Read Online Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles by Karen Dales - Free Book Online

abandoned tunnels mingling with the occasional squeak from a rodent in search of Christmas dinner. It was not long before the Angel squinted up at the gloaming lights of the sleeping station. No trains ran during the storm. It would not only be from the inability of the trains to plough through the snow at the open air stations, but the fact that the conductors of the trains would be hard pressed to get to work.
    It was odd to see the place vacant. Usually this hub was chaotic in its flurry of activity. People moving from here to there, unaware of those that brushed past them, all eager to remain    solitary as they sought connection with those they journeyed to, while others, usually teens, chatted loudly, sang along with music only for their ears, or called to each other as they jumped from tube to tube. Above it all would be the static calls from the overhead speakers indicating which trains would be coming in and where they would be going.
    Tonight the only sounds were the squeaks of the mice and rats that inhabited the tunnels, runnels of water and the soft footfalls of feet moving preternaturally fast. 
    The damp tunnels were a relief from the snowstorm that raged outside, allowing for the Angel to make up the time lost as he struggled against winter ’ s onslaught. Occasionally he would sight a homeless individual huddled in the darkness. Tonight they were lucky as there were no bobbies to come and remove them. The officers of the peace would be keeping to their precincts unless absolutely necessary.
    Hefting the strap that held the sword length box higher up on his shoulder, the Angel was careful not to step on the third rail as he bounded up onto the deserted platform. Even though no trains rode the tracks the electric hum of the third rail spoke of a sleeping monster that would attack any trespasser.
    With a quick cursory glance around, which was more habit than required, he followed the signs to the escalators that would take him to the large open station that served to tie the Tube ’ s   intricate network with that of the National Rail. The escalator remained stationary. There would be no relaxing while the mechanical stairs lifted him to ground level, but that was no   problem for the Angel who quickly bounded up the metal stairs three at a time.
    Emerging from the entrance of the Tube, voices filtered to his sensitive ears before he saw them. He knew he should not have been surprised, but when he rounded the corner to see so many homeless in the make-do shelter his eyes widened. The large open area that normally would be bustling with people desperately   trying to achieve their destinations was replaced with makeshift sleeping arrangements for the dozens of homeless that trickled in from the storm.
    The scents of bitter hot coffee and sweet hot chocolate mingled with the cold damp sour smell of unwashed bodies. A few volunteers handed out hot beverages and blankets; while   others helped those with steaming mugs to find a place to get comfortable.
    This was not a place for the Angel. It would be impossible to keep out of notice.
    Sticking to areas least populated he sought his way out of Victoria Station. It was more difficult than expected as more homeless came in through rotating doors that were filled with slush and ice.
    Keeping to the far reaches of the wide-open space, the Angel measured his pace to that of a mortal lest someone see him. It still surprised him that in an age of such magic and ingenuity there were still so many who had nothing. Some things did not change.
    He turned a corner finding an exit. The wind howled against the glass door, rattling it as if to say he were not allowed out on a night when the storm ruled. Giving the door a firmer push than normally required he stepped into the storm, the wind whipping his dishevelled hair in punishment. Snow blasted, his face and eyes stinging, he stood outside in the midst of the storm at full force.
    The Angel hunkered under the