Rhea?” Sophia asked.

  “There is something, but it’s faint.”

  Tapping noises surrounded us, each coming from a different direction. They were trying to distract us.

  “What that?” asked Sophia.

  “It’s them, they are playing with us.” I answered. The tapping noise brought back the memory of the leaches invading my home. It’s because of them that I had to leave.

  “Agreed, they are toying with us.” Rhea brought her hands out and a bright light radiated from her palms. The white glow illuminated the entire area, showing us all the horrors that the tunnels had to offer. The shadows could not conceal the hidden leaches anymore. Once they saw the light they fled into their holes, hoping to avoid the blinding aura.

  “Is that it?” I asked out loud.

  “That was far too easy.” replied Marcus.

  The tapping noise returned and it was pissing me off.

  “I can hear you, show yourself!” cried Rhea.

  Something moved above us with such speed that I could only make out as a blur. I took a step back while the others moved forward. Marcus held his sword high, ready to strike. Something crashed to the ground shaking the floor around us. I lost my balance and fell backwards into the slime. I looked up from the ground to see something that almost looked human. The torso was of a beautiful woman with long silver hair covering her naked breasts. But the lower half of her was of something I’d never thought I would witness in my entire life. The creature had a snake’s lower body with a large scaly tale that coiled around her womanly shape. I slowly got to my feet and backed away from the creature.

  “What brings you here, Rhea?” The beast spoke.

  Rhea slowly walked up to the creature. She remained calm and steady as she eyes the monstrous woman.

  “We have come for you, Idina.” said Rhea.

  The naked woman laughed. Her shrill cackle made my skin crawl.

  Marcus moved closer brandishing his sword.