Gabriel let out several low expletives as we continued closer to the shield. It vibrated with energy—magical energy. The sound of women and children crying filled the night, and among the shattered vehicles was a mess of blood and limbs. Most of the people, though, were staring up at the barrier in fear and fascination.
“This is Theodore’s doing,” Gabriel said quietly. “He’s trapped us all in.” He paused and pointed to the carnage. “Those people tried to drive through it and look what happened.”
“Shit,” I whispered, not knowing what else to say.
I’d thought Theodore fled in terror when he saw Cristescu transform. Clearly, he wasn’t too terrified if he managed to construct something like this.
“Well,” I said. “It looks like nobody’s going anywhere right now. We’d better get back to the others and find somewhere for all of us to sleep tonight.”
Gabriel nodded, and we began walking back. Once we reached the minivan, I quickly filled everyone in on what was going on. Alvie trembled while Delilah looked out the window with a resigned expression. Ira rested his furry head on her lap, and Alora moved warily to the front of the van.
“Can I sit up here with you?” she asked hesitantly.
My eyes roamed her pretty face and her unseeing, unfocused eyes before I responded, “Sure, you can.”
She exhaled with relief and climbed between the seats. Once she settled in beside me her hands fumbled at her sides, trying to find the straps for her seatbelt. My eyes softened.
“Hey,” I murmured. “Let me help you.”
Her hands stilled, and she nodded once. I took the seatbelt and secured it over her chest and around her waist, my hands brushing the smooth material of her dress as I did so.
With Alora strapped in, I turned the van around and began driving away in the direction of the city. I thought about bringing everyone to my place but reconsidered. Perhaps it would be a good idea to stay under the radar for awhile until we could get the lay of the land. I exited the motorway, spotting a sign up ahead with the universal symbols for food and accommodation. A couple of minutes later, I turned into the parking lot of a large chain hotel, with a red brick, one storey diner beside it.
“Anyone hungry?” I asked as I parked in one of the many free spots. Almost the entire place was empty, but the lights were on in the diner and there were a few people inside, so I presumed it was open.
“I’m starving,” Alvie exclaimed, and Gabriel shot him an affectionate smile.
“Right, you all go and get some food while I book us into the hotel,” I said, sliding out of the minivan.
Everybody started walking towards the diner, but Alora remained by my side. Her cheeks were flushed as she said, “I’ll stay with you if that’s alright.”
Something about her statement pinched at my chest. Did she feel safe with me? Without a word, I slipped my hand into hers and guided her towards the hotel entrance. A woman with a purple rinse hairdo sat at the reception desk thumbing through a gossip magazine. She looked up when we entered and raised an eyebrow at Alora’s long silk dress and bare feet.
I gave the woman my best charming smile as I stepped up and leaned one arm on the counter. “How are ya doing …” My eyes went to her name tag. “Vera?”
She put her magazine aside and gave me the once over, her tongue wetting her lips as her eyes moved along my body. “Not too bad. Saw a few crazies on the news. Must be a full moon or something. It’s been quiet around here though,” she answered.
“That’s good to hear. I need rooms for six people if you have availability.”
She tapped on her computer screen. “I can give you three twin rooms or one family room. If you go for the family room, two of you will have to sleep on the sofa bed.”
Real classy joint, this place.
I was tempted to go for the family room since it might be better if we all stuck together, but then I thought about how crowded that would be and opted for the three twin rooms instead. The two ladies could stay together, and I’d room with Ira, so Gabriel and Alvie could have some privacy.
I handed over my credit card, and Purple Rinse slid it through the scanner before giving it back to me.
“My friend here lost her shoes. We had a bit of a wild night. You wouldn’t know where I could buy her a pair of slippers, would you?”
“I can get her a pair of the hotel flip flops we sell for the swimming pool,” Purple Rinse suggested.
“Thanks, that’d be great.”
She left her desk, and I slumped back against the counter. I hadn’t slept properly in about a week, and exhaustion was beginning to take its toll.