13

Jake grimaced as they descended the southeastern tower stairs. Per Evaran, that would lead them to sublevel one. The control center they needed to get to was on sublevel two, and on the other side of the fort. V had been ordered to stay above ground and maintain surveillance. It was times like this that Jake wished V were coming with them. Although the display in his helmet of V’s view was not as advanced as Dr. Snowden’s or Emily’s, he liked what he could see when it was active.

The stairway they were in winded down, and even descending it single file, he still bumped into the walls a few times. Shadows danced in the flickering light of the torches scattered around on the walls.

When they got to the bottom of the tower stairs, they paused.

Jake observed that everyone was ready to fight. More importantly, the tunnels were large enough to support that, a nice change from the claustrophobic stairway they just came down.

Emily and Dr. Snowden had their shields and PSDs out. Evaran had his shield out as well, and his utility handle was extended into a baton. Lee had a small weapon in each hand.

All Jake had was his blaster, and he hoped it would be enough. Looking down the tunnel they had just entered made his mouth dry. It was quiet, except for the occasional sound of footsteps in the distance. He knew the Raskarians would smell them in time.

Evaran put a finger to his lips. The group followed him. When they got to the first intersection, he raised a hand.

A Raskarian guard turned the corner and was hit in the chest with Evaran’s baton. The guard crumpled as blue arcs danced around his body.

Evaran faced everyone and whispered, “Although they may sense us, they will not know exactly where we are. However, I would expect that we may see more on our way.”

“Let’s hope they go down as easy as this one. I wish V were our eyes down here,” said Lee.

“V is ensuring that we are not surprised from above.”

“I understand. He makes things a lot … easier.”

“Acknowledged,” said V over the comms. “Emily has stealth capability, but her enhanced nanobots are noticeable by nonhumans.”

“Yeah, let’s not do that,” said Emily.

Jake enjoyed the light moment. His muscles were tight, and he had to focus to loosen them up. He had forgotten that Emily could stealth, but V had a point. It would be the same if Dr. Snowden had stealth, but Jake found the idea of having nanobots still worth the risk. Maybe he would ask Evaran about getting some at a later time.

They continued until they reached a medium-sized room. Multiple cubicles lined the walls, each one containing a casket and set of small tables around it.

Jake had seen this before. When Lord Noskov had taken him to visit another ancient vampire, they were low-tech and headquartered in a cave, and they had a similar setup. Maybe the Raskarian and ancient vampires were not as different as they imagined.

Evaran examined the environment and then waved everyone forward.

When they reached the other side, Dr. Snowden said, “This is almost too easy.”

“Yeah, it is,” said Jake. “Then again, they wouldn’t expect an attack here.”

Lee shook his head. “I’m with Dr. Snowden on this. It doesn’t … feel right.”

“It could be a trap,” said Evaran. “However, I believe we can handle anything tossed at us.”

“Yep, I’m not worried,” said Emily.

Dr. Snowden shrugged as they continued.

When they arrived at the southwestern tower, they paused.

Evaran extended his hand and shot up a projection from his ring. It showed the layout from what V had mapped. “The ramp is halfway between here and the northwestern tower. Going up the ramp takes us to the courtyard, down will take us to sublevel two.”

“Woulda been nice if they had that on the other side,” said Dr. Snowden.

“I concur,” said Evaran. “Once we are on the second level, the control center is under the courtyard and only a bit away. Let us move.”

They continued to just outside the ramp area that led down to the second level.

Jake searched for signs of activity but did not see anything. He knew this was a critical point. If they were spotted here, then reinforcements could rush in from four directions.

Evaran motioned at Emily. “Although V’s assessment of your enhanced nanobots may be accurate, you would need to be close to them. Long range, you should be okay. Use your stealth and scout the ramp.”

“Acknowledged,” she said with a smirk.

“Analysis. That is my line,” said V over the comms.

Emily smiled as she shimmered out of view and headed down the ramp.

Jake liked Emily’s playfulness. He was thankful to be given a glimpse of what it would be like to travel with Evaran.

Emily came back after a few minutes. “It’s clear. This place is very lightly guarded.”

Evaran pointed down the ramp. “Let us move.”

The group headed down to sublevel two.

