The Angel

by Blaire Hammond

  ‘Here. As promised,’ she said.

  The Emperor only began to lift into the sky.

  ‘Keep it, child. In your sword, where it’s meant to be.’

  Laura stared in confusion as Marries disappeared into the sky.

  He’d made her locate the ruby for nothing?

  She pushed aside the annoyance and tugged her sword free. As if ready, the fake ruby fell from the hilt, dropping down through the clouds below. Laura gasped, then pressed the Westmill Ruby into the remaining gap.

  It clicked into place. The position it was meant to be, was always meant to be.

  Laura stared for only a moment, then returned her weapon to its hilt and nudged Pegro onwards. She had to find her friends before the Gods arrived.

  Chapter Sixteen

  A World Of War

  Gemma rushed down the steps and out onto the street, Mitch close behind her. In the distance, screams could be heard, and she could feel the ground shaking beneath her feet.

  ‘What the hell is that?’ Mitch asked, catching her stride as they started down the sidewalk.

  ‘Nothing good,’ replied Gemma, feeling the thumping echoing straight up through her bones and listening worriedly to the shouting.

  Fear speared through Gemma as, ahead of her, Enchanted, Creatures, Casters and Mariadies alike all emerged around a corner, sprinting towards them. Gemma pulled up short, Mitch skidding to a halt beside her.

  ‘RUN!’ Someone cried out, and many of those heading for them waved their hands madly at them and anyone else emerging onto the streets.

  Gemma’s eyes then drew upwards to the enormous black shadow rising over the city. A second one beside it, and another when she turned further to the left.

  ‘The Devils,’ Mitch said, his tone calm, but his face full of terror.

  Mitch grasped her hand in his, and the two of them spun on their heels and took off at a run, pushing themselves back towards the hotel to try and evacuate everyone. A number of Enchanted passed them, and Mitch called across at them, telling them to alert the Hospital so they had time to move everyone down into the basement.

  The hotel loomed up and Gemma made a beeline for it, forcing herself to move faster and faster. She and Mitch shot through the doors, spotting people already rushing down the stairs to see what all the commotion was about.

  ‘What is it?’ Stella said, reaching the bottom floor, Leo beside her.

  ‘The Devils,’ Gemma replied, exasperated. ‘They’re here. Erebus must have asked for their help because they’re rising.’

  Stella’s face grew pale, almost matching her white blond hair, but she snapped into action. Securing her final weapons to her belt, she shifted her gaze quickly to a group of Mariadies.

  ‘Tell Loki, Megan and General Lain. Make sure they get Erine and themselves to safety. Then take all the Casters down to the bunkers. They can’t be captured,’ Stella ordered.

  The group of Mariadies nodded quickly, leaving in an instant.

  ‘You lot, make sure the hotel is empty. And you, go check the other hotels. Get everyone out, tell them the time has come. Any still recovering can go down to the bunkers too, but tell everyone who can fight to meet us out the front,’ Stella continued, pointing to different groups of Enchanted and Creatures.

  They took on their commands and hurried off.

  Stella met Gemma’s gaze, and Gemma saw the pain and the sorrow behind her eyes. She didn’t think they were going to make it. Gemma didn’t blame her. They didn’t stand a chance against the Devils.

  ‘You two ready?’ Stella asked calmly.

  Gemma peered across at Mitch, who met her stare with his own brown eyes. He nodded once to her, and Gemma straightened, turning back to Stella and Leo.

  ‘Let’s do this,’ she said.

  She had no idea where everyone else was. Laura was still on her mission and Drew had been out helping clear the new boarder, but Grace, Logan, Oscar and Caspian could be anywhere. Gemma didn’t allow herself the chance to worry. She couldn’t. She couldn’t shut down.

  Stella hesitated, glancing between the two of them, before meeting her husband’s gaze. Leo gave her an encouraging smile, though it was not one of joy or happiness. It was one that said, no matter what happens, we go down together.

  Stella reached for her sword and advanced for the doors, Leo beside her. Gemma and Mitch turned to follow, a few Mariadies and Enchanted joining them. They reached the streets where there were already many gathering. In the distance, more screams, more cries, and much booming laughter from the Devils above as they launched their attacks on the people.

