Page 62 of Tainted Souls
Evan yawns, stretching his arms wide overhead. “And miss all the excitement? Not a chance.”
I roll my eyes but don’t argue. Their presence has been a comfort, a reminder that despite everything, I’m not completely alone.
“What’s the plan for today?” Haden asks, sinking into the chair next to Evan.
“Nothing.” I take a big bite from my bar.
Even if I wanted to do something, I couldn’t. Going hunting right now is like asking to get caught, knowing Cain and his followers are not just watching my every move, but trying tocontrol the ones around me too. Going outside to do anything right now is just senseless. Every step I make, I’m pushed back two. Until I figure out what I’m dealing with, it’s in everyone’s best interest for me to stay neatly tucked away within the moderately safe borders of Penn City.
“Nothing?” Evan’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Did I hear that right?”
Haden nearly chokes on his bloda. “I’m not sure I did.”
I roll my eyes, leaning lazily against the counter. “I’m officially off duty until Monday.”
Evan and Haden exchange a look of theatrical shock.
“Someone check if hell has frozen over,” Evan says dramatically.
Haden lifts his hand and presses the side of it to his forehead, as if to block the sun and look around.
I throw my energy bar wrapper at him. “Very funny.”
Evan stands up, suddenly energized. “We are so doing something fun today. Non-negotiable.”
“What do you have in mind?” I ask skeptically, already feeling apprehensive about whatever scheme is forming in his head.
“Holloway District.” Evan’s eyes light up. “It’s been a while since we last visited their underground market. I heard they’ve got vendors from Mythcrest this weekend.”
Local vendors usually peddle cheap, sub-par goods, but Mythcrestean ones are different. Most of the stuff they bring is rare, authentic, of high quality, and overall worth the trouble of seeking out.
Haden claps his hands together. “I’m in.”
I consider protesting. The idea of crowds doesn’t exactly appeal to me right now, but the sheer excitement on their faces stops me. When was the last time I did somethingjustfor fun?
“Sure,” I cave, “but I need a shower first.”
Evan whoops, high-fiving Haden across the table.
“I can still change my mind,” I warn, but I’m already heading for the bathroom.
Half an hour later, we’re making our way through one of the many public tunnels of the city—well-lit, patrolled, and connecting various districts, allowing safe passage for vampires during the day as well as humans who may simply prefer a darker route.We all have our reasons. Unlike Viktor’s illegal smuggling channels buried deep in the bowels of the earth, these tunnels were established after the war as a legitimate transportation network.
Checkpoints marked by sleek, curved archways embedded with pulsing blue lights dot every junction. Scanners check our IDs as we pass through, the barriers humming softly as they recognize our authorized signatures.
The tunnel eventually opens into a spacious, circular chamber with multiple branching paths. Digital maps on the walls mark each route with color-coded symbols. The ceiling is lined with artificial sunlight panels, designed to make the underground feel less claustrophobic.
“Holloway Market is the purple glyph,” says Haden.
He points in the direction we’re supposed to go, funneling us into the steady stream of people heading the same way.
The tunnel walls are adorned with murals depicting scenes from Penn City’s history: its founding, followed by the establishment of the first vampire-human accords, and the settlement of Northcross after the Industrial War that made it all possible in the first place. All sanitized history, of course, leaving out the bloodier aspects of our shared past.
“So,” Evan says, nudging me with his elbow as we walk, “what are you going to buy at the market?”
“Who says I’m buying anything?”
“Come on, you can’t go to Holloway Market and not buy something.”