As they progressed through a hallway toward the control center, Evaran paused and raised a hand. He tilted his head. “Something is coming.”

Jake’s heartbeat ramped up as two quadrupeds came into view. They reminded him of boars, except with a wolf snout. Their rough-hewn scales and unusual-looking eyes caught his attention. These creatures were not from Earth.

Evaran extended a hand. “We mean you no harm.”

The creatures growled, then charged.

Evaran fired two quick stun beams from his baton.

The creatures crashed into the wall and stopped moving.

He approached them while scanning. “Intriguing. These creatures are showing high levels of mutation.”

“You think they’re doing experiments down here?” asked Jake.

“Perhaps. It could be that this is just how the creatures are, but I am doubtful of that.”

Lee cleared his throat. “Count Boris is known to have dabbled in … genetic engineering. If he has established himself here … it would not be a stretch to assume he is studying it without any oversight … especially if it’s with shadow-matter creatures.”

“I see,” said Evaran. He looked forward. “The control center is just ahead.”

Jake had expected there to be a lot more guards or officers in the control center when they arrived there. The three workers in the room were quickly disabled by a series of stun beams. He almost felt sorry for them. As he passed by one of them, he noticed they were not quite like the other Raskarians he had seen before. He knelt as his eyes searched the body. “Evaran, I don’t think these are Raskarians. They look human, but the skin and face is weird.”

“They are human, with some slight modifications.”

Dr. Snowden raised his eyebrows. “What types of modifications?”

“Their brains have an unusual configuration. They have been tampered with.”

“Oh … so these were like mindless drones or something.”

“I believe so,” said Evaran. “The fact that they did not try to fight back suggests to me that they were only focused on their task. What that task would be, I do not know. They were definitely not using these advanced consoles.” He placed his UIC on one of the consoles.

Dr. Snowden licked his lips. “I guess then we just got real lucky that this fort was barely defended and manned by only a few Raskarians and mindless drones, and oh, two genetically manipulated creatures.”

“I understand your concern,” said Evaran. “We should check in with Agent Malz. I do not believe we are in danger for the moment.”

Lee accessed his wrist device. He tapped at it a few times. “Agent Malz isn’t responding.”

Evaran interacted with his ARI. “V, check it out.”

“Acknowledged,” said V over the comms.

Evaran tossed out his remote viewing orb. It shot up a projection of V’s view.

“I never get tired of that,” said Jake.

“Me either,” said Dr. Snowden.

“Look!” said Emily as she peered into the projection. “Can you zoom in?”

Evaran tapped at his ARI.

The projection zoomed in to the path. It showed a mass of Druuz guards marching up the path toward the fort. Large scaled quadrupeds with crocodilian snouts accompanied them along with several smaller flying Druuz.

Evaran rubbed his chin. “The Druuz.”

The projection then showed the rift door and the INRA agents on the ground with various wounds on them. They were not moving. Druuz were pouring out of the rift door.

“V, can you zoom in on the agents?” asked Lee.

The projection zoomed in over the fallen agents.

“Agent Malz,” said Lee. He closed his eyes and dipped his head forward as he placed both his fists on his forehead.

Evaran placed a hand on Lee’s shoulder. “I am sure he did not go easily, and I am sorry for your loss.”

Jake gulped. “I got a bad feeling about this.”

The projection zoomed in on a group that seemed to be protected by a ring of soldiers.

“Caltorus,” said Lee. “And looks like some of his group. He’ll pay for this!”

“He will, but first, we need to leave this place,” said Evaran. “V, scout out the rear of the fort and locate a suitable place to go.”

“Acknowledged.”

Evaran grabbed his UIC and remote viewing orb and placed them on his belt. “The only information on these systems pertains to the genocide that Count Boris is doing, and some of his experimentation with the local population. I do not think my Torvatta is here. If it were close enough, I could sense it.”

As they all began to exit the room, Evaran stopped. He looked down for a moment, then faced the group. “It appears Count Boris is approaching from the rear with a large amount of Raskarian soldiers, and they are also covering the sides. We will be surrounded shortly and must get out of this place.”

A pit formed in Jake’s stomach. Although he felt certain they would get out of the situation, it might not be without casualties. He gulped as he followed Evaran.

