“I don’t know, but we need to get out of here,” Gabriel answered.
“A human in the Immortal world doesn’t stand much of a chance,” Ully said.
“You think I don’t know that?” Gabe snarled. “I defied Death to rescue her. Played right into Darkyn’s hands. I’m a fucking fool!”
“You couldn’t have known,” Ully said. “But if she stays with the demon, who knows what Darkyn’s plan is. And if she runs …”
“She’s dead-dead,” Gabe finished.
“Gabe, get us out of here! I have to help her!” Toby shouted. “Where’s Rhyn? He’ll save us!”
“Calm down, Toby,” the death-dealer said. “Right now, there’s nothing we can do. Let me think in peace.”
Toby’s heart somersaulted in his breast, and he tried hard to reach the depths of the powers that would be his when he was just a little older. He couldn’t. He was trapped, useless, unable to help the woman he was assigned to guard. Tears of frustration blurred his vision. Ully smiled gently at him from across the hall.
“We’ll think of something, Toby,” the mad scientist said. “Okay? Don’t panic. We’ll figure something out.”
The phantom stayed with Katie throughout the night and into the first light of morning. Katie didn’t sleep, not with the creepy phantom and no sign of Gabriel. She huddled in the hollow of the tree by the lake, praying for Gabe to reappear.
Find Rhyn now. The same voice that got her into this mess and told her to drown herself had given her this reminder twice. Katie sensed she wasn’t safe where she was, but she didn’t want to travel without Gabriel.
Midmorning warmed the world around her, and she rose finally. The phantom disappeared. Katie turned towards the lake and drew a deep breath. She would find her way back to Rhyn.
“This way,” Gabriel’s voice startled her.
She turned to see him motion her towards the jungle surrounding the lake. His clothing was torn, and blood stained his skin. He appeared to have been running; his boots were covered in mud that had splashed to his thighs, and his face was flushed.
“Gabe!” she exclaimed. “Are you okay?”