Caitriona burst into the room and stopped when she saw her sister. Her eyes swept the room and settled on Duncan. She strode toward him and slapped him hard. Her hand stung from the blow, but she raised her hand again, her fury masking the pain. This time Duncan stopped her from meeting her target.
“Get out,” she spat at the two men. She turned back to face her sister, her emotions visible like glass beneath the passion of unshed tears.
“Dani,” she whispered, as if by speaking her name any louder she would vanish like a ghostly apparition.
Danika’s mouth parted and she furrowed her brow. She swayed on her feet, but Nicolas wrapped his arm around her shoulders and steadied her. Caitriona could only stare as the older woman peered at her, realization settling across her stunning features.
“Catie?” she asked, unable to mask the tremor in her voice.
Caitriona nodded her head, her eyes never leaving her sister’s face. Tears began to spill down her cheeks as Dani wriggled free from Nicolas’ arms and engulfed her in a fierce embrace born of love and pain. Caitriona sobbed for several minutes, listening to the steady beat of her sister’s heart and the muffled sobs that mixed with her own. Caitriona was dimly aware that Nicolas, Duncan and the others had left the room, and relief washed over her. She wanted time alone with her sister…and time to decide their next move.
“They told me you were dead,” Danika finally choked, grief making the words barely audible.
“I was told the same about you,” Caitriona replied, stepping out of her sister’s embrace to get a good look at her. Caitriona brushed her sister’s long chestnut hair away from her face and stared into the brown eyes she remembered as a child. Her sister, now 32, had taken on the generous curves of a grown woman. She was taller than Caitriona by about an inch, but the added height merely added to her beauty and allure. Her beautiful olive skin was made more pronounced by the sun, which had also streaked her chestnut hair with shades of blonde. Her long legs showed delicate calves that were well toned. She wore a simple cotton dress that hung just above the knees in vibrant colors suggestive of the Mexican people and culture. Long lashes framed her dark eyes that were now red from crying.
“Let me look at you,” her sister croaked. “You’re absolutely beautiful. What happened to the little squirt that used to follow me around?” She grinned and pulled Caitriona tight against her again, nearly squeezing the breath from her.
After several more minutes of holding each other, Caitriona released her sister and motioned for her to sit with her on the comfortable settee. Danika pulled her sister’s hands into her own and asked quietly, “Mom?”
Caitriona shook her head, not giving voice to the memory that was still too painfully close to the surface of her emotions. “At least it’s what I was told,” she said harshly, wondering if Duncan had lied to her about her mother as well. She made a mental note to ask about her when she saw him again. Not that she was convinced he’d tell her the truth.
Danika gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “The important thing is that we are together now and I won’t let anyone—or anything—separate us again,” she said, the strength of her conviction feeding her emotions.
Caitriona nodded, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes. She knew all too well the single-minded focus Duncan had when it came to fighting his war. “Dani, what can you tell me about your abductors? Do you know why they brought you here? Have you been able to find a way home? How long have you been here? Have …”
“Whoa, little sister,” Dani interrupted her. “You have this all wrong. I’m not a prisoner here. It might have started out that way, but I’ve been here nearly 15 years, Catie. This is my home now. I’m happy here.”
“But they brought you here against your will. Surely you must still think of them as the enemy?” Catie questioned her sister, disappointment evidenced in her tone.
Dani chuckled and squeezed Catie’s hand. “I think of these people as my family, Catie. I love them and I know they feel the same for me. I have no intention of leaving.”
“But …”
“There is no ‘but,’ Catie. Don’t ask me to choose between you and them.” She pulled Caitriona to her feet. “Come, let me show you something. I think it will help answer your questions.” Lacing her fingers through her sister’s, Dani pulled her across the room and out into the spacious hallway.
