Page 9 of Vampire's Hearth

“This chamber is known as the Cathedral,” said David. “You’ll notice on the surrounding walls that the designs etched in the rocks resemble the abstract work found on many stained glass windows.”

“Is that the only reason it’s called the Cathedral?” The man in black smirked as he asked the question. My arms tingled as I heard his voice, drawing my attention to him. Somewhere in the deepest parts of my mind, I could imagine us lazing together in conversation. Goose bumps rose on my arms as I thought of being close to him.

David returned the smile before glancing around at us. “No, it isn’t the only reason it’s called the Cathedral.” He pointed at the black circle. “This ring is thought to be where rituals were performed within this cavern. We know that Indigenous groups gathered here, but we aren’t sure of the exact purpose of those rituals yet.”

David’s smile widened, a glint of storytelling mischief in his eyes. “It’s also whispered that a cursed family once roamed these caverns—powerful, dark souls known as the O'Cillians. Four men: Cormac, Lorcan, Aiden, and Conall. No one knows if they were related or not.”

I stiffened and concentrated on taking slow, steady breaths, masking the sudden chill that skittered up my spine as best I could.

“Aurora, listen closely. Those stories told around our fires are warnings,”hissed my mother’s voice.“The O’Cillians were vicious and evil, nearly unstoppable in their time. No one knows why they faded into obscurity.”

I glanced at the man just in time to see him look away. Why did he keep watching me?

David continued, unaware of my discomfort. “The O'Cillians were warlocks said to have practiced rites that bound life and death, merging mortal and immortal in ways no one dared understand.” He pointed at a dark pathway off to the side. “It just so happens that if you go down that passage, there is a smaller room we call the Chapel, believed to be a site used for their smaller, darker rituals. Unfortunately, it is off-limits because of the treacherous path.”

He looked around the group, his eyes asking for further questions. “We’ll take a few minutes to look around and continue.”

I wanted to ask the man in black if he believed the ghost stories David was sharing, but he had disappeared from view.Good.I would no longer be distracted by the handsome stranger. I pushed him from my mind as I formulated a plan to get to the Chapel.

David sat on one of several stone benches around the room. I scrunched my face in faux pain as I wrapped my arms around my stomach.

“Excuse me,” I said, causing my voice to crack as I spoke.

David’s eyes swept over me. “Are you okay?”

I forced a tight smile to my lips. “I will be. I’m just not feeling very well. Migraine. Can I stay here and walk out when I feel better?”

David nodded. “It happens. The difference in the air pressure and the temperature does that to some people. Follow the path out, and please don’t wander. We don’t want to send a team back to find you.”

I laughed and flinched as though the sound hurt my head. “I promise I will go straight out of the cave and back to my campsite. Thank you so much for understanding, and I’m sorry I won’t be able to finish the tour with you.”

David nodded. “It isn’t a problem. I hope you feel better.”

I sat on a bench across from him, dropping my backpack at my feet. When I glanced up, the man was staring at me. I averted my eyes and studied my bag.

A minute later, David stood. “Is everyone ready to keep moving?” While the group gathered around him, the girl I had spoken to earlier glanced at me and raised an eyebrow.

“Let’s keep going,” said David.

The girl smiled and gave me a small wave, which I returned. Relief loosened my shoulders when the group walked from the room.

Cormac

Ifollowed David and our group out of the Cathedral. It had been at least a hundred years since I had been here. Concrete paths now ran where dirt had once rested beneath my feet, and electric lights ensured mortals did not have to bring a flashlight. But the rugged beauty of the cavern remained. It seemed odd that the woman was staying behind. I overheard her telling our guide her head hurt, but her body echoed with the heightened heartbeat of a lie.

She had been a distraction from the moment I saw her. Her long brown hair, so dark it was nearly black, created a backdrop for her brilliant green eyes. Her ivory skin was smooth and beautiful. A luminescence glowed from within. There was something about her, something dangerous to people of mykind—captivating and alluring. Her simple black tank top and fitted pants showed her toned, athletic form. She wore several necklaces with charms of stones or symbols. I did not want to trifle with this woman, but her determination to stay in that room piqued my curiosity.

I caught up to David at the front of our group and cleared my throat. “Excuse me. Is there a reason she’s not coming with us?”

David nodded. “She doesn’t feel well. She’ll find her way out once she feels better.”

“Are you sure that’s safe?” I wanted to convince him that abandoning her was a bad idea. I didn’t think the situation warranted the use of compulsion. There were other, easier ways to handle it.

“It happens all the time,” he repeated. “She’ll be just fine. In the meantime, why don’t we continue ahead so we can see everything on our list?” His charming smile may have drawn many to his agenda, but it had the opposite effect on me.

“I think I’m going to find her,” I said. “I would hate for her to stumble while unwell.” A nervous pit opened in my stomach, but the reason for it eluded me.

The guide shrugged. “If you insist, but I’m sure she’s okay.”

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