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see anything, that didn't mean it was safe.

Glancing back at the front lawn, Cole noticed that the vamps that moved through the building were all spilling out onto the front lawn. They seemed to be moving toward Sophia. A truck was also approaching the front gates, bouncing down the driveway, flanked by guards on snow mobiles. Sophia spread her arms wide and laughed as the wind battered her skirt, streaking it like spilled blood across a canvas of white snow.

Cole turned toward the room of pale faces. There was only one thing to do, one way to proceed. Cassie was going to kill him. Drawing himself up to his full height, Cole spoke with authority that shocked most of them. Chaucer leaned against the door, watching, as if he knew Cole was capable of so much more.

"The vamps are moving to a single location on the front lawn. This is a deviation from the information I gleaned earlier." Cole's gaze cut from face to face and finally landed on Cassie's. Her brown eyes were narrowing, as if she knew what he was going to say before he said it. "We're exiting through the south side of the palace. It's our best bet. Once outside, we travel on foot until morning. If you fall behind, you're left behind." He directed that comment at Brent specifically, before continuing. "I'm going outside first to make sure we can get out. Do not leave this room. Understand? Chaucer, guard the door. Kill anything that comes through it. It should take me twenty minutes to reach the South exit and survey the path to the outer wall."

Cassie pushed to the front of the group, "I'm coming with you."

"No, you aren't. You're staying here where I know you'll be safe." Cole didn't even he look at her.

Cassie snapped at his heels, following him to the door like she intended to punch Chaucer in the face if he tried to stop her. "You can't tell me what to do anymore! We aren't children. Going out there alone is stupid. At least let me - "

Cole rounded on her. Lowering his face to hers, he hissed, "There's nothing you can do, Cassie. Stay here. If something happens to me, you'll be the one they look to for help. If I'm not back within the hour, move out. You can't stay here. Understand?"

"Cole," she pleaded, but he was already out the door.

Looking over his shoulder, Cole saw Cassie's big brown eyes watching him walk away. "Lock it," he said to Chaucer, who nodded and pressed the door shut. When Cole heard the click, he took off at a full run.

Chapter 34

Celticad moved through the ancient tunnel, his feet slipping on the icy stone floor. Although the tunnel was still there, it wasn't in pristine condition. The King followed behind with a wide grin on his face.

"Where will this lead to in the palace?"

Celticad spoke over his shoulder, "I'm not certain, exactly. It depends on which tunnel we follow. There are more paths down here that will meet up with this one."

"What a splendid night," the King said, beaming. "Two of my biggest problems are about to right themselves." The King sensed her. Somewhere back there in the darkness was the girl. As soon as she stepped foot in the tunnel, it was like someone touched a flame to his skin. Kahli was following him. He couldn't have asked for a better present.

The King moved faster, urging Celticad on. He had to reach the Queen first and destroy her before dealing with the girl. He didn't want Sophia to have the chance at more blood. As it was, he knew Sophia would be more powerful, but it didn't concern him. The sound of dripping water filled his ears.

"What do you mean, my Lord?" Celticad asked, not looking behind him at the smiling King. Waving his massive hand, he cleared away cobwebs and walked on.

"Just that, Celticad. Your reward is behind us, trying to spring on us like a spider. Be ready for her," the King replied.

Celticad jerked to a stop and spun around, "The girl is in the tunnel?"

The King nodded, "So it would seem."

"Should I bring her to you?" he asked, Celticad's massive face pinching together as he thought.

The King shook his head, "No, let her come to us. Just be ready for her, and if the time comes, don't kill her. Is that clear?"

Celticad nodded and turned on his heel, continuing down the slick tunnel at a