The open-air hacienda held 200 occupants, mostly Dwellers, but also some Genetics who were instrumental in the Templars’ fight for freedom. The open space design allowed the inhabitants to take meals together and enjoy common living spaces while los dormitorios were contained on lower levels that also connected to an elaborate tunnel system. Originally built in 1891 for the miners who worked in the nearby Crystal Cave system, the underground areas of the hacienda became a fortified place of hiding when the New World Order began eliminating vast numbers of the population nearly 200 years ago. Those who were hunted and persecuted by the Order for their genetic inferiorities and differences, took to the caves and underground chambers, thereby earning the name, Dweller. In contrast, the Order’s prized Genetics, named for their genetically engineered attributes, were given every advantage and taught to hate their genetically different brothers and sisters.
Caitriona barely noticed the woven rugs and colorful pottery as she followed her sister into the large, open-space great room. At the far end of the room, Dani swept aside a tapestry to reveal a hidden door. Releasing the latch, she pushed the door open and gestured for Caitriona to follow her. Caitriona hesitated, her memories of her time in the Scotland caves giving rise to the growing panic she felt as she peered at the narrow confines of the tunnel walls and imagined them pressing in around her. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves and then followed her sister. Dani led her down a steeply declining tunnel, reminiscent of the caves Caitriona had encountered in Scotland. The dirt below her was hard packed and smooth. This tunnel gets used a lot, she thought, making a mental note to ask her sister about the Dwellers in this area.
They walked in comfortable silence for several minutes, Dani lighting the sconces that stood like sentries along their path. As they went deeper into the earth, the tunnels grew warm and the air became fetid and humid. Caitriona found it difficult to draw a deep breath.
“We’re almost there,” Dani said putting her arm around her sister’s waist and allowing her to catch her breath. “I forget that to outsiders, the change in air can be uncomfortable.”
“Where are we going?” Caitriona asked, winded by the short trek.
“It’s a special place,” Dani said with an air of secrecy. “I promise it’s not much further and it’s something that has to be experienced, not explained.” The sparkle in her eye was unmistakable, even in the dim light of the caves, and Caitriona was reminded of a younger Danika who often took on that same mischievous expression before she found herself—and anyone else who happened to be along for the ride—in trouble.
Caitriona nodded to her sister and once again they continued their descent, the caves growing more unbearable with each passing step. Dani soon stopped and pushed against another opening in the cave wall. There was no handle, no discerning marker that identified the passage as another entrance. When Caitriona followed her sister inside, her mouth fell open. Huge crystals in varying sizes girded the room in a masonic pattern of color and shape.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Dani asked, a smile lighting her face.
Caitriona nodded. “Where are we?”
“They’re called the Crystal Caves,” Dani told her. “Only, we’re not actually in the Crystal Caves. Those are much deeper below us and still several miles away. The entrance can only be accessed on Naica Mountain. But the crystals there can grow to nearly 36 feet. It’s amazing, awe-inspiring, and magical. I’ve only been there once. It’s too hot for anyone to be down there for longer than a few minutes without protective gear, but they had to see if it would make a difference.”
“If what would make a dif
ference?” Caitriona asked, not liking the turn of events this was taking.
“Come, I’ll show you.” Dani motioned to the back of the cave.
Hesitating for only a brief second, Caitriona followed her sister farther into the cave. Caitriona touched one of the crystals and felt a small electrical current run through her. She pulled her hand away and shivered at the contact. The current wasn’t painful, but the contact with the rock was uncomfortable, and she rubbed her hand against the ache that had developed. Her sister stopped in front of what appeared to be a small natural stone altar that had been set with various sized crystals, an athame, and a pestle and mortar. On the floor surrounding the altar, a large Eye of Ra had been painted in vibrant blues and silver. Caitriona knelt and ran her hand over the symbol. She could feel energy radiating from the ancient Celtic symbol. She looked up at her sister, arching one eyebrow in question.
