AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chaos had descended on Dark Haven. As we wandered our way through the halls and up to the first floor, the shaking didn’t stop.
It felt like an earthquake, but from the demon howls that filled the halls, I knew it was not a natural occurrence.
The closer we got to the patient accessible hallways, the harder it was to move.
Demons filled the halls and we all huddled into each other to avoid them. I was sandwiched so intensely between Drake and Roman who had taken over, that I could barely walk.
“What the fuck is going on? What are these things? Other demons? Tell me I’m not the only one seeing this?!” Crew breathed out as he clutched Layne’s hand in his, making sure she wasn’t yanked away.
From the shrill tone to his voice he was terrified. I couldn't blame him.
“I see them, too,” Layne whispered as one leaned in close to grin widely at her.
“They’re demons,” I confirmed. “From Helheim.”
They already knew what Drake was, but seeing all of the demons in the halls was a very different thing. They weren’t muted versions of demons like Drake, but towering, twisted figures made of bone, shadow, gray skin, and flames.
I couldn’t blame them for panicking, I’ve seen them countless times and they still got to me.
“What the fuck is Helheim?” Crew bit out. I’d never seen him snap but I could sympathize. I also thought I was losing my mind... or rather it was a product of my already fucked-up mind.
Roman chuckled but it held little humor. “Norse afterlife. It’s not just a myth anymore.”
“Great,” Layne said in a pseudo-cheerful tone that bordered on hysterical. There was no time for more explanations as another ground-shaking rumble had us pitching to the floor.
“There’s a portal under the courtyard,” Drake said as he pulled himself up and led the way to the courtyard door.
“Portal to Helheim?” I questioned as we followed him. “What, how? And why are we heading to it?”
“Why do you think they’re confined to the halls here?” he shot back, pausing before shoving the door open.
He didn’t answer my other question, as if he were being forced to go to the portal. The real question was why we were following him to it.
Though curiosity kept me from saying those thoughts out loud. Thankfully, Drake wasn’t done.
“The deal with Vane was to keep peace and allow Hel’s demons to feed here. With the portal so near, they can’t leave the halls or survive outside of Dark Haven. Though, with it being thrown open, who knows now. I also don’t know why that deal with Vane started or what they did before, but it feels an awful lot like she’s strengthening her army. Whatever we’re about to see? It isn’t going to be pretty.”
With that not-so-optimistic comment, he shoved the door open and we stepped outside.
Hundreds of demons were pouring out of a fissure in the ground like a fog rolling in. The earth was cracked wide open, and underneath, flames and shadows swirled together violently.
Monty was among the crowd of demons but from the way he slammed magic into demon after demon, forcing them into the fissure, he wasn’t the one who let them through.
He didn’t even glance our way this time and I had to remind myself that he knew what he was doing before I raced over to him to help.
Monty was capable of keeping himself safe, I’d only get in the way.
“Holy shit!” Layne gasped.
Crew slapped a hand over her mouth but it was too late.
All at once every demon turned our way and took in a collective breath.
“Oh god, run!” Drake yelled, truly panicked as they started running at us.
“Where to?” Roman growled as he pulled me with him back inside, almost taking out Layne who for once didn’t counter with snark.
We were all genuinely terrified and running for our lives.
