over a dozen people tapping furiously at the keys.
The staff glanced up at all of them as they walked by, smiled and nodded, then resumed working.
Angelique had no clue what was on those screens, since it looked all sci-fi to her. Everywhere in the room there was something fascinating going on. And things beyond her ability to understand.
“Who works here?” Isabelle asked.
“Scientists, weapons experts, former military personnel, religious and other researchers. You name it, they work for the Realm of Light,” Michael explained.
“How many compounds like this are there?” Ryder asked, his attention focused on the weapons tables.
“Throughout the world we have about. . twenty right now.”
“And how do you fund all this?” Angelique couldn’t begin to fathom the cost of maintaining compounds that housed this much staff, as well as the research they did. Especially creating the futuristic weaponry she’d seen in action. Not to mention sending demon hunters all over the world to fight.
“The Realm is well funded. Always has been. Money is never an issue.”
Well, that was a vague answer. But she supposed she didn’t need to know where the money came from.
“Trust me, Angelique, our resources come from legal means,” Michael assured her.
“I didn’t think otherwise.” Somebody, somewhere, was loaded. That much was certain. Because it took millions, possibly billions, to keep twenty operations like this running.
“So what kind of safety features do you have here? Are we protected from demon attacks?” Angelique asked, mainly for Isabelle’s benefit.
“Yes. This is hallowed ground because the castle contains the ruins of an ancient church. The facility down here actually houses religious, consecrated artifacts, though they’re underground and beneath this room in order to offer protection against a demon attack. The demons will not touch foot on sacred ground. In addition, our security here is massive.”
“I’ve seen demons materialize out of thin air, Michael,” Angelique said. “I don’t think deep underground tunnels or thick walls will keep them out.”
Michael smiled. “No, that’s true enough. But the sanctity of our grounds will. The damned don’t walk the holy places.”
Angelique had guessed that much, which was why she was hoping the black diamond remained safe.
“So in other words, this would be a safe place to test the power of the black diamond in close proximity to Angelique and Isabelle,” Mandy said with an I-told-you-so smirk on her face.
“You don’t realize the power within the black diamond,” Michael said.
“Are you saying the Realm can’t handle it?” she challenged.
“Honestly? I’m not sure.”
“Why didn’t you say that in the first place?”
“Because I’m trying not to scare our guests who don’t work for the Realm,” Michael replied, his meaning obvious.
And that silenced Mandy. She didn’t say a word, just turned and walked away, wandering among the tables to talk to the weapons experts.
“You don’t know what might happen if we’re in contact with the black diamond?” Isabelle asked.
“No, I don’t. But I’m hoping nothing will happen.”
“Like with me in Australia,” Angelique said.
Michael nodded.
“So there’s a chance the same thing will happen with me. I’ll touch it and. . nothing.”
The look of hope on Izzy’s face squeezed Angelique’s heart. She wanted that to be the case, for her sister’s sake. She wanted there to be nothing in common between the black diamond and her sister.
But call it a sixth sense, or a weird case of foreboding, but Angelique felt that wasn’t what was going to happen. To have the black diamond here at the compound, in a controlled environment when Isabelle touched it, would give her some measure of comfort.
And at least they’d know then.
“Are we going to get it?” Mandy asked, rocking on the balls of her feet.
“You should learn patience,” Michael said.
“I’ve tried. It’s not in me. When are we going?”
Michael rolled his eyes. “We’ll leave in the morning.” He turned to Angelique. “Where is it?”
She shook her head. “I’m not giving you the location. I’m going with you.”
“That’s not a good idea. You’re safer here.”
“And the person who’s. . taking care of it for me won’t give it up to anyone but me. I guarantee it. You have no choice but to take me along.”
He nodded. “Fine. We’ll all go.”
