What about the catacombs?

“Tell me more about the catacombs.” You feel Cassia shudder against you, but ask her some questions to get her talking. “How do you know about these catacombs, can we get in near here, and why are you so afraid?” Everything about Cassia intrigues you, as she starts to answer you study her face. Her eyes are dark like her hair. Her lips are full and gleam with moisture as she bites her lower lip nervously before she starts to answer.

“There is a gate several blocks from here, I … ah… I inspected it just a month ago before all this started.” What is she afraid of you wonder. Her skin is fair, so fair that you guess she must spend most of her days inside, the sun would surely darken or burn her high cheekbones, exposed shoulders and the soft curve of her breasts. Pulling your eyes quickly back up to her face again you start to blush and quickly ask:

“What do you mean ‘inspected’? Who are you that you would inspect catacomb gates?” She looks at you for a long time, her eyes studying yours in silence. After almost a full minute she seems to see what she wants in your eyes and starts speaking again.

“I am, or I was until two days ago, an acolyte in the Temple of Apollo. One of our duties is to check the seals on the catacomb gates, I’ve been in some of the passages before, but never alone and even then I could feel the evil that is buried under this city.” Her body shudders and she puts a slender hand on your chest “It felt like we were being watched every step of the way, I’m not sure that I have the strength to keep those demons at bay.” Her hand feels warm on your chest and you wonder what has gotten into you, you are here to save Eudora, but everything about Cassia is calling to you.

“Adonis, I owe you my life – and more” she smiles to keep away the memories and her white teeth shine like pearls worn by the finest ladies “I will try to help you find your love in any way you like, but please think twice before asking me to break the seal to the catacombs and lead you into that darkness. As many monsters as we see roaming the streets, I think the evil that lurks under the same streets could be even worse.”

“How could anything be worse than that?” You gesture in the direction of the organized pillage of the city. “I think we at least have to try.”

“It may be possible if..." She hesitates nervously"... Adonis, I need to ask you a personal question.” Cassia’s usually calm voice is now suddenly unsure. “It is important that you tell me the truth, will you do that?” She pauses.

“I don’t think I could lie to you Cassia.” What if she asked you to run with her and never come back. “What would you say?” But Cassia’s question is very different and catches you by surprise.

“Did you sleep with Eudora? Have you had sex with her, or anyone else?" She pulls you out of the shadows so she can see your eyes as you answer, and you can see her cheeks color as she tries again. "I need to know if you are a virgin.”