by Rachel Jonas
As soon as the words left Elle’s mouth, a soft, feminine cry bellowed from the station.
“She and the guard have become quite fond of one another over the years,” Elle commented. “Fortunately for you, they keep to a pretty consistent schedule.”
I chuckled a bit at the thought of this guard’s carnal impulses working in my favor tonight.
“Elle, I’m starting to think you’ve kept quite a close eye on these two.”
When she didn’t’ respond, my smile grew.
“I knew it! You watch them, don’t you?” I whispered as I tiptoed closer, imagining her perched in front of a monitor spying on the couple. She knew the pair’s habits a little too precisely to convince me otherwise.
“Not in a weird way. It’s part of my job to keep up with what goes on around here,” she rushed to explain.
Another laugh slipped out. “Relax, I wasn’t judging.”
“Besides, their encounters don’t generally last long enough to make a fuss over, but at least the hours I’ve logged—observing them—have paid off. For instance, I know he always leaves his clothes outside the bathroom door while he and the handmaid are otherwise occupied. You should be able to swipe his keycard.”
My steps slowed and my breaths became shallower as I entered the small, unremarkable building. It was nothing more than beige-painted cinderblocks, a small table with a chair behind it, and an unmanned security monitor.
Another pleasure-filled groan seeped from beneath the bathroom door and I was grateful these two kept up such a racket. Had this been a quiet affair, they might have heard me rummaging through the guard’s pockets for his keycard. Instead, I was in and out within a few seconds, tucking the card inside the most secure place I could think of—my bra.
I ducked and dodged my way back to the bike, despite not seeing anyone. Not seeing them didn’t mean they weren’t there.
“Now, head to the greenhouse. Do you remember how to get there?” she asked.
It took me a moment to envision it, but then I recalled the path we’d taken the other morning.
“Yes, I’m on my way.”
The sound of the engine interrupted the peace and quiet on the grounds. However, I’d made it quite a distance from the main house and Julian’s estate. They’d be hard pressed to know it came from within the boundaries of the palace, and not one of the surrounding roadways.
One of the luxuries of having such a sprawling expanse of land.
The greenhouse came directly in my line of sight and I gunned it, barreling toward it at lightspeed, all while keeping watch for guards and hellhounds. At first, I saw neither, but then my eyes focused straight ahead and I drew in a deep breath.
“He sees me,” I panted.
“He does, but you’ll be okay,” Elle said firmly, as if she’d never believed anything more staunchly than she did in that moment. “Stay on the bike and go full steam ahead.”
I heard her, loud and clear actually, but I knew her plan would never work. If I charged at this guy, he’d clothesline me so hard and fast it might, literally, separate my head from my shoulders.
Elle was all questions when I put the bike in park and proceeded to climb off it.
“What are you doing? You can’t fight him? He’s stronger than you, Corina!”
She was right. He was stronger than me, but this wasn’t the first time I’d gone head-to-head with an Ianite. Granted, it was something I preferred to avoid, but in the instance that I couldn’t, I kept my father’s training in mind.
He taught me that, as long as I wasn’t outnumbered, it didn’t have to mean I was outmatched. His faith in me had gotten me through several encounters.
I relieved my shoulder of the weight from the bag I carried, setting it on the ground to remove two key items I’d packed inside it. Being careful to tuck them into the back of my waistband without the guard seeing, I stood to walk toward him. Now that I’d closed some of the distance between us, I noted how a dark smile turned the corners of his mouth upward. In his mind, this fight was already won.
In mine, that was still yet to be determined.
“I take it you’re already aware you don’t have permission to roam the grounds freely,” he declared once I was in earshot. “It’s my understanding that His Royal Highness didn’t intend for you to be let out of his sight.”
I nodded. “Both those statements are true.”
His smile grew. “Then, I’m sure you also know that gives me the right to treat you as a trespasser on the property of the reigning monarchs, a crime for which the punishment is death.”
I gave another nod, discreetly reaching toward the surprise I’d hidden just for him. “I’m aware that this is also true.”
His brow quirked when I didn’t beg for my life like he must have expected. I counted his steps, needing there to be no more than a few feet before reacting. Only, if I missed my window and let him get too close, this would be it for me.
Three.
Two.
One.
The internal countdown ended just as he extended both arms toward me, intent on capturing my neck. However, things did not go according to plan.
Well, not his plan anyway.
A loud hiss filled the air as I pressed the valve of a hairspray can Elle had left behind. And then, holding the trigger of a lighter I nabbed from the nightstand drawer, the guard lit up like the grand finale at a fireworks display.
His cries echoed into the night, louder than any human could have screamed. The sound was sure to cause more guards to rush this way, so I was now under even more pressure than before.
Time was no longer on my side.
“Where on Earth did you learn to do that?” Elle questioned as I sprinted back toward the bike.
I didn’t answer until I’d re-secured my bag and taken off toward the greenhouse again. Even then, the response was vague.
“I must’ve just seen it somewhere. Now what do I do when I get inside the greenhouse?”