Dani said nothing but took a short, slender candle from her dress pocket and set it on the altar. She pulled her hair away from her face and stared at the candle, her eyes taking on a far-away look. After several seconds, Caitriona saw smoke emanating from the candle wick. She started to say something to her sister when a tiny flame suddenly burst from the wick. Dani clapped her hands together and squealed in delight. She turned to face her sister. “I can manipulate the elements, Catie!” she exclaimed. “I can do two other elements as well, air and water,” she said proudly. “I haven’t been able to master earth yet.”
Caitriona stared at her sister, an incredulous look splayed across her face, the pieces of the puzzle once again falling into place. Caitriona knew—with equal clarity—that she had to find a way to get them both home. Pulling her sister away from the table, Caitriona took both her sister’s hands in hers. “Dani, we need to leave this place,” Caitriona said. “I think they want to use your…gifts to fight their war.”
“Of course they do,” Dani said, looking hurt. “That’s why I was brought here. I can only assume that you were brought here because you have power they need as well.”
Caitriona swayed on her feet as the room started to close around her. The light grew dim and the air became even more pungent and stale. “I don’t understand,” Caitriona whispered. “Surely you must see that…” She swayed again. This time, her sister slipped her arm around her waist to steady her.
“I know you felt the energy when you entered the room, sis. I told you it was magical,” she said, dropping her arm and spinning. “We are the magic,” she said, emphasizing the first word. “The crystals enhance our power. Give it a try.”
Caitriona stared at her sister in disbelief. Her sister’s spinning brought forward ribbons of color that swirled with her. The effect was intoxicating and within seconds, Caitriona felt the familiar pulse that signaled the onset of a vision. Putting her hand out to brace herself against a large crystal, her entire body arched as the crystal’s energy raced through her body. She tried to disengage her hand but it was as if a powerful force held her firmly in place. She could only stare helplessly at the ceiling of the cave as the energy continued to assault her body.
She closed her eyes against the visual assault only to be attacked by a plethora of voices coming at her from all directions. She tried to pull away and put her hands over her ears, but the crystal wouldn’t release her. The noise intensified while sharp images swam crazily across her inner mind. She struggled to find one central point to bring into focus, hoping the dizzying merry-go-round would stop. The distortions and glut of stimulation made her nauseous. Suddenly, the noise receded, the ribbons retracted, and she was left with one startling image: her sister and Duncan naked and entangled in each other’s arms. As the room swam before her and her world went black, she had only one thought: Duncan would betray her.
Chapter Five
“Damnu!” Duncan cursed, not caring who heard him. Beside him, Nicolas holstered his weapon and shoved a knife into his boot. Duncan reflectively touched his own long sword, but he knew the only danger to the Seer was her own wretched stubbornness. Nodding to Nicolas, they both exited the salon and strode through the long, cool hallway, quickly catching up to the guard who was in route to deliver the news they both already knew thanks to Nicolas’ bond with Caitriona.
“We know,” Duncan stated brusquely, cutting off the soldier’s lengthy elucidation. Duncan offered no other explanation, his patience growing thin.
“This way,” the man said, heavily accenting the first word. Duncan and Nicolas followed the messenger. They didn’t need the man to show them where Caitriona was—the bond she shared with Nicolas allowed the empath to track her. But the guard didn’t know this, and another explanation would waste valuable time. Duncan’s jaw twitched with the effort it took to control his anger. He knew Caitriona wasn’t in any real danger—Nicolas’ bond with her had assured him of that as well. Still, Nicolas was edgy and said he could sense the Seer’s discomfort. He’d rest easier once he had Caitriona back in his arms. The way he had left her earlier had not set well with him. And, given the latest news that her sister was not only alive—but working for their cause—Duncan knew Caitriona would likely make good on her promise of not being able to forgive him. He sighed.
The guard pulled aside a tapestry to reveal a hidden passage. Pushing open the hidden door, the guard beckoned both men through. They ran through the long, winding corridors until they entered the crystal room. Duncan had been to the caves several times in the past, but the beauty of the caves never ceased to amaze him. Nicolas, he noticed with growing irritation, had eyes for only one thing in the room: Caitriona.
