A sound comes from behind me and I leap to my feet, determined to face whatever or whoever is following me. Glowing red eyes peer into mine as I let out a scream that hurts my throat.
I wake with my head pounding as I bolt upright, only I don’t wake to find myself in my bed. Nor do I find myself anywhere familiar. My nightmare was so real I feel the need to pinch myself to see if I’m really awake. Especially since I have no idea where the fuck I am.
I remember being hit in the head by something, but I’m not sure what happened after that. My eyes take a while to adjust to the bright lights in the room. The white wash walls and silver bars blocking my exit leave me screaming inside, but not a single sound escapes my lips. The pain in my chest is unbearable, but I have no choice but to endure it. Slowly I climb to my feet, my first steps are unsteady but I manage to stumble my way over to the bars. Wrapping my fingers around the cold metal, I use them to keep me standing as I peer out into the dark corridor that has plagued my nightmares for years.
I’m locked in the exact same cell inside Laverton as I was before.Jason and Richard have betrayed me. Remmie, Torren, Derrin, what happened to them?
I don’t have the answers to any of my questions, but I do know that whoever put me in this fucking cell is going to pay. The moment I get my strength back, I’ll break out of here just like I did the night I met Jason and Richard. Only this time, I’m not going to fall for their lies. I’ll save myself and run as far away as I can.
TWENTY
5 HOURS EARLIER…
Rourke
The shadows flickerin my periphery while I’m searching the grounds surrounding the house. Ossias tasked me with keeping ir-Regina tieghi safe. I’ve taken the task more seriously than any other he’s given me, not because he asked but because I believe ir-Regina tieghi will be the one to change things. She will be the one to take those purcinellas down and I want to be by her side when that happens.
The shadows flicker again as I move towards the trees. There’s something out here, but I can’t smell, hear or see anything more than the flickering shadows. I know it can’t be vampires, they’re always visible and carry a copper tang with them, even if they move at their top speed, I’d still see them this close. I know it can’t be shifters because they leave heat signatures and I know that it can’t be merfolk because it’s too far away from the water which leaves only one option, Demons. If I’m right then we’re all in deep shit because demons capable of hiding their scent are far more powerful than a lowly incubus like me.
I could run to Ossias for help or I could try to save her on my own. The choices are difficult ones but it is my choice to make. I pray I make the right one, because the wrong decision could cost us all our lives.
It’s not the first time I’ve made a choice that cost other lives and I’m sure it won’t be the last, but it is the first one where my personal feelings have made me hesitate.
Black as night skin, teeth as yellow as the grossest infection and eyes that glow as red as the blood dripping from my hand; that is the sight before me as I lift my hand, flames flickering to life in the blink of an eye. All I can smell is the scent of burnt matches as though someone has lit several boxes all at once. It’s not my fire making the smell, it's the demi-demons that were conjured to keep me from completing my mission.
I throw my fire out to the sides, catching the demi-demons that were closing in on me. The one in front leaps at me, it’s fangs wide as it goes right for my throat. I don’t have time to think, only react. I push with everything I have, forcing powers that have lain dormant inside me for years to come to the surface. My pulse rings in my ears as I throw the shield up, forcing the demi-demon to crash headlong into it with a yelp.
The smell of burning flesh makes me gag as I catch another alight. There’s too many of them, but I won’t let them get any closer to the house. I’m not going to let them win. I throw everything I have into defeating the demi-demons, finally turning back towards the house, expecting to find more, but there’s none left.
I race into the house, straight for her room.
I come to a screeching halt as I stare at the empty room. She wasn’t in any other part of the house I ran through.
I can’t give up. I will save the girl who is destined to break all bonds and reunite the breeds.
Even if she doesn’t want to be saved.
But first I’ll have to find her.
TWENTY-ONE
Remmie
One secondI’m talking to Areyna, the next I’m waking up on the ground with a splitting headache and my heart crushed by fear. I race into the house, tripping over the threshold in my haste to find Areyna. Everything in me knows she’s not here, but I have to search or I’m going to go insane.
She’s not here. I can feel that much, every second I can feel myself growing weaker, but the thing that worries me the most is the tearing I feel in my chest. I can feel Areyna slipping further away from me and I’m helpless. Unable to do anything to bring her back.
I see someone run out the back door, with the last of my strength, I chase after them.
I’ve never felt so much pain before.
Never felt so raw. So lost. Like I’m losing so much more than I could ever describe.
The room I’m standing in goes dim, I couldn’t even tell you if I’m in the lounge or the kitchen, I’m turned around and my head is spinning. The light fades and I know I’m succumbing to the effects of the partial bond I have with Areyna. I just hope it snaps the bond completely otherwise we’re all fucked.
TWENTY-TWO
Torren