Wet grass swooshes beneath my feet, making it harder to run as we bound towards a single tree, which popped into view after pacing across the field. “Are you seeing this?” I ask betweensteps, when a dark energy passes through me, leaving a bulky, clear coat of dread hanging on my skin.
Pink magic sparkles around us as if we just breached a shield of some kind, and the realization of our surroundings kick in.
Fire, screams, and brimstone, are all showcased under groups of dark clouds. Smoke rises high and is fueled by roaring flames, encompassing the houses, trees, and anything else it can latch on to. Dark, shadowy figures dive into the flames with squeals of hunger. Desire. Souls.
It is a trap.
My phone pings Blaise’s tune, a text, and I take a hasty peek, praying it’s informational.
GHOST
Stick to the plan. The single warning I can give.
Easier said than done as I watch Niro sprint towards a group of collapsing houses.
I’m trying, Ghost.
Fays are dying, and the other groups are nowhere in sight.Caspian, give me a sign you’re okay. I’m coming.This most definitely is not the plan.
Chapter 43
Trust can birth the ugliest Truths
KYRA
Ink-ish blood streaksmy chin as the gloom’s howls are smothered. My blade pierces through the bottom of its chin with my other in its neck.
“Behind you!” Niro shouts, but another advances from my front.Shit.
Removing both blades, I kick the lifeless body forward–a slight distraction, then drop down, spin and rise up, slicing another gloom through the middle and watch its innards pour out as its body separates.
A breeze flutters past the top of my head, chills stinging from a too close encounter as I strike my next foe through its mouth and detach everything above its tongue.
“That’s strike two. Your second time trying to kill me.” Letting my nerves settle, I watch him fling oil-like plasma from his hands.
“Duck.” I drop to my knees, hands over head, and feel another passing breeze graze my knuckles as his chakram returns. “All clear.”
I know this asshole’s smiling.Peering up, sure as shit–from ear to ear.How upset would Rebecca be if a sudden accident happened toNiro. Like, oops, he was caught in my blast. Don’t worry about his arms being cut clean off. It happens, but he’ll be missed.
“Do you prefer waddling in mud, or can we continue?”
“You have one more time…” I say, holding up a finger as I stand. “One. More. Time.”
“Not the moment for going over your favorite music, but sure, it’s a good song. Now let’s go. We need to find the others.” He runs off whilst holding his gorgeous smile as wisps of black blood fling from his cheeks. *Sigh*
Left and right, screams and fire surround us. This peaceful chunk of land is guarded by some kind of illusion ward, and in fact, was a very robust town. Houses are now collapsed, bodies are motionless, and my panic is higher than ever.
Engulfed by Niro’s shadow, we rush towards more glooms attacking an elderly couple, who appear to be guarding kids. “There,” I shout, “we stick to the plan.” Now I understand in full what it means. Rescue and save as many as we can before they turn into an enemy. It’s fucking sad, and my heart is broken since Niro had to end one of this town’s older fays.
Caspian, where are you and the others?I’ve been reaching out, but he hasn’t responded with a sign. I’m fighting the worst-case scenario, but my mind isn’t fully there yet.
Bodies break beyond a cloud of smoke. Midnight claws reach for my chest, drenched in someone’s crimson, liquid essence. Blood. I slide to halt, inches from its grasp, meeting razor sharp teeth, twig-like claws, and a decomposing body.Fuck.This gloom has size and reminisces of muscles.
Two more have Niro in hand to hand combat, but I can’t focus on him and this…thing.
Drool pours down, sizzling the grass beneath it as another howling scream trembles the ground. “No!” Shouting, I launch my dagger for its throat. Twenty minutes into fighting them, and I know it’s their call for reinforcements.
Swatting my attack away in a blink, its claws grasp my throat.Growling, it stares like I’m the perfect feast. Pointed nails bite into my skin as I strike its arm, but to what end? Another hand claps my chest, digging past my leather until a burn scorches into my core.
