“What does he expect to get out of her?” Re asked in bafflement.
“He thinks she's in cahoots with Vervain.” Sin grimaced. “This isn't your fault, V, it's mine. I asked Ninkasi to help. I tried to reason with Marduk, but he wouldn't listen to me so I went to Ninka and asked her if she would let the vampires on the upper floor of the club. I didn't think they'd... damn it all! We need to get her out of there right now!”
“Okay, we're going,” I said. “You just trace us where they're holding her.”
“Not you, Vervain,” Trevor declared. “You're staying here.”
“Ninkasi was trying to help me and now she's probably being tortured, Trevor,” I snapped. “I'm going. If nothing else, I can distract Marduk while you rescue her.”
“Carus, please,” Azrael implored. “Don't risk yourself. We can get her back without you.”
“We're wasting time,” Sin said urgently. “No one has to risk themselves, we can go invisible and sneak in. I told you; I know where they are. I've been inside Marduk's house. He doesn't even have wards up; he's that fucking arrogant.”
My men looked at each other and then at me.
I went to the intercom and pushed the button. “Gather the Intare. We're going on a rescue mission.”
“Yes, Tima!” came through the speaker.
I started texting as I headed back into my dressing room.
“What are you doing now?” Sin gaped at me.
“Well, if I'm going to fight, I need to change.” I looked pointedly at my cotton dress. “And I need to let Blue know to check on his vampires.”
I hit Send and headed for my leathers.
Chapter Nine
Marduk had a significant plot of land on Bahrain's main island. The boxy, cream-stone manor had Middle Eastern influences in its arched windows, columned terraces, and carved, crown-like parapet. I might have appreciated its design more if I hadn't known who lived there.
Sin directed our trace and brought us through the Aether—the magical realm that holds the other realms together—and into Marduk's garden; right behind the cover of some manicured bushes. By “us” I mean; a handful of Intare, Odin, Trevor, Re, Azrael, Viper, and me. Kirill had stayed home with the children.
Marduk's garden worked in harmony with its environment, using a lot of the local flora in its design. Spiky palms of various heights from squat to soaring gathered around pebbled walkways bordered by iron lanterns. Delicate jasmine scented the air and clusters of bright flowers spotted the sandy ground. The sun shone brutally, unimpeded by any cloud, bringing the garden to life and making my dragon rumbled happily. We walked unseen along the path, Sin in the lead with all of us holding hands like children so no one would get lost.
Sin took us to a side door. “Just give me a second to peek in this window,” he whispered back to us. Then, “All clear.”
The door opened without even the smallest creak, and we filed inside rapidly. Sparse rooms of low furniture and stone walls opened off the main hallway. Spots of color from vibrant rugs and pillows kept the home from feeling bland, but it was easy to see that Marduk wasn't big on decorating. Salt-tinged air flowed in open windows and cooled the space along with the help of the thick stone walls, preventing a stifling build-up of heat despite the lack of an air conditioner. We padded across tile floors, past empty rooms, and then up a slender staircase with a wrought-iron railing. I heard voices before we'd reached the stairs and by the time we crept onto the second-floor landing, I could clearly make out the conversation. Or interrogation, rather.
“You must know something, Ninkasi.” That was Marduk; I'd know his snide tone anywhere.
“I told you; I didn't know they were friends of Vervain,” Ninkasi protested. “How could I? It's not like I check credentials at the door. They were just some random vampires.”
“Then why did you let them into our level of the club?” He persisted.
“Because they're vampires,” she said in a duh tone. “Vampires are demigods; they had every right to be there.”
There was a pregnant silence as we crept closer.
“I truly wish you'd be more forthcoming.” Marduk sighed heavily. “I like you, Ninkasi. I don't want to hurt you.”
“Save it, Marduk. We both know that you enjoy giving pain. Whether you like me or not hardly matters.”
Marduk chuckled. “Perhaps. Still, I'd prefer to have the Godhunter strapped to my chair than you. Why don't you tell me where she is, and we can make a trade?”
“Let's go!” Sin hissed and dropped his invisibility.
Invisibility works well with humans but most gods could sense the energy of another god if they knew to look for it. So, once we started fighting and gave ourselves away, it would become useless. Still, I held onto mine until I stood right behind Marduk; I'd take every last second of advantage that I could get.
Marduk had Ninkasi in a heavy, wooden chair with metal bands at wrists and ankles. It looked well-used if you catch my drift, the wood stained dark with blood and getting more stained by the moment. Ninka didn't try to fight her restraints but sat calmly facing off with Marduk, looking regal despite her bedraggled and beaten state. A cut in her lip had congealed but there were several slices on her upper arms, bleeding through her long sleeves.
Marduk looked impeccable in a pair of tan slacks and a cotton button-down shirt. Correction; he would have looked impeccable if not for the bloodstains all over his white shirt. Despite that, the rest of him looked polished. His walnut hair swept back from his stern but handsome face to fall to his shoulders in gentle waves, not a single hair out of place. Fire flashed in Marduk's dark eyes as he leaned in to confront Ninkasi, one hand holding a wicked blade. It really was too bad about
