Page 37 of Dark Shaman: Love Found
"The first and second levels are fine, but the air circulation systems are not yet operational, so it's not safe to be there for an extended period of time."
Areana frowned. "What about the men who work on those systems? How are they breathing down there?"
"They must wear masks and take frequent breaks. In addition to the bad air circulation, the humidity is quite oppressive."
"I can imagine," Areana said. "We won't stay long. The ladies and I want to collect a few belongings, and then we will stay out of your way."
"Of course." Hassan gestured toward the entrance. "I must warn you, the emergency lighting is all we have at the moment. It's quite dim in there."
"We will manage," Areana said. "But before we go down, I want to thank you, Hassan." She touched his arm lightly. "You and Nabin saved many lives with your quick thinking and even quicker action. We are all in your debt."
The engineer's face flushed at the praise. "We did what was necessary, my lady. I'm just grateful we were able to prevent loss of life." He looked at Eluheed. "Elias helped. I'm not sure everyone would have made it out safely without him."
"Yes." Areana smiled. "We are grateful to Elias as well."
As they descended into the harem, Eluheed understood Hassan's warnings. The air was thick, almost syrupy with humidity, carrying the musty scent of water damage, mildew, and the acrid undertone of industrial fans working to dry the space. Emergency lighting cast everything in harsh shadows, making the familiar corridors seem alien and unwelcoming.
"It's like breathing soup," Liliat muttered, pulling at the neckline of her dress.
They took the stairs down to the second level where the concubines' quarters were located, and as they entered the familiar hallway, it didn't look the same. It felt oppressive, the beautiful tapestries removed, the walls showing water marks despite this level having escaped the direct flooding.
"I want to go to my room," Tamira said. "To see what survived and grab a few dresses."
"The air is terrible." Areana was breathing shallowly and fanning herself with her hand. "Make it quick. Gather whatyou need and come out as soon as you can. We shall meet at the gazebo."
As the ladies dispersed to their respective quarters, Eluheed followed Tamira. Tony had disappeared with Tula, seeking their own moment of privacy.
Tamira's door stood open, and she paused at the threshold. "It looks so different," she said softly. "And yet the same."
Eluheed moved to stand beside her, wrapping his arm around her. They were safe here; the other guards, those who were not part of the harem personnel, had remained outside, guarding the entrance to the pavilion.
The workers used the staircase, and they had no reason to enter the second level.
The room indeed seemed different. The harsh emergency lighting made it look foreign, and water stains crept up the walls as they had in the hallway—evidence of the pervasive humidity and the water-saturated concrete.
"Your books," he said, noticing the empty shelves. "Did the workers move them?"
"I hope they did that to protect them from the moisture." She stepped inside, walking toward her wardrobe. "Help me pack some dresses."
She hadn't taken any on the way out because they were not crucial or irreplaceable, but there was no rush now, and she could take her time and collect what she wanted to wear around the mansion.
He walked over to the bed and removed one of the pillowcases. "Here. You can stash things in this."
She smiled. "That's a great idea. Can you get another? I want to take as many dresses as I can. I hate what they sell in the island store."
"Of course." He removed another pillowcase and helped her stuff dresses and shoes inside.
The last item he took was his hat. "I hope no one will notice that I got it here."
She turned to him, and for a moment, they simply looked at each other. The air between them crackled with unspoken words, suppressed desires, and the weight of their impossible situation.
"How are you managing?" she asked. "The hotel must be strange after this."
"Tony snores and talks in his sleep," he said, winning a small smile from her. "But the strangest part is not being with you. Sometimes I find it hard to breathe."
She nodded. "It's the same for me. The mansion is a prison with better lighting. Every move is watched, every word is reported. At least here we have the illusion of privacy."
"Tamira—"
