Scarlet Rain (The Escaped #2) Read Free Page A

ushering her deeper into the blackness.
    They rounded a corner, and Eva’s eyes focused on the only source of light in unending dark. Majestic sapphire waters undulated rhythmically and cast wide beams of turquoise light from a raised basin in the center of the room.
    “It’s beautiful,” Eva whispered.
    “It is. However, it is not why I brought you here. This, the Hall of Echoes, was once vibrant and full of life. Out of all of the magics we possess, this room contains the most important.” Maiden stepped to the side and glanced down. A pothole-sized puddle glimmered on the charcoal floor.
    “What is it?” Eva asked, kneeling next to the pool.
    “It is how I knew to save Alek, and how we monitor the happenings of the Mortal Realm. It is also how we are able to protect ourselves from the loosed evils seeking vengeance upon us.”
    “How many more of these are there?”
    “We used to have many. Now, this is all that remains.”
    “What will happen if this one disappears too?”
    “Without these pools, this pool, we would be left blind. If we were attacked, the outcome would be the same as if you and Alek failed in your missions.”
    “The rest of the bad guys would be free,” Eva murmured.
    “Yes.”
    “We have to figure out how to put them back before it’s too late.”
    “Every time you and Alek return one of the creatures that escaped to its place within Tartarus’s jail, life surges through the Underworld. Restore another evil to its place in our dungeon, and you will also restore Tartarus.”
    Eva stared at the calm water and asked, “It’ll show you anything you want to see?”
    “A simple way to put it, but, yes.” Maiden squatted next to her and placed her hand over Eva’s. “Think of who you most want a vision of. Can you see the person clearly in your mind?”
    Eva nodded.
    “Good. Now, do not lose focus.” Maiden lifted Eva’s hand and swirled both of their fingertips in the cool water. Color burst to the surface and an image rippled into place.
    “Mom.” Tears flooded Eva’s eyes and rushed down her cheeks as Lori’s soft features came into focus. “I miss her so much. This is the longest I’ve gone without talking to her. As soon as I get back, I’m going to fix this. All of it.”
    “You need not be saddened.” Maiden tilted Eva’s chin so their eyes met. “Within you is the power to regain control and finally put an end to this curse.”
    “You think so?”
    “I know. In time, you will too. Now, let us move to something more joyful, yes?”
    Eva wiped her eyes and let Maiden guide her to her feet.
    “There is something I have dreamed of showing to someone other than my sisters. They cannot appreciate this, as I know you will. Would you like to see it?”
    Eva shrugged as she dried the last of her tears from her cheeks. “As long as it’s not scary or stinky.”
    Maiden again looped her arm through Eva’s and directed her back into the dark. “I assure you, it is neither. Although, you just might die.”
    Eva stiffened as she thought of all of the possible creatures and lamenting spirits Tartarus might house. Tempering her uneasiness, she let Maiden guide her further into the twisting black of Tartarus.

Three
    James sat at his desk, absentmindedly clicking the end of his pen, staring blankly at the computer screen. She was there. Right in front of me. And then she was gone. Vanished. Poof. He replayed the moments in Mohawk Park before Eva’s disappearance. People don’t just disappear. He clicked the pen a few more times. I aimed my gun. Told her not to come any closer. Then there was that noise. And the smell, like something burning.
    The double doors leading into the front of the station flew open. Their etched-glass panels rattled, jerking James from his thoughts.
    “Ma’am! Ma’am! You can’t go back there!” A young officer jogged down the hall, calling after the woman who’d stormed through the doors.
    “Lori Kostas?” James’s brow furrowed as he