  Gemma’s eyes rose to the darkened shadows swirling in the sky. She couldn’t see the Devils, but just as the God’s radiated Gold, the Devils gave off a blackness Gemma had never thought she’d see in person. It was frightening, and she could not draw her eyes from the scene.

  More and more of their people were joining them on the streets, receiving their commands. Loki and General Lain had arrived at some point and were helping Stella allocate jobs to everyone. Still, there was no sign of any of the others.

  Gemma’s stomach clenched, when suddenly, there was a flash from above. There were a number of screams in the group and many darted back as their eyes rose to the sky. Gemma followed suit, feeling the small droplets of rain begin to fall. But that wasn’t the source of the flash.

  In the darkened night sky above, streams of Gold could be seen, and it was not the stars. Gemma’s heart was hammering in her chest, and she reached for Mitch.

  ‘Is that..?’ She whispered, knowing he probably couldn’t hear her.

  ‘The God’s,’ he said in answer anyway. ‘Laura did it.’

  Gemma could have choked up and started to cry right there. Laura had convinced the God’s to help. They’d come to save them all.

  Before Gemma could allow herself the satisfaction of excitement, the screams grew closer, mingling with the sound of clashing blades and lightning flashes visible in the distance.

  Gemma squinted her brown eyes to see through the misty rain and blackened streets, trying to work out what was happening. Then, one single Enchanted came into sight from around the corner. He was sprinting, fear written all over his face, a broken sword in hand.

  Behind him, a Goblin appeared, running faster than a Goblin should ever be able to run. Gemma started forward, realising exactly what was going to happen. But she was too late. The Goblin pounced, tackling the Enchanted to the ground.

  The Enchanted twisted and jerked about, trying to tug himself free, but in an instant, the Goblin had sunk its sharp claws into his chest, shredding through skin, muscle and tissue. The Enchanted stopped moving seconds later.

  The Goblin rose, eyes fixed on the group. Behind him, more Goblins appeared. More and more and more.

  Gemma felt her insides clench at the memory of the mass murder of her family. The Goblin. The smell. The look. The fear. The sound. All of it hit her, but she pushed back against it. Never again. Never again would she bow down. Never again would she give in. Never again would she allow her fear to rule her.

  Gemma pulled her sword from her scabbard, hearing the ring of its metal as she did so. Beside her, Mitch and Leo did the same. More behind and around them followed suit.

  Ahead, the Goblins were closing in, but the apprehension was clear. They were slowing down somewhat, noticing the stance the Enchanted were making. All was quiet for an instant, the rain even seeming to pause.

  Then, ‘CHARGE!’ General Lain shouted, and the rain began to bucket down.

  Gemma didn’t hesitate. The memory of her past would forever be there in her heart, but the fear no longer consumed her, the worry, the anxiety, they were constant battles, but battles she could and would win. She would prove that.

  Gemma barely saw the lights flashing in the sky as the God’s engaged in battle with the Devils. The sounds were deafening, the stench of metal and blood and death was strong, but Gemma was focused.

  They met the Goblins in the m
iddle, and Gemma struck down the first one within seconds, relishing the sight of the black mist as it lifted from the Goblin’s ashes. Another Goblin launched itself at her, but she twisted out of its way and spun, slamming her sword into its chest. A third materialized, but she tugged her dagger free, sending it sailing into its eye, then, as it staggered sideways from the shock and impact, she sliced her sword through its neck A fourth shot out its clawed stump for her neck but Mitch appeared, slamming his blade down through its wrist. Gemma pulled another dagger from her belt and drove it up into the Goblin’s stomach, twisting and dragging it upwards.

  She pulled back as the Goblin exploded and spun, driving the knife into her next attackers neck. Leo was behind the Goblin, his sword cutting through its arm before it was able to strike, and Gemma rammed her sword into its chest, finishing it off alongside her mentor.