Dr. Snowden took a deep breath as he closed his eyes. Although he had been in tough fights, this was one he did not think they would win.

Emily laid a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll be okay. We always are.”

“This one … feels different. This was a trap,” said Dr. Snowden.

“Maybe. I’m ready,” said Jake, cracking his neck.

“Let us move,” said Evaran as he continued down the hallway out of the control center.

The group followed him.

Dr. Snowden’s eyes widened when they got topside and entered the open area through the western interior archway. Raskarian soldiers were coming in through the north and south gates. Looking up, he observed they were also filling the walkways. The soldiers had batons with a glowing end on them. He figured they were probably stun sticks. If they had used weapons, he knew their group would not hold up to all that firepower coming from so many directions. It was apparent that they were wanted alive.

A distraction caught his attention at the north gate. Count Boris came into view with a small group of six slightly larger humanoids. The humanoids had on heavy armor with helmets that had horns and glowing eyes. “What the heck are those?”

“Bugodas. We believe they’re Outsiders, but they’re rare,” said Lee. “I’ve only heard of them from reports. Immensely powerful. Maybe they’re shadow-matter beings.”

Evaran looked around and then pointed at a ramp up to the northwestern tower. “Move!” He waved everyone forward.

The Bugodas ran over to the base of the ramp before the group could get to it. Raskarian soldiers began filling the courtyard and jumping down from the walkways.

“Half circle against the wall!” said Evaran as he activated his shield and extended his utility handle into a staff. “Repulsion!”

Emily and Dr. Snowden fired a repulsion beam, knocking back the first wave of Raskarian soldiers.

Jake and Lee took potshots at individual Raskarians that had avoided the repulsion blast.

The Bugodas surged forward and engaged Lee and Evaran.

The group formation changed as Evaran and Lee faced north, while Dr. Snowden and Emily faced the opposite direction and formed a protective circle around Jake. Together, they shot out mist, stun, sticky globule, and repulsion beams, keeping the Raskarians at bay.

Evaran had tossed one Bugoda over the west wall and batted another away with his staff.

Lee had knocked one unconscious and was working on another.

One of the Bugodas pushed through and fell on Jake, causing Dr. Snowden and Emily to stumble forward.

Jake cried out as the Bugoda stood and picked him up, then threw him forward into a mass of Raskarian soldiers who began beating Jake. Flashes from his stun cuffs hit a few, but there were too many to get them all.

Count Boris rushed toward Jake.

Evaran turned and grabbed the Bugoda that had tossed Jake and then slammed it into a wall that shattered on impact. He rushed over to Jake and cleared the immediate area.

Count Boris attacked Evaran.

Emily helped Dr. Snowden up and ran toward Jake.

Count Boris, with the help of the remaining Bugoda and a mass of soldiers, surrounded Evaran.

Dr. Snowden could not help but admire how efficient Evaran was. Every move ended with a soldier flying, a hit against Count Boris, a repulsion blast shot out in an arc, or a mist and stun combo mixed in with sticky globules. It was the grappling-beam-attached-to-the-Bugoda move that cleared out everyone except Count Boris. Dr. Snowden smiled. They were going to get out of this. He focused on helping Emily pull Jake out of Evaran’s fight.

Emily smiled as she helped Jake up. “This is becoming routine.”

He shot her in the chest point-blank.

She staggered back in confusion.

“No!” said Dr. Snowden.

As Emily’s smile faded, Jake shot her in the face, causing her to fall. She stopped moving.

“What are you doing!” said Dr. Snowden as he barreled toward Jake. It was then that Dr. Snowden saw Psyotica a bit away with her hand extended toward Jake. Dr. Snowden took aim and hit her with a stun beam, causing her to crumple. A quick look around made him realize that Caltorus’s group had arrived, and the Druuz were joining the fray.

Jake fell to his knees and then took several hits from the Raskarian soldiers. He climbed toward Emily and threw his body over hers.

Dr. Snowden’s vision turned red. As he rushed over to help them, he saw Lee fly through the air in front of him. Looking up, he saw an armored suit blasting away. It was Decatron. The Druuz had stopped attacking Jake and Emily, so he focused on helping Lee. Evaran could handle himself.

