Page 51 of Of Flame and Fury
“Taran,” Emme says, my humiliation reflecting in her red-hot cheeks. “Messengers are explained in the first chapter of Soothsayers and Mystics.”
I blink at her.
“It was one of the first texts you were assigned in witch school,” she reminds me.
Emme glances at all the beings continuing to gape at me. Damn. Even the Catholic schoolgirls are rendered speechless. “You did read the book, didn’t you, sweetie?” she asks.
Of course, I didn’t read the stupid book, or the one after that. Most of it was written in Shakespearenese and boring as hell, not that I can admit it. “He wasn’t what I expected,” I say. It’s the best non-lie I can muster. Damn these supernaturals and their ability to out the truth.
The messenger disappears, but not before flipping me the meanest, nastiest middle finger I’ve ever seen. I’m serious. That sucker was at least six inches long.
“The compound isn’t safe, my friends. You risk your lives the longer you remain among the grounds.”
We turn in the direction of Destiny’s voice. Her image fades in and out, like the reel of an old movie ready to tear from age. Destiny is hurt. The bruises covering her arms suggest they were broken, and the cuts lining her face and chest tell us she’s fought many, alone.
She lifts her hand and points, her fingers shaking. “The manor,” she says. “Each room holds its own danger and connection to Johnny. But once the room is clear of his creations, Fate can’t reclaim it, and he will weaken.”
“There are hundreds of rooms, Great Destiny,” Misha reminds her. “Allow us your true presence so we may protect and heal you.”
“I can’t, Dear Misha.” She shakes her head, the motion causing her pain. “In order to help you fight Fate, I had to become part of the house too. Each room you clear, I’ll claim as mine and use its magic to help me heal.”
“Will it heal you completely?” Aric asks. He looks to Emme. “Or can Emme help you?”
“Yes,” Emme says. She walks toward her with her arms outstretched. “Please let me ease your pain.”
Destiny’s smile is weak, but there. “The only way to help is to return to the manor. As I reclaim the magic for the side of good, it will improve my state and prevent my death.” Her gaze drops. “I wasn’t strong enough to defeat him…he hurt me badly.”
“I’m so sorry, Destiny,” Celia says. “I know you’re doing this to protect us.”
“Don’t be sorry, my dear friend,” Destiny replies. “Seek solace in the manor. All of you. Help me stop Johnny so I may live to see your children born.”
“Are you sure there’s nothing else we can do for you, Destiny?” I ask.
“No. Out here, these creatures aren’t connected to Johnny as they are in the house. They’re too new to the premises.”
“Are you saying it doesn’t matter how many we kill on the grounds?” Gemini asks.
“No, it does. Their deaths weaken him, too, but not to the degree of the creatures roaming the manor. As his vessels, they grew stronger and more akin to his power as they waited for him.” Destiny seems out of breath. “Johnny became one with the magic in the manor when he used his creatures to help infect it. Out here is too spacious even for him.”
Bren huffs. “Then let’s burn the whole shit down.” He looks at me. “Do your thing and get on it, T.”
“If you destroy the manor, you’ll take me with it,” Destiny says. “In order to create a haven for Celia and maintain Johnny’s weakness with every blow cast, I created a bond I’m currently too weak to break. For now, you can’t stay out here on the compound. The manor is the only place that will keep Celia safe.”
Destiny clasps her hand over her heart and falls to her knees. I race to her, stopping when I see the torment raging in her features. “They’re coming for you. Run.”
Chapter Seventeen
Destiny’s image fizzles out, and she’s gone.
Aric shouts orders to guard Celia as Koda takes off with her on his back. Aric races beside them in human form, his quick, powerful strides keeping up with Koda’s beast. Gemini rallies the most elite of the pack, directing them to surround and form a barrier around Celia.
I glance around, looking to hitch a ride, and almost jump out of my skin when I see what’s coming.
Nosferatu must be one of Johnny’s favorite films becausedamn. The freaky bastards are back in droves. You know that scene inBraveheartwhen all those dirty,sexyScots run through the field, screaming like the badass warriors they are? It’s not like that.
The Nosferatus come at us on all fours like bouncing cockroaches, digging their long, twisted nails into the ground to propel them forward. Instead of bellowing the war cry of their people, they giggle like creepy children out of Rob Zombie’s worst nightmare.
I’m only allowed one curse word before Gemini tosses me in the air. I scream—since that is the war cry ofmypeople—and crash land on his twin’s back, gripping the tuff on his neck while his spine beats the hell out of my ass.