Duncan and Nicolas both moved toward Danika, who sat cradling her sister in her lap, her hand fanning her sister’s pale face. Perspiration was beaded across Caitriona’s forehead and trailed in the cleavage between her breasts. She was flushed, perspiration clinging to her in sheets. The long gold gown she wore was adding to her discomfort and, for not the first time since the war had begun, had Duncan questioning his rationale in having her dress in the elaborate, cumbersome gowns. His gaze raked her body and noticed how hard she was working to draw air into her body. He needed to get her from the cave and back above ground.
“I don’t know what happened,” Danika said, brushing the damp hair from Caitriona’s face. “I’ve called for my guards, but she just collapsed after touching the crystal.”
“She’s not used to the heat or the thinner air,” Duncan growled. He was irritated that Danika had brought Caitriona here. There was a lot riding on whether the crystals would amplify her powers. Now, with Dani’s recklessness, it would be days before he’d be able to bring Caitriona to the caves again.
Caitriona moaned, bringing Duncan back to the issue at hand. Before Nicolas had a chance to see to his charge’s removal, Duncan bent and scooped Caitriona into his arms. She lolled helplessly in his arms, her body limp and her breath barely audible. Danika started to get to her feet and swayed, the prolonged time in the hot chamber taking its toll on her as well. “Help her,” Duncan said to Nicolas.
Nicolas started to protest but stopped short. Duncan knew his size alone dissuaded most men. Nicolas was no exception. Instead, Nicolas put his arm around Danika, hauling her to her feet. While clearly suffering the effects of having stayed in the cave too long, she was still able to stand with Nicolas’ help.
“Will she be alright?” Danika asked, concern lacing her voice.
“Aye, but I need tae get the lass topside,” Duncan said, his brogue becoming more pronounced with his barely concealed emotions. “I’m taking her tae the estancia Martinez assigned tae me,” he said to Nicolas. Duncan didn’t wait for Nicolas’ response, but strode purposefully from the room, his engineered strength allowing him to make the trek topside in record time.
Bypassing the hacienda, Duncan traversed the stone path that led to the largest estancia located behind the hacienda. He went straight to the master bed chamber, ignoring the veiled looks of the housekeeper and valet. Depositing Caitriona on the large canopied bed, D
uncan placed his ear next to her mouth. Her breath was soft against his ear and he breathed a sigh of relief. What was she thinking? he thought as he loosened the bodice of her gold-colored gown and pressed a featherlight kiss against her forehead. She stirred beneath his touch, but otherwise stayed locked inside her dark world.
Duncan was brought out of his musings by Martinez and Nicolas, who had entered minutes after he deposited the Seer on the enormous down-filled bed. The older man crossed the room to where she lay and placed his ear close to her chest. After several seconds, he pulled a communicator from his pocket and gave instructions to have a medic sent to Duncan’s estancia. Closing the communicator, Martinez gestured for them all to vacate the sleeping chambers.
Duncan glanced at Caitriona, who remained unconscious. He didn’t want to leave her side, but knew she wasn’t in any real danger. Glancing once more at Caitriona, he followed the small group from the room and closed the door softly behind him. He turned and faced Danika, working hard to keep his temper in check. What was she thinking bringing her sister to the caves? he fumed. He started to speak, but Martinez interrupted him.
“While I do think Danika acted irrationally, Commander, there has been no lasting damage caused from their visit to the caves.”
Duncan glanced sharply at the older Maester before beginning his nervous pacing once again. His boots echoed in the vastness of the great room as he paced across the intricate stone floor.
“Our doctor will be here momentarily and will ensure she is alright,” the Maester said. As if to punctuate his point, there was a soft hum as the estancia’s doors retracted and the medic entered. Martinez nodded to the sleeping chamber and the medic sped off to assess his patient. Duncan stopped pacing, unsure whether to stay behind or follow the medic. He wanted nothing more than to kick them all from the room, including the medic, and wrap Caitriona in his arms.
Dark Gathering Page 3