Lee started to get up and was hit by blue beams from the Druuz guards. He shrugged them off. Before he could even take a few steps, Caltorus was on top of him.

Caltorus was a blur.

Dr. Snowden noted the unusual black mist that seemed to swirl around Caltorus. There were small pure-white spheres that also seemed to float around his hands. Dr. Snowden rushed in and tried to hit Caltorus with a stun beam.

Caltorus raised a hand and absorbed the beam while kicking Lee in the chest.

Lee flew into the wall, then fell to the ground. He struggled to get back up.

Caltorus had a big smile as he turned toward Dr. Snowden.

Dr. Snowden gulped and then fired a mist beam followed by a stun beam.

Caltorus raised an eyebrow in amusement.

Dr. Snowden’s face turned red as he charged toward Caltorus. He fired sticky globules that snared Caltorus, and when he got to him, he bowled him over.

Evaran, after fighting Count Boris, Raskarians, and Druuz, joined the fray. He shot Decatron with a stun beam, causing him to crash to the ground. He stood next to Dr. Snowden.

“What do we do?” asked Dr. Snowden. His mind raced at the thought that Lee, Emily, and Jake were out of commission. He scanned the sky for signs of V, but all he saw were winged Druuz.

Evaran raised a hand in the air. “Hear me, Caltorus.”

Caltorus stood and cracked his neck. He raised a hand, causing everyone to pause. Once silent, he studied Evaran. “Speak to your god.”

“I know what you are now. I have seen others of your kind. There is no need for this.”

“You’ve seen others of my kind? I don’t think so. I’m a god, and unique. You have no idea what you’re facing,” said Caltorus.

“I do,” said Evaran. He raised a finger. “You are a Dridakar, a being of shadow and baryonic matter held together in one body due to the presence of the exotic energy known as elicidium. Unlike the rest of the Druuz, you are half shadow matter. Rare? Yes. Unique? No.”

Caltorus’s eyes widened. “Impressive. I see Count Boris and Ares’s assessment of you was … underrated. However, it doesn’t matter. You are inconsequential to my plans, but I respect their decision to go after you.”

“It is not too late to end this. I do not typically involve myself in these situations unless I am pulled into it. Allow me and my friends to leave, give me back my Torvatta and any rift door you may have, and then you can go back to wherever you came from.”

Caltorus and Count Boris laughed.

“That all?” asked Caltorus. His gaze focused behind Evaran for a moment. “You know …” He rushed forward and swung his arm out in an arc.

Evaran raised his shield in time, but was knocked away. As he landed a bit farther back, a red beam enveloped him.

Dr. Snowden remembered seeing a beam do that before. It was a Palisin-energy beam, the same one that the galactic bounty hunter Krikus Det had used to disable Evaran. Dr. Snowden hustled over to Evaran, who lay still on the ground. Dr. Snowden followed the trajectory the beam had taken. It led to Ares.

“Took you long enough to get here,” said Caltorus.

“Not all of us can fly or move fast,” said Ares with a bemused look.

Caltorus eyed Ares for a moment. “Just get them contained.”

Ares nodded as he motioned at the guards around a wheeled cart.

Caltorus walked up to Dr. Snowden. “You’re pretty tough to touch a god and survive. I should kill you where you stand for daring to defile me in such a manner.”

Dr. Snowden gritted his teeth as he began to breathe heavier. “You’re no god.”

“Disrespectful. I preferred your friend’s conversation.”

Dr. Snowden watched as Druuz guards applied restraints on Evaran that were familiar to him. He had seen them used by Jeetrozein, the son of a rogue time-traveling being they had encountered in the past. “Those are from Seeros Industries.”

“Sure are,” said Ares. “I didn’t get them personally, though. Never been used, and I got a great deal.”

“What’s to become of us?” asked Dr. Snowden. He noticed that Lee had been cuffed and shackled at the wrists and ankles. A small chain ran between them.

“Once you’re restrained, you become the property of Count Boris. I am a … generous god. My gift to him per his request,” said Caltorus, pointing at Count Boris.

Count Boris grinned, baring his fangs. “I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time.”

“Great,” said Dr. Snowden, grimacing.

Caltorus swept a hand out to address the assembled soldiers who had swarmed around. “Bow before your god!”

