Entwined

Entwined Ch. 16

~Bill’s POV~

After another round of questions, we all decided to leave the ruins of the campus. Derik led us into an underground network of tunnels, explaining their history and uses as we trekked on. My arm was still a little sore from our “almost-fight”, but that wasn’t my most upsetting thought. What did he mean by “Guardian”? Why did I even attack him? He’s trying to help us…He’s trying to help Krystel… I tried to pass it off as instinct, but something in my heart told me that there was more to it. 

Why can’t it be me?

“Derik,” I heard Krystel call out beside me, “What you said before, about me being the High Priestess-”

“I can feel your concern, Miss Asher,” Derik glanced back at her with a reassuring smile that made want to tear him apart, “I will explain everything in due time, but I must get you guys to safety. Here.” He motioned to a ladder that led up into another dark canal, “That goes up to the surface. Last time I checked, it gives access to the courthouse, which we’re using as a holding cell for imprisoned Red Vampyres. There’s another one about 400 meters ahead that leads to our Institution. It’s sealed in a separate dimension, so it looks like an abandoned chapel to ordinary humans.”

“Is there anyone there now?” Samantha asked.

“Yes, there are survivors from the campus and some from the Council.”

“Council?”

“Also, the Elders have made their appearance.”

“You know it’s serious when the Elders are involved,” Georg said solemnly.

“This is beyond serious,” Derik agreed.

I felt Krystel’s arms wrap around my waist and my mind was soon flooded with her worried thoughts. I slid my arm around her shoulders and held her close, our steps syncing in seconds. “I won’t let anyone or anything hurt you,” I whispered.

She glanced up at me, a soft smile on her lips. “Promise?”

“I promise and I swear.”

She buried her face in my shirt, making me laugh a little

“I understand that the Institution is sealed,” Gustav said slowly, “but why are we just now finding out about it?”

“The Institution deals with all affairs concerning Otherkin, not just vampyres.” Derik explained, but he seemed distracted by something. He kept glancing around, as if he were expecting something, “We keep ourselves separate at the same time, so we’re like ghosts, dealing with stuff behind the scenes. Only a select few knew of our location and existence until now.”

“‘Otherkin’? Ya mean like Werewolves ‘n Faeries ‘n stuff like that?” Kenickie asked.

“Indeed.” Derik stopped walking and crossed his arms. “This is strange…”

“What is it?” Georg asked.

“At this point, I should be able to sense the Institution from here, but I can’t feel anything. It can’t be the seal because I would still feel it-”

Behind us, there was a loud, crashing sound and a large cloud of dirt and dust swirled through the tunnel, blinding us.

“What the hell was that?!” Samantha screamed. In a split second, Tom grabbed her arm and pulled her close. He brought his claymore out and held it at arm’s length in from of himself. Then our gazes met.

You know what to do.

“Miss Asher,” Derik appeared without warning and took Krystel’s hand, “You need to come with me-”

Without thinking, I shoved him back and pulled Krystel behind me.

“Bill…” I felt her fingers dig into my shirt. 

“You aren’t taking her anywhere.” I growled.

At close range, I saw his eyes darken, “It is my job to guard her. Do you want her to die?”

A roar emanated from the rubble. Dim light spilled in from the hole in the ceiling, revealing bear-sized black wolves. In the middle of them was a pale boy with green dyed hair and red eyes. The Mark on his forehead was crimson instead of sapphire, and he wore black jeans and a black, long sleeve shirt. A cold feeling ran through my blood. He’s…that boy…

“…Devon?”

I turned, seeing Gustav’s shocked expression.

Devon smirked viciously and hissed, “Surprise.”

“Stop lagging,” A petite girl with flaming orange hair and the same apparel dropped in from the hole. She crossed her arms, “Let’s get this over with. The Lady will not be pleased if we take too long.”

Huh? Who is “The Lady”?

“Rachel?!” Mickee exclaimed and shot forward, only to be held back by Gustav. She struggled, whimpering a little, “Rachel?! Is that really you Rachel?!”

“Yeah? So?” The girl, Rachel, spat angrily. “There’s no point in sharing formalities, now is there?”

Mickee’s eyes filled with tears, “But we…”

Another wolf with grey fur jumped in. It snapped its jaws and shook its fur.

“Let’s not keep her waiting,” Rachel muttered and laid her eyes on Krystel, “Sorry, this is where your story ends.”

Derik tisked and let go of my hand, his glare gentler, “I guess if you are to trust me, then I am to trust you. Please, take Miss Asher and run ahead. You should find the Institution entrance easily; look for a symbol of a Celtic cross and you’ll find the ladder going up.”

“Okay, and you’re staying?” I asked.

“Someone has to keep these defectors at bay.” He smirked, and this time it wasn’t with hate.

Georg came up quickly, “I’ll stay too. Brethren stick together in battle.”

I heard Kenickie mutter something under her breath.

“Same here,” Tom said with a playful smirk, “It’s about time I got to put this sword to use.”

“No!” Samantha clung to his arm, “I don’t want you to get hurt!”

“Sami, I’ll be fine.” Tom held her face with his free hand and stared deeply into her eyes, “I promise I’ll come back without a scratch. Just trust me, okay?”

“Well…” She toyed with her fingers.

“There’s no time to debate over it. We need to move,” Gustav said quickly, making sure to keep a hold on Mickee, who was struggling to free herself. He then picked her up bridal style and started down the tunnel, Kenickie following close behind. Samantha quickly kissed Tom’s lips before going after them.

“Bitte sicher sein, Bruder.” I said and he looked at me. It was one of those moments where you feel a piece of you going away, but you knew it would come back at some point.

All he did was nod before nudging me in the other direction.

I grabbed Krystel’s hand tightly, our fingers lacing automatically, and we sprinted away. The sounds of barking and more crashing followed us in our escape.