The Underground City of Cinders

Chapter 13

I took a sluggish breath to steady myself. No matter how many times I tried to reassure myself I was innocent, I felt somewhat responsible for the series of occurrences leading up to this unfortunate situation. I questioned myself. Had I done anything to make Miranda want to kill me? Tears pricked the corners of my eyes but I chastised myself. No. I am stronger than this. I took one deep breath. Gradually I lifted myself from the table and stepped swiftly towards the door.

I listened for a lengthy amount of time before gently pushing the door open, peering down the long corridor in both directions. Miranda and the Elder came from this hallway so I should probably take the right hallway. I nodded, believing I was making the right decision, and slowly crept down the hall. There weren't many doors along the wall but when I finally found a door I silently pushed it open. I coughed as a heavy metallic stench coated my lungs. My eyes focused on the shadowy room and the sight that greeted my eyes truly frightened me.

A ghostly figure laid on a metal table similar to the one I had just woken up on. Copious puddles of blood stained the room and I forced myself to look away, breathing a silent prayer that I would get of here and something that terrible wouldn't happen to me. I was suddenly plagued with images of what Miranda was planning to do to me and I shuddered. I had to pry my eyes away from the grisly sight to be able to back out of the room.

Luckily the next room I came across was a supply room with scrubs. I grabbed a pair of scrubs hoping to be able to pass as a nurse. I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths knowing I wouldn't be able to fool anyone if I was walking around like a timid child. Opening my eyes, I straightened my shoulders and walked confidently out of the supply room.

There was a chart hanging on the wall so I quickly grabbed it and pretended to pour over the patient charts. Occasionally I would glance up to verify I was headed in the right direction. I honestly have no idea what is the right direction. It wasn't long before I found a stairwell. I assumed the morgue was in the basement so I figured the best way to go was up.

As voices emanated from above me on the stairs I had a glaring realization I was still weaponless. Why didn't I grab one of those scalpels when I had the chance? I didn't recognize either of the voices but I figured it would be safer for me to hold back. It was a long while before the voices finally dimmed. I resumed my slow creep up the stairs and when I reached the landing I peered up at the floor above me. Why would they bring me to this hospital? Panic stirred within me as footsteps sounded from below. I leaned against the stair railing and busied myself with the chart in my hand. I breathed a silent sigh of relief as a nurse passed by me without a word. Come on, get it together.

I studied the signs hanging above my head, trying to determine the easiest escape route. I shook my head. This place is a maze. How am I ever going to get out of here? I had passed only a few more of the hospital staff but thankfully they meandered right past me. I took a deep breath and turned left down a darkened hallway, following the signs. As I inched toward a nurse's station I was stopped in my tracks. Standing in front of the desk was a beautiful woman, silvery hair flowing half way down her back. She seemed so at ease in her tailored two-piece suit and black pumps.

I don't know how long I stood there gaping at her but she turned to me slowly and smiled, "Well hello Elizabeth. It's so good to finally meet you."

Dimitri pushed his car to the limits of its speedometer. Recalling the events that occurred in the hotel a few nights ago turned his stomach. He could guess with almost certainty he knew where Elizabeth was. He shook his head, thinking bringing her here might have been a bad idea. He had been drowning Chase out since he picked him up but now it was too much to handle, "I don't want to hear your whining. If you want to help Elizabeth then shut the hell up! I swear to god I will leave you on the side of the road."