The crowd kneeled to the ground and bowed their heads.

“Let this be an example of my power. The noble and powerful Evaran, bound like a dog, and his team scattered to the winds. This is what happens when you challenge your god!”

Dr. Snowden sighed.

The crowd stood back up.

Count Boris approached Dr. Snowden. “You can either be restrained peacefully, or we can knock you out and do it. Freedom of choice. It’s quite liberating, isn’t it?”

Dr. Snowden shook his head. There was no way he could fight everyone. He placed his hands behind his back as he faced Caltorus. “Answer me this then. Why did you take the Torvatta?”

Caltorus raised a finger. “From what Count Boris and Ares said, the Torvatta is the source of Evaran’s power. Remove that, and he is no longer a threat. I came here expecting a good fight from a rival god. What I found was … lacking. Evaran is no god. I am.”

Dr. Snowden looked down and smirked.

Caltorus narrowed his eyes. “You act as if this is some type of joke. Explain yourself.”

Dr. Snowden shook his head. “I just realized … you … don’t understand.”

“Understand … what?”

“What Evaran is. Maybe Ares knows. I guess you’re going to find out the hard way. If you were truly a god as you claim, you would know,” said Dr. Snowden.

Count Boris rubbed his chin. “I think he’s referring to the fact that Evaran is a time traveler. He would just come back to this point and try again if he should fail.”

Dr. Snowden smiled as he shook his head. They had no idea that Evaran was far beyond the reality they knew and that if he died, he had planar-level power that could be dispensed, power that would easily deal with the situation, although at the cost of his plane form’s life.

“I’ve heard those rumors,” said Caltorus. “But they’re just that. Rumors. That won’t be a problem.” He glared at the limp bodies of Decatron and Psyotica. “Pathetic. Beaten by this … group, one with a false god, a girl, a robot, an old man, and a boy.” He shook his head. “Help them out.” He smiled big at Count Boris. “Enjoy my gift to you.”

Count Boris bowed. “Everything is going just as you predicted. Your might is truly impressive.”

“Of course it is,” said Caltorus. He sneered at Dr. Snowden for a moment, then headed off to the southern gate with the rest of the Druuz.

Dr. Snowden’s muscles relaxed. Evaran and Lee were being taken back into the interior, while Emily and Jake were being prepped for transport. A sharp pain shot out over his shoulder.

“Move, scumbag,” said a Raskarian soldier.

Count Boris walked along Dr. Snowden as he shuffled toward the interior. “Your pain … is just beginning.”

Thirty minutes later, Dr. Snowden sighed as he examined the steel bars in front of him. A disgusting smell made his nose wrinkle. The cell was definitely not clean. To his left was a stone wall with a knee-high slab that jutted out from it. Behind him was another wall, but to his right were more steel bars where he could see that Jake and Emily had their own cells. They were beginning to stir. It would be more comfortable if Count Boris had taken the restraints off.

Dr. Snowden shuffled up to his cell door and looked out into the open room. He could see the PSDs and equipment near a cabinet to the right of the cells. Looking forward, he saw that Lee was restrained in a chair facing Evaran.

Dr. Snowden’s heart sank seeing Evaran suspended with his arms and legs at forty-five degree angles, forming an X pattern. His hands and feet were covered in the same constraints Dr. Snowden had seen before.

Evaran began to come around.

Dr. Snowden breathed harder. He did not see any way out of this. There was no one who would be able to come and defeat what they just fought. His chest tightened. Was this how he would die? There was a future event he was supposed to be a part of. Was his death a part of it somehow? He swallowed hard and stared at the dirt on the ground.

Emily coughed.

Dr. Snowden focused on her. “How are you feeling?”

Emily cleared her throat. She tried to move her arms and legs.

“Easy there. You’re restrained.”

Her breathing went erratic as she sat up. She looked around, then focused on Jake. “He stunned me.”

“It wasn’t his fault,” said Dr. Snowden. “Psyotica had control of him. He was beaten unconscious after I downed her. He threw his body over yours before he went, though.”

“Oh, no,” she said as she stood. She shuffled over to her cell door. “Evaran and Lee?”

“They can’t hear you. Lee has some earmuff things on his head, and Evaran is just now waking up.”

