Empowered (Unbound, Book 6)

Chapter Twenty-Eight

"Have you explored the house yet?" I asked, turning my head to glance at Maible as we walked side-by-side down the hallway in the Manor to the library. "Information can be found outside of books too."

"So far?" Maible kept her gaze forward. "I have found the paint room, library, kitchen, office and our rooms. And the bathrooms, of course."

"This house is too big."

"Agreed."

"Did you like the presents?"

Maible scoffed. "I told you I didn't want hand-me-downs."

"You also told me you didn't want to talk to me ever again. Or was that see me? Either way, we are walking in the other's company and talking, so I know you can change your mind." I shook my head. "They were new things. I was serious about not wanting them to go to waste. You could donate them to a charity, if you'd rather."

"So now I'm charity?"

We reached the door to the library and I put my hand on the frame to block Maible from entering. "That's not what I meant. You aren't charity and don't need hand-me-down things. I meant you may like something in the presents, and I'd rather you have what you want. If neither of us want the presents, give them away so they aren't wasted."

"Fine. I'll look through them."

I nodded, though Maible still didn't look up. I shuffled my feet and dropped my arm to my side. "You know, why don't we explore? I found something I think you'll find fascinating. Up for it?"

"What?" Maible looked up and smirked.

"Have you been in the sine cellar?"

"I don't think you should drink before driving, and I'm pretty sure you don't want to stay."

"I'm not stupid, Maible."

"Okay?"

"Come on. It's faster to show you than to explain it." Pivoting, I continued down the hall until we reached the door. I pointed to it. "I promise it's nothing bad. Given how much history you have tucked away about the community, I bet you'll love this."

"Devland won't be mad?" She looked at the door, seeming interested but wary.

"He's never said not to." I shrugged. "To me, that's implied consent to everyone that lives here. Come on. I'll take the blame if he gets mad, though I don't think it will be an issue. He wants us to bond like family and learn more about our abilities. Going together helps the first and, as this is a founding family's home, what I'm going to show you guarantee the last."

"Fine." Maible sighed and gestured at the doorknob. "Let's get this over before Devland returns."

"You sound so excited, I can barely contain my own," I said despite feeling the same, and Maible rolled her eyes.

At first when Maible suggested the library, I was excited to see a glimmer of my friend. As we talked, I realized I didn't really want to read. I wanted to do. The cellar might hold answers—at least regarding Devil's Breath—and I wanted to find them. Showing Maible was the only way and, if Devland did catch us, going together would hopefully squander suspicion he'd have if I was caught alone. Plus, my objective at the Manor was to make a connection between Devland and the missing people. I needed to know one way or another, even if he wasn't responsible and I didn't find a way to prevent missing people, I may be able to have Devland removed from Council.

"Do you remember what we were taught about tunnels?" I opened the door and flicked the light on. "That door leads us to them."

"And why is it in a wine cellar?"