It sounded like the guard’s screams of agony set every hellhound within the palace walls on edge. The air carried their growls and moans on its wings, and at the feel of it surrounding me, I shuddered.
“The building itself is unlocked, but you’ll need to use the keycard for the gate. It’s one of the few I can’t access online. After that, get inside and I’ll guide you from there.”
I checked over my shoulder and noted how the shadows among the trees weren’t stationary. They were moving. There was no telling how many guards were on my trail. If it hadn’t been for Elle and her quick thinking with the electric fences, I would’ve had hellhounds to contend with too.
The few seconds I had to hop off my bike to unlock the gate and prop the greenhouse door open were heart-wrenching. I quickly walked the motorcycle inside before jumping back on it.
“Straight ahead,” were Elle’s instructions.
There was no time to be careful, so I left a trail of shattered clay pots and broken sculptures in my wake.
“Get to the stairs and take them down to the bottom floor.”
“You want me to take the bike down the stairs?” I yelled out, hardly able to see straight as sweat poured into my eyes.
“It’s the only way. The Empress designed this space. It’s her own, personal sanctuary. She didn’t like the idea of there being only one way in and one way out, so she had it constructed with a secret exit that leads out from the basement. If you make it there, and through the tunnel, I can override the gate at the exit.”
Another tunnel.
Just the thought of it spiked more fear in my gut, but there was one word Elle said that made me press forward. Even when the commotion behind me made it clear I was no longer in this building alone.
Exit.
Just a few more obstacles and I’d be free.
“She’s headed toward the stairs!” a guard called out, prompting the ten or more on foot with him to charge straight for me.
I sped up as much as I could without los
ing control. The green railing of a dark stairwell was all that marked the steep drop off. Approaching it, I held my breath.
The bike bounced down to the first landing, and I dropped my foot when the tires screeched, burning rubber as I directed the bike into a sharp pivot and down another flight. The roar of the engine echoed in the tight space and I hit the gas just a little, relieved to see I only had one more level to descend.
Maneuvering down two floors had slowed me considerably, giving the guards a chance to gain ground, but the moment I reached the long stretch of darkness below, I opened up the engine and gunned it. I couldn’t see more than a few feet ahead even once I turned on the headlight, but I sped up anyway. At this point, running into a wall at this speed wasn’t even the worst thing that could happen.
The sounds of nearly a dozen sets of boots shuffling toward me was unnerving. Especially when I peered over my shoulder and saw nothing but blackness. They were fast, fast enough that they’d been able to keep up with the bike. I would have stood no chance against them on foot.
None.
“I’ve activated the gate,” Elle spoke up.
I squinted to see even a hint of moonlight filtering in, but … nothing.
“Did I maybe go the wrong way?” I asked in a panic. “Was there a turn I should’ve taken, or—”
“There’s only one tunnel down here, and you’re in it,” she assured me. Still, I saw no indicator that this gate she spoke of had really opened.
“I think something’s wrong,” I panted. “Maybe it didn’t activate. Can you check again?”
My heart hammered against my ribs.
“Corina, I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.” To my surprise, I found comfort in Elle’s promise. “You don’t see the opening because there’s a steep slope coming up. Once you’re at its apex, the exit will come into view.”
I had to trust that, had to hold on to this promise as the fingertips of one guard swiped at the back of my jacket, coming dangerously close to snatching me to the ground.
Sure enough, I reached the top of the slope, and at the bottom, an open gate.
Leaning into the bike, I lowered my mass to decrease wind resistance. It was all I could do to outrun them. All I could do to ensure I made it these last few feet that stood between me and freedom.
“I’m closing it,” Elle announced. “You’ll make it.”
I didn’t respond for fear of losing focus, but heard her loud and clear.
Time passed in slow motion and I held my breath, staring as the opening narrowed. It was tight enough that I doubted Elle’s calculations for a fraction of a second. In fact, I doubted them right up until my tires touched the road that officially marked the moment I was no longer on palace grounds.
A cacophony of loud thuds pounded at the heavy, iron door. It was the sound of angry guards probably foaming at the mouth with frustration that I’d gotten away. It was the sound of another human victory over vicious Ianite dictators. It was the sound of freedom.
“Elle, I … thank you,” I choked out, suddenly emotional. It wasn’t lost on me that she’d defied the kingdom tonight. “I couldn’t have made it out alive without you.”
She was slow to accept my words of appreciation, but when she did, I knew there was at least a slight understanding of how much I had at stake. Enough that I’d just risked life and limb to escape.
“You’re welcome,” she replied. “I wish I could help you navigate your way out of the city, but I’m certain there’s quite a stir at the palace. I’ll need to return to my body to face Julian.”
I didn’t miss the dread hidden within those words. Seeing as how she was saying her goodbyes, I guessed her tech wasn’t advanced to the point that she could be omnipresent.
“You’ll be missed,” I admitted, saying my goodbyes too.
“As will you.”
The next second, I was alone again and the clock was ticking. I had a race to get to on the other side of town. And after that …
Home.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Corina
I got rid of my bag, stashing it beneath a pile of leaves beside a massive oak. It would be easy to spot when the time came to reclaim it.