  With every death, another Goblin arrived, but the group of Enchanted, Creatures and Mariadies held their own, fighting back against the Demon possessed Goblins. They were fast, yes, and better fighters, but the problem, most soon realised, was that they were too impulsive. They were all about attack and didn’t care for defence. If one was able to avoid their attack then they could often find an easy opportunity to strike back and kill.

  Gemma didn’t know how long they’d been fighting for, but they were pushing the Goblin’s back down the street, leaving piles of ash behind them. Somewhere in all the chaos, more Enchanted, Creatures and Mariadies had arrived.

  The Casters emerged too, despite Stella’s request to keep them safe in the bunker. Megan led them, and with their power, the Goblins soon began to drop like flies. Gemma knew they had to protect the Casters, but she couldn’t deny the relief or thanks she felt for their arrival.

  There was a commotion ahead, and Gemma pushed through the crowd, killing another Goblin on the way, desperate to see what was happening. The Goblins, it appeared, had been forced into a circle. They were surrounded on both sides with no escape, and the Enchanted were charging into the midst of it all, finishing the last of them.

  Then, Gemma saw a flash of a face she recognised. Fear shot through her - that combined with confusion. It didn’t make sense… and if it was who she thought it was, then how could he be there, fighting the Goblins with them? And why?

  A Goblin appeared before she could check her vision was correct, and she dodged the attack, darting out of the way. The Goblin seemed to be ready for her though, and dove in the direction she’d moved, its claw swiping at her face.

  Something spun through the air, slicing its stumped hand straight off. It fell to the ground, and then a sword struck the Goblin straight through its chest. It exploded in an instant, ash sprinkling down to the ground. Gemma raised her eyes to see who had saved her, expecting it to be Mitch.

  Instead, she met Creshan’s gaze.

  ~

  Caspian’s arrow met its mark in the Goblin’s back, and it exploded into a fiery stump. Oscar shot him a grateful look before spinning to finish the Goblin charging in to his left. Caspian, too, turned and knocked another arrow into place, setting his sights on the Goblin ahead. He aimed and fired, his arrow sailing through the air and striking his enemy in its eye.

  A glance around revealed that the two of them were still alone, and still almost completely surrounded by possessed Goblins. Caspian knew a lost fight when he saw one. A Goblin’s touch was lethal and he couldn’t risk either of them going down. Peering over his shoulder, he saw an alleyway looming up behind them.

  There was a snarl and Caspian spun back in time to see another Goblin launching itself at him. He didn’t have time to draw another arrow, so struck out with his bow once, twice, and a third time, sending the Goblin staggering. In its momentary confusion, Caspian reached for a dagger and slammed it down into the growling creature’s chest.

  He darted backwards as it went up in flames and called to Oscar.

  ‘We’ve gotta run!’

  Oscar caught his eye, having just downed another Goblin, and swiftly nodded. Caspian pointed for the alleyway and they took off, hoping if they were fast enough, they could lose the Goblin’s. Their feet slapped against the pavement and the sound of dozens of Goblin’s taking chase behind them could be heard.

  Caspian’s heart was in his throat, but he pushed on, reaching the end of the alley and taking a sharp right. He pushed Oscar ahead of him, and the two of them took turn after twisting turn in the hopes of losing the Goblins. Be that as it may, Caspian could hear them searching, could smell their stench as they followed their trail.

  They shot past a small alcove, and Caspian skidded to a halt, reaching for Oscar and pulling him up too. Oscar looked back at him with frightened eyes, but Caspian only dragged him into the gap in the wall. There was a door inside, and Caspian was quick to push it open, thrusting Oscar through it before jumping inside himself.

  He pressed the door closed quietly so not to draw attention, then the two of them crossed the basement room and hastened up the stairs. Floor after floor passed by. They must have been in an apartment complex, Caspian thought. They rose higher and higher, aiming for the top floor.

  If they could wait out the Goblins, then they might have a chance of leaving and finding the others. Caspian couldn’t allow himself to think of where they were or what they were doing. If they were fighting for their lives…

  No. Caspian shook his head and focused on climbing.

  ‘Quick, in here,’ Oscar said, reaching the penthouse and kicking the door open.

  Oscar closed the door after them and began pushing the nearby dresser over to block the path. Caspian helped, and soon they had two more cupboards in place.

