Page 29 of Toward Immortal Ruin

As they made their way toward a massive white dome that seemed like a central location, Eden feasted her eyes on the sights. Gorgeous homes dotted the walkway that led out from Nero’s home, varying in architecture and style, size, and scope. While some were new builds—given the state of the recently laid grass—several appeared more traditional and weathered.

She did notice one thing all the homes had in common: they were missing garages. Perhaps all of the cars were housed in a common car park.

When Nero opened the door to the dome and she stepped into the chilled, air-conditioned air, Eden forgot all about the differences and felt her jaw drop.

Massive windows sprawled from the floor to halfway up the dome, illuminating the entire area with brilliant white sunshine. Minimalist décor only enhanced the classical lines and elegance of the venue.

“Whatisthis place? Except heaven’s antechamber?”

“It’s our only official building. A gathering hall of sorts when we need to do so. But mostly, it’s where our offices are and where we keep some rec stuff.”

“You keep saying ‘we’,” Eden remarked while he led her down a hallway. “Is it a traditional community or …?”

Or a cult, her mind offered.

Nero’s genial laughter boomed, ricocheting off the walls. “Not a cult. I could read that one all over your face. Originally, yes, a small Samoan settlement ornu'u,the place we belong to. But we’ve grown a bit since then. We’re not exclusive and ‘adopt’ people all the time. Don’t we, Key?”

Startled, Eden turned around to look at the person Nero addressed over her shoulder. She found herself face to face with one of the most beautiful woman she’d ever beheld. White-blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders, stick straight but thick and lustrous. The apparition’s vibrant eyes, a golden-brown Eden would’ve thought an impossible hue, were so stunning that she couldn’t help but stare.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you in person,” Key greeted.

“In person?”

“I’ve read your book.” Key’s smile only grew. “I’m a big fan of the era, myself.”

Eden would always fawn whenever someone said they’d taken the time to read her book. She’d dedicated nearly four years of her life to it, and reader interest was a gift unlike any other.

“Wow! That’s such a coincidence! Did you like it?”

“I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t stop. It was riveting,” the other woman admitted. “Can’t wait to read more in the future.”

Although braced for it from experience, the words were a kick to the gut. The metallic click of high heels announced someone’s impending arrival, saving Eden from a reaction that would out her secret.Not yet. I get to enjoy this a bit more.

She glanced around, unwilling to let another vision of female perfection blindside her. There was something in the paradise-blue water that made everyone here stunning.

When the mysterious woman finally appeared around the corner, she was indeed breathtaking—andwaytoo far away for Eden to have heard her approach.

Attributing the odd blip in her hearing to the acoustics of the dome, Eden found herself gawking once again. This particular supermodel—vampire queen?—had piercing sapphire eyes one could see even from miles away. A waterfall of red curls, much more vibrant and rich than Eden’s own coppery strands, completed the otherworldly vision.

“This is Luna, our resident doctor,” Nero explained, his tone light and playful. “Another one of our adopted residents. Eden, Luna. Luna, Eden.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Eden.”

They shook hands. “Nice meeting you, too. Though I’ve gotta say, whatever they’re putting in the water over here, I need some. You all have beautiful bone structure.”

The surprise on their faces made her blush, but Luna quickly covered the awkwardness with a smile. “Mahalo, Eden—though I think you’re doing just fine for yourself.”

“I’d echo that, professor. You’re gorgeous.”

Nero slung a possessive arm around her waist, and made weapon-grade eye contact with her. There was no way the man had a permit for that much genuine intensity.

“Before Key and Luna decide to abduct you for shopping or something equally as torturous,” he said, “I wanted to show you one more thing.”

As the two women waved a goodbye, he sifted his fingers through hers. She allowed him to tug her down a hallway, toward several empty offices. Part of her began to wonder if this was where the virgin sacrifices portion of the tour came in.

The last office was clearly Nero’s; she could tell his style as soon they walked in. He immediately started rooting around in one of the drawers. “I have it here somewhere. Hold on.”

“Holding.”

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