Just up ahead, at the beginning of the bridge, a line of taillights meant I wasn’t too late. I rode closer, still high on adrenaline as I pulled up and took in the familiar sights and sounds.
Cigarette smoke and cheap booze.
Gruff laughter and engines revving.
Vampire’s from all walks of life gathered here in this strange place where worlds collided—roamers to ride and take advantage of the naivety and good fortune of those who came to bet; Ianites to spend some excess cash.
The only population not represented here was humanity.
Well, as far as anyone knew anyway.
I’d flown under their radar for nearly two years now. Granted, I was certain some smelled the distinct scent of a human meal nearby, but in the open air it was hard to pinpoint the source.
Lowering the kickstand, I rushed over to the broad, wall-like roamer known as Jedidiah to sign in to the race. While he was one of the least frightening vampires I’d come across, it was only because, as far as he knew, I was just a roamer looking to make quick cash. That was always the story I gave, and he never questioned it.
With my face covered, he gazed at me curiously, waiting to peer down at the name I registered before speaking—Specter.
“It is you,” he grinned. “Long time no see!”
I offered a tight smile he couldn’t see beneath the visor. “Yeah, it’s been a while.”
“Folks have been asking about you. Suppose they notice how much lighter their pockets have been since their favorite rider has been missing in action.” He paused and peered over my shoulder. “New bike?”
“Uh … yeah. It was a gift.” I swallowed hard after answering.
He checked it out again, and then nodded to give his seal of approval. “Nice.”
A stamp was placed beside my name to notate that I was officially in the race, and after that, I didn’t stick around for small talk. The less I said the better.
Driving over slowly to the starting line, I observed the crowd. From the looks of things, the races had grown in popularity since the few months or so when I last participated. Having a decommissioned bike took me out of the loop for a while. With so many here, I guessed that with Ianite life being so restricted, so closely monitored, this was the one place they could come to blow off steam. Being a part of the races, while illegal, was one of the lesser offenses to commit.
Liv hated that I came to these things. She always pointed out the obvious dangers, and I ignored her every time because I loved it. Everything about it—getting to see the bikes people brought down to compete, the thrill of a challenge, the sweet taste of a well-earned victory. Even now, with what I’d just been through to get here, I only felt excited.
“Well, looky here,” came a deep, throaty voice to my left. “Looks like Runt decided to come out to play with the big boys again.”
The statement prompted the rider to my right to give me a onceover, sizing me up as competition, I guessed. I kept my eyes trained straight ahead, wishing it was time for the race to start so I could leave these two idiots in my dust. Unfortunately, there were still bets being placed.
“It’s been a while, Runt,” the second oaf now teased. “Thought you finally came to your senses and realized these sorts of events aren’t any place for a lady.”
I kept my mouth closed.
“Yeah … might wind up getting yourself hurt,” the other added.
Seemed these two sought me out every time, finding something ridiculous to threaten me with before we rode, attempting to get inside my head. It was no secret that I had more wins under my belt than most, which meant there were a few bitter riders who didn’t appreciate me cutting into their bottom line. However, I would never throw a race for fear of what might happen when I won.
My lack of a res
ponse only egged them on even more.
“What’s a dainty thing like you doing down here anyway?” I was asked.
Dainty? I was no such thing. Yes, I was a bit on the thin side because food had been hard to come by before, but I was nearly matching them both in height. This fact made it clear the comment was just another attempt to undermine me.
Instead of engaging, I continued to ignore them.
The two shared a look and then laughed. Apparently, they finally got the message.
It took a good ten minutes to get the crowd settled and the races underway. Gripping the handlebars tightly, I kept my attention on the scantily clad woman standing before us, checkered flag in hand. She planted both feet firmly in the soil, and bore a wide grin as she lifted both arms into the air, dropping a split second before the row of motorcycles roared and plowed full-steam ahead.
I lived for this, freedom unmatched. And to top it all off, Julian’s bike was beyond amazing. It offered the smoothest ride I’d ever had, by far. I gave it some gas and the engine opened up like a dream. Trees whizzed past in my peripheral and I kept count of how many riders I left in the dust.
Two, three, four.
As I was pressing toward the front, I couldn’t imagine there was even one fast enough to beat me. With that thought, I smiled and considered how good it would feel to not only return to my team tonight, but return with food, supplies, and money—three things we couldn’t function without.
I could practically feel it now, being swept up by their warm embraces, getting to hug Riot again. Those things alone made the risk I’d taken worth it.
A tire creeping up on my left prompted me to glance over. It was Oaf Number One again, inching his way closer in a surprisingly fast rust-spotted, blue classic. He gave a menacing smile I ignored, taking notice when his friend moved in from the other side.
More than anything, I was annoyed, but a small part of me was concerned too. It was a known practice to play dirty out here. With so much cash at stake, it wasn’t uncommon to hear of riders being sabotaged or injured between the start and finish lines. I, myself, had seen things, but I felt confident saying this was the first time I ever feared being targeted.
