She was on her own, and she had no idea how she was ever going to get out of this again.
At least I’m going to die knowing the truth... There are all sorts of monsters out there, and I know it. Maybe that’s why they’re after me.
They flew for perhaps half an hour. It was difficult to tell how much time had passed. It was still dark when the dragon began to descend, but she could see ragged rocks glinting faintly in the light of the moon.
The dragon had carried her into the mountains.
Maybe it’s after the same thing I am...
Then the ground rushed up to meet them, and she closed her eyes in terror.
A heartbeat later, she found herself ungently set down. Her knees were shaking so badly that it took a lot of effort to remain upright—but she wouldn’t give her kidnappers the satisfaction of seeing her crumple to the ground in fear.
“What are you?” she demanded, staring at the dragon’s large head.
In its mouth, she could see the cruel glint of sharp teeth. Instinctively, she shuddered when the monster’s jaws parted.
Then, just like that, the dragon’s body shimmered. A moment later, the dragon was gone. Instead, a man stood in front of her. He was wearing an outfit of black leather. His hair was black as well, several strands shimmering red.
And his eyes were dark and cruel—just like Lou’s eyes had looked. As if a shadow was looking out at the world through them.
She took a step back. Then she sensed movement behind her. Shocked, she twirled around—and found herself face to face with a small group of men.
All of them watched her from eyes tainted by darkness. And there, among them, stood Lou.
“What do you want from me?”
“We know what you’re looking for,” the man who’d been a dragon said. “We’re looking for the same thing. And you’ll lead us there.”
“Why the hell would I do that?” she spat, even though she was still trembling. “I know what you are! You’re monsters. Demons. Possibly even aliens. And soon, everyone will know. I’m going to—”
“You’ll do nothing,” the man said impatien
tly. “You’re our prisoner. You’ll do as you’re told.”
He nodded at one of the men behind her. “Start exploring. You know what to look for.”
Chiara gritted her teeth. It was getting lighter now—the sun would rise soon. In the lifting gloom, she could make out mountains that looked strangely familiar.
She hadn’t made her way up into the mountains yet. But she’d studied pictures online before booking her flight. She’d spent hours on Google Maps.
She knew exactly where she was. They’d brought her right where the map had wanted her to go. Somewhere in this rocky mountain valley, a path began that would lead to the hidden artifact.
Shit. I don’t even have a weapon.
The dragon turned away from her. At his nod, the other men began to swarm out, exploring the valley.
And ten minutes later, they returned.
“I found something, Zane,” one of them said. “It looks like the entrance.”
“Give me her map,” Zane demanded.
Horrified, Chiara saw one of the shadow-eyed men produce her bag. Zane rummaged inside it, then pulled out the battered old book and opened it.
He studied the map for a long moment, his eyes narrowed in concentration. Then he folded it up, giving the men another curt nod. “Let’s go.”
Even if Chiara’d owned a weapon, it would have been no use against a group of six men and one dragon.