Dark Secret

Chapter 16

I feel breathless as I glide through the trees with Evan running closely behind me. Darting through the forest with the wind blowing through my hair reminds me of the freedom I once had, when I was just a little girl living a normal life. But this is not the time and place to remember those peaceful days.

I see the large, well armed wall coming closer and closer into view. I slow my pace down, eyeing the top of the wall, looking for any guards with loaded guns. I see nothing and hear nothing which raises my suspicion. Evan nods to me and points to the broad and extensive security gate.

We both run to the gate and Evan quickly swipes his security card. I glance up at the walls and my mind begins racing with multiple questions. I grab Evan's upper arm forcing him to look up from the keypad. "Where is everyone?"

He shrugs. "No idea." At that moment, the pounding of boots and laughter fill our ears. "But I think we're about to find out."

A rush of cold and unpleasant air creates a sense of fear as he opens the door. Lights on each side of the narrow wall light up as the door opens. It seems to go on forever and I huddle closer to Evan's side, clinging to his shirt. He grins and it sends relief down my body, along with a sense of belonging.

I shake my head and breath in rough, cold air. "I don't like this. Nothing feels right in here."

Every step I take down the hallway, gives me an unsettling torment in my chest. I can practically feel the pain and suffering of previous vampires who have been tortured and experimented on.

"I won't let anything happen to you, Athena. I promise."

His words are not very reassuring. Sounds from above remind me of what these men are capable of doing. A scream sounds from a room above our heads and shakes the floor beneath our feet. A powerful scream begging for help. My heart aches for the stranger, but oddly enough, he isn't just a stranger to me. I feel the pain in the vampires chest and it affects me immensely. Although a shiver runs up my spine, I feel the heat rise up to my cheeks.

He screams again and silence follows. It isn't Seth and breath a sigh of relief, but can't help feeling sorry for the stranger who we aren't able to help.

Evan stops and opens a latch hidden behind a secret door. "I hope you aren't afraid of heights."

I peer down the long drop. An uneven ladder lines the sides, but the bottom is visible to my eyes. I smile at Evan. "I'll meet you down there."

He grabs my arm. "Be careful, Athena. I'll be right behind you."

I place my foot on the first step and move stealthily down the ladder. The rusty metal creaks beneath my feet and I fear that someone may pick up the sound. The building is eerily quiet and I take a moment to listen for any possible human life that is near.

It takes a few moments before I hear voices approaching the ladder from beneath me. In that moment, I wasn't quite sure what to do. My body felt paralyzed out of fear until Evan's voice brought me back.

Somebody from below shines a blinding light on me and I climb back up the few steps.

"Whose up there? State you name, code and business area," The powerful voice bitterly threatened.

"Evan Baxter, 902, executive officer of this establishment."

"I'm sorry, sir, we didn't know you would be here today. We'll make our way up to you."

The men begin the climb up and Evan points to a door at the end of the corridor. "That door leads down to Block B and that's where you will find the security office. I'm not exactly sure where they are holding Seth. They change rooms every so often depending on the experiment. Once you find the room he is being held in, call me. There's a phone in the security office, find my name, dial the number. I'll buy you some time."