  At long last, Caspian allowed himself a moment to stop and think.

  ‘How the hell can we beat them?’ Oscar asked, frustrated.

  ‘I don’t know,’ Caspian replied. ‘Come on, let’s sit a minute. We can’t be at our best if we exhaust ourselves.’

  Oscar crossed the room and they sat on the couch, ignoring the stains their dirty clothes would most definitely leave.

  Alone with his thoughts, Caspian attempted to ignore the warmth of Oscar beside him. He’d left it too long, he realised. The discussion. They were probably going to die and he had never told him the truth. He’d tried, but not hard enough? He’d been afraid and jealous and he’d let that fear rule over him.

  He knew he was going to regret his decision, but he still had the chance to say something, even if it was too late.

  Turning a little, he looked over at Oscar. He took a deep breath. His lungs didn’t need it, but his mind sure did. His heart was racing and it calmed him enough to open his mouth when Oscar met his gaze.

  ‘I have something to tell you. I tried to a few times, but, you know how bad I am with social situations and words and all of that and I didn’t know what to say or how to say it but I realise now we’re probably going to die so I’m just going to come right out and say it. I like you.’

  Oscar stared at him for an instant. Then, he started laughing.

  Caspian moved back on the couch a little, surprised and hurt. He hadn’t been that wrong in his assumption that Laura was right when she said Oscar liked him too, had he? Maybe he did like Reya after all…

  Caspian looked away quickly, hiding the flicker of pain.

  ‘Sorry. Just pretend I didn’t say anything.’

  Oscar stopped laughing and shifted beside him.

  ‘No, I’m sorry. I’m just laughing because I thought you were trying to end…’ He gestured between them. ‘Whatever this was. All those times you were trying to talk to me, I thought you were going to tell me you didn’t like me like that and that all my hints were starting to scare you away. You’ve been so distant lately, I don’t know, I guess I jumped to my own conclusion.’

  Caspian turned to look at him. ‘Hints?’

  Oscar chuckled running a hand through his red hair. ‘Yes. Gee, you’re not that oblivious, are you?’

  Caspian shrugged. ‘Well, Laura di
d say, but I wasn’t sure, I mean she’d been pretty oblivious to Drew so… and then I got scared and didn’t know how to talk to you about it…’

  ‘What about that mission though? You didn’t ask me to come with you?’ Oscar questioned.

  ‘I was going to, that night in the park. I was going to tell you everything. But we got interrupted.’

  Oscar nodded. ‘Yes. I suppose it was partly my fault. I was too busy fearing the worst that I didn’t really let you speak. I’m sorry about that. But Caspian, you do know that I like you too, right?’

  It was Caspian’s turn to laugh. He couldn’t help it. It was out of pure relief. He’d been so afraid he was wrong - that Oscar didn’t like him like that. Hearing him speak the words, however, made him feel as if a huge weight had been lifted.

  ‘I do now,’ Caspian replied. ‘But… well, what about Reya?’ He asked sheepishly.

  Oscar frowned. ‘Reya? What about her?’

  ‘She likes you. And you two are so close…’ Caspian continued.

  Oscar shook his head in confusion. ‘Reya’s married.’

  Caspian straightened, eyes widening in an instant. ‘What?’ He asked, shocked.

  Oscar laughed again. ‘Yeah, she’s got a partner. Been married for three years now.’

  ‘But… but she was always… laughing and giggling and making eyes at you! And she always ignores me…’ Caspian countered.

  Oscar was still laughing. ‘Well… I can see how it might appear that way, but that’s just Reya. Once she gets to know you, she opens up much more. She just has a flirty personality. But she loves her husband. Trust me, she’d never leave him, especially not for me! Besides, who says I’d be interested even if she did?’

  Caspian leaned back in the couch, still reeling somewhat at the revelation. He felt stupid for being so cold to Oscar and a little bad for the way he’d been treating Reya. Finally, he glanced over at Oscar.

  Oscar grinned at him, but before either of them could say anything more, there was a loud clash of lightning and a bright flash of gold lit up the sky.