There are windows of dull glass and I make my way towards one, clamping my eyes closed as I burst through the pane. Shards rain down along my face and slice at the sensitive area along my wings. My back muscles scream in pain, and the effect of demon venom is still coursing through my system and yet it’s the power I feel right now, and nothing else.
I soar out into the dark sky of hell. The Messenger’s scream follows me. A call that is answered by the demons outside.
The flying vulture-like creatures screech. I throw a quick look over my shoulder in time to see four of them dive in my direction.
Their speed is frightening, and I feel the impact of their bodies and the pain of their teeth as they ram into me from behind. My wings wobble, and I teeter uselessly to the side, falling and spinning in circles towards the gray ground.
I fight to keep myself upright, but they’re relentless. Their cries echo in my ears like the haunting call of a nightmare. I steady myself, suspended in the air as the creatures circle me. Up close, they look like dinosaurs, with long beaks and sharp teeth inside them. Black forked tongues flick out and—jesus almighty—their tongues haveeyes.
Their beaks hang open, tongues watching my every move.
Right then.
That’s disturbing.
They lunge towards me, their beaks open as they herd themselves around my body. I try to focus, try to strategize, but fear is a living, breathing thing in my chest. I’m not quick enough as they slam towards me. Teeth as sharp as knives and with the violent sting of acid scrape against my body. I cry out, nearly tumbling from the sky from the assault.
Blood gushes from my skin, I can feel it, and the wounds are agonizing but I can’t give up. I won’t allow myself to.
Their bodies are a blur of feathers and lolling tongues. Bodies collide painfully against mine, knocking me off balance. My wings ache from trying to straighten, but I manage. Through the blood and the tugging of my wounds, I lift my hands up just as they dive towards me again.
Rage mixes in with the flickering of my power; tendrils rising up, higher and higher...
“Yippekayay,” I rasp.
Power bursts from my fingers into their mouths, burning them from the inside out.
They screech and fall to the ground in an explosion of dust, feathers, and fire.
My energy wanes. Already, I’ve used too much, but I have to keep going. I have to find my way to a safe place and leave this dimension.
What was it the professor said about interdimensional travels? Fuck if I remember. I miraculously passed that class thanks to Phoenix.
I can’t depend on anyone here. I have no one but myself to get me out of this.
And I’llgetout of this.
One way or another.
Three
Saint
“You can’t just go all hero on this shit and try to save the day,” Malek growls, staring down the demon who simply glares right back. “You can’t even enter the center ring of hell without an escort.”
“I’ll find a fucking escort. I’ll get there and I will find a way to fucking get to her. I’m not just going to sit here and debate about leaving the one person I fucking love in hell.” His mossy green eyes widen with realization at what he just said.
Oh. Okay. I guess we have time for a bit of unresolved emotional therapy right now.
“Fuck,” Phoenix whispers, his hands shoving hard through his messy hair.
“Let’s just take a breath.” My fingers ghost against the back of the demon’s knuckles but he still just stares out at the empty auditorium like he’s just now seeing the world clearly. “We need to find Shade.”
“Shade?” Syko’s thick brows lower over his pretty hellacious eyes.
“Yeah. This is Academy of Six. All of their little lab rats are tagged. The school will know where Izzy is. If she’s in another ring outside of the center, Phoenix can get her.” My palm slips into his and he squeezes so damn hard that I flinch but I never pull back from him or his confusing emotions.
I never will.
