Page 45 of Fated Angel
Clasping hands, they make their way through the trees, senses alert, bodies tense. They already know their allies are waiting for them. It’s how many that they’re yet to find out.
A clearing opens out, revealing dozens of angels. Gabby’s father steps forward, his scowl even deeper than usual.
“It was a surprise attack. The Grigori were swift and ruthless. They have control of Mercy Academy.”
Gabby nods. “They sent me a message demanding the Spear in exchange for everyone’s safety.”
Her father’s lips thin. “The Spear in their hands would be disastrous.”
It would be the end of everything as they know it.
“We won’t let that happen,” Colt growls.
Gabby’s father’s brow twitches. “Finally, something we agree on, demon.” He returns his focus to Gabby. “We cannot underestimate the Grigori. They will stop at nothing to get the Spear.”
“And they have hostages,” Colt adds grimly.
“Yes,” Gabby’s father agrees. “A few escaped, but many remain. The supernaturals would be underground in the club. And there may be a way to rescue them.”
Gabby’s spine straightens at the chance of good news. “How?”
“There’s a secret entrance that isn’t well known. Narrow, but it could be our way in.” Gabby’s father’s mouth twists, subduing the flicker of hope. “But the Grigori have placed a ward around the academy.”
“I suspect we can help with that,” comes a voice from behind them.
Gabby spins around to see Lydia, Blaise and Sierra, all grim, all determined.
“As great as your plan is, Colt, I figured the Grigori would’ve used wards,” Lydia continues. “We can’t move forward if we can’t reach them. So I looked up the most powerful spell I could find to take it down.”
Blaise glances at her. “The more powerful the ward, the greater the cost?—”
Lydia waves a hand. “It’s all been taken care of.”
Without waiting for a response, Lydia strides away, weaving her way through the trunks toward the academy. Gabby and Colt glance at each other, conscious that Lydia’s being evasive.
Yet also aware they don’t have time to dig too deep.
And it’s not only the lives within the academy that depend on them getting inside.
Breaking into a jog, Gabby and Colt follow Lydia, Blaise and Sierra right behind, then Gabby’s father and his angels. They find the witch hasn’t got far.
Lydia’s standing at the very edge of the tree line, green grass extending out in an emerald sea. The academy is clearly visible across the expanse, so close, yet infinitely far away.
Lydia glances back at them. “Yep, it’s like armor.”
She lashes a fist out, striking it with the side of her hand. A crackle of electricity explodes from the point of contact, throwing Lydia’s arm with enough force that she staggers backward.
She looks back at Gabby, her face tight. “Easy peasy.”
Gabby frowns, but Lydia’s already focused on the invisible wall of magic between them and the academy. She lifts her hands, hovering her palms a few inches from the ward as deep, guttural words rise from her chest.
Gabby finds herself holding her breath. It’s clear this is dangerous, which is why Lydia wasn’t leaving any room for objections. She takes a step forward, only to be stopped by Colt.
“This is her choice,” he says in a low voice. “Just like we’ve made ours.”
To do whatever it takes to defeat the Grigori.
Gabby leans back into Colt even as tension coils through her insides. She rubs her thumb over her engagement ring, using it to remind herself of what she’s willing to sacrifice.