“We lost,” said Emily with a frown. Her eyes flared. “We’ll get out of this.”

“I hope so,” he said in a quiet voice.

Jake began to stir, causing them both to look over at him. He coughed, then winced in pain. After sitting up, he looked around. His eyes widened when he saw Emily. “I’m … I’m so sorry. I … didn’t mean to shoot you. I couldn’t stop myself.”

Emily peeked at Dr. Snowden, then back at Jake. “It’s all right. It was Psyotica controlling you. Uncle Albert said you tried to protect me after she went down.”

Jake gulped as his eyes searched the ground. “I tried.” He sighed. “Judging by where we are, that might have been the turning point.”

“I don’t think so,” said Dr. Snowden. “That was a lot of power tossed at us. Caltorus is no joke.”

“Evaran!” said Jake as he stood and scooted to the door. “How … how did they drop him?”

“Yeah, I’d like to know too,” said Emily.

“Palisin energy,” said Dr. Snowden. “Seems Ares’s network can reach into space.”

Emily sighed. “So what’s the plan? We still have our suits on.”

“Yeah, but no PSDs or weapons.”

Count Boris walked into the room with a device in his hand. Four other Raskarians accompanied him.

Dr. Snowden examined the device. It looked like a large railroad spike with a T-shaped handle. His stomach churned.

Count Boris stood in front of Lee and then looked over at the cells. “Your time is coming. Be patient. You all are going to live. In misery, but still, you’ll be alive.” He removed the headphones on Lee’s head, then slapped him. “Troublesome manager. The Helians are going to learn a harsh lesson very soon.”

“They’re already working with you,” said Lee. He tried to turn his head, but the chair had it strapped tight.

“Were … working with us. They have been retired with extreme prejudice. Caltorus got tired of looking at them.”

“You’re a monster,” said Lee. “Keep me … and let the others go.”

Count Boris narrowed his eyes. “Now … why would I do that? You put away Count Zakarian, who ended up somehow dying in a Helian prison. An … accident … supposedly.”

“It was an accident.”

Count Boris’s eyes flared. “A master Raskarian that’s lived over one thousand years dies, and I’m supposed to accept that his death while in your secure prison was an accident? Only a fool would believe that! I’ll deal with you in a moment.” He walked up to Evaran, who was looking around the room. Count Boris slapped him. “You finally met a true god. How did it feel? When I told Caltorus about you, he said he would handle it and deliver you to me. He was good on his word.”

“He is not a god. To align yourself with him is an error in judgment,” said Evaran.

“Is it now? I get a world all to myself … access to Earth … and the only person who might stop me is sitting in restraints. That would appear to be good judgment.”

“Then you do not understand what you are dealing with. A common mistake.”

Count Boris shook his head. “Your arrogance knows no bounds.” He walked over to Lee.

“At least let Dr. Snowden, Emily, and Jake go,” said Lee.

“That will not happen,” said Count Boris. He gestured for one of the Raskarian soldiers to step forward. “This is Lieutenant Ramos. Promoted through the ranks for exceptional valor, cruelty, and, in general, just being a loyal soldier doing whatever it takes to get ahead. He is going to oversee Evaran’s punishment. Part of that is torturing his friends in front of him while he’s helpless. I’m sure Ramos can think of many ways to accomplish that.” He raised a finger and glared at Lee. “However, you’re my reward. I think it’s time for … an accident.” He held up the device. “Do you know what this is?”

“No,” said Lee.

“The manager outside Safrica got to see it up close and personal.”

“You killed him!”

“Me? No … but the device did pretty well. You’re going to join your friend,” said Count Boris. He placed the end of the device on Lee’s chest.

“Leave him alone!” said Dr. Snowden as he pushed up against the cell bars.

“Stop it!” said Emily, shaking furiously.

“No … ,” said Jake with tears in his eyes.

Count Boris laughed.

Lee focused on Evaran. “It’s been an honor … to have known you.”

Evaran clenched his jaw for a moment as his eyes fixated on Lee. “Likewise. Know this. I will avenge you.”

“Tell my son … he was a source of inspiration for me, and I love him.”

“I will.”

“Aww. How sweet,” said Count Boris. He exhaled from his mouth and dipped his head toward Lee.

The guards held Lee tight.

“This will open you up and expose your form to the environment. It’s a … painful death, from what I’ve heard.”

“I won’t beg for mercy,” said Lee. He closed his eyes.

“I know you won’t, and now you join the ranks of the dead,” said Count Boris. He plunged the device into Lee’s chest, then twisted it.

Lee cried out initially, but his voice began to gargle. After a moment, everything went quiet.

Dr. Snowden’s throat constricted as his eyes misted. Lee was a father, and now his son would be fatherless. Dr. Snowden took a seat on the cell’s slab. This was worse than he had thought it would be. Lee had been like Lord Vygon, a friend who helped those in need. Dr. Snowden had begun to really like Lee, and now he was dead. Just like that.

Emily banged her head against the cell door as she screamed at Count Boris.

Jake had also sat down on his bed. He trembled as he tried to breathe.

Count Boris walked over to their cells with Ramos. “You know the plan. Have fun.”

Ramos smiled, baring his fangs. “I plan on it.”

Count Boris did a final look over the cells, and then exited the room.

Ramos rubbed his hands together. “So … my new projects. So many things to do … and all the time in the world to do it.”

The other three guards joined Ramos.

One of the guards said, “So what do you want to do first?”

Ramos walked in front of Jake’s cell. “This one is Jake Melkins. He lives at Lord Noskov’s base.”

“Ancient vampire filth,” said one of the guards as he spit on the ground.

“He’s human. Pure … human,” said Ramos, raising a finger. “That means we can feed on him safely, but we need to keep him healthy.”

One of the guards grinned. “We can make him drink some of our blood for those lonely nights.”

“I think we have some dresses that might fit him for that occasion,” said another guard.

“To hell with you!” said Jake.

Ramos and the guards laughed as they walked in front of Emily’s cell. “Can’t do that with her, though. Nanobots. Deadly to us. A shame, really. You would’ve been a lot more fun without them, especially since part of me is willing to take the chance.” He walked in front of Dr. Snowden’s cell. “And finally, the old man. The last one standing.” Ramos put his ear out with a hand behind it. “What’s that? You volunteer to be the first to be tortured?”

Dr. Snowden gritted his teeth as his gaze bored a hole through Ramos.

Ramos wagged a finger as he stepped back. “You know … you knocked Caltorus down. Touched a god. Embarrassed him.” He swung his head from side to side. “You being the first to be tortured was a personal request from him.”

“Leave them alone,” said Evaran from across the room.

“And you … can shut the hell up!” said Ramos in a raised voice as he spun to point at Evaran. He turned back toward Dr. Snowden. “I’m going to let you all relax. Torture is best done when you’re feeling rested.” He snapped his fingers. “Bring Lee’s chair over here. They can soak in his death while they rest.”

Dr. Snowden narrowed his eyes as the guards brought Lee and the chair over. Lee’s lifeless eyes and hanging head caused Dr. Snowden to sniffle. Lee’s chest was opened, and a gooey substance oozed out.

“That’s right,” said Ramos. “Enjoy your break. You still have hope. I will break that. Count on it.” He exited the room with the others.

Emily sat down on her bed and squinted hard. “Lee didn’t deserve this.”

“He didn’t,” said Jake, breathing hard. “What’re we going to do?”

“Survive,” said Evaran.

“How?” asked Dr. Snowden. “It sounds like we’re going to be here for a long time. There’s nothing we can do. We’re restrained in cells, you’re locked up, Lee is dead, the rift door is secured, the Torvatta’s missing, and Count Boris has hundreds of guards around. And now we have a psychopath lieutenant to deal with.”

“Breathe,” said Evaran. “One challenge at a time.”

“And where’s V in all this?” asked Dr. Snowden. “I didn’t see him anywhere.” He paused and looked at Emily. In a moment of realization, he said, “Oh … I didn’t see him anywhere …”

Emily smiled as Jake’s eyes widened.

“Be patient. I had V remove himself from battle in case of this situation. He was chased away but is on his way back,” said Evaran.

“This one’s going to be a challenge,” said Dr. Snowden.

“I know, and he is aware of everything going on here. You just need to hang in there.”

Dr. Snowden licked his lips as he looked at Jake and Emily. He raised his head a bit. “We’ll try.”