“To where?” I cry.
The dome in the center turns the attic into a circle, but the others are backing away like this is a goddamn episode ofScooby-Doo. If they keep backing away, they’re just going to end right back here.
You know what, I shouldn’t have to explain geometry right now.
Clouds of shimmery smoke billow so thickly around the demon, we can no longer see it.
There’s a gasp of breath, and we all watch in horror as the demon inhales all the smoke. It’s just gone, consumed by the demon, who stands there, unharmed, its teeth bared in a sinister grin.
“That’s not supposed to happen,” Tolliver mutters.
The demon flexes its hand, black tendrils of magic writhing from its palm.
“Go!” I shout, pushing the others back.
We’ve barely just stepped out of the way as something that’s part-lightning, part-smoke hits the wall behind us. I urge the others around the dome. Poppy’s muttering something under her breath,arms cradling the codex. She’s flanked by Rook and CJ. Tolliver’s eyes are wide as saucers. We move just far enough that the dome blocks us from the demon’s line of sight, but again, and I can’t stress this enough,there’s nowhere to go.
“We have to lead him away from the hatch,” I whisper.
“Then what?” CJ snaps.
There’s no time to lower the rope, and no one’s jumping that far without breaking a bone. But broken bones are better than whatever a demon can do to you.
We fall silent, listening for footsteps, wondering which direction the demon will approach us from.
I let out a long breath. There’s only one way out of this, and it pisses me off. I turn to Tolliver, who’s still holding me steady. If there’s one thing I regret—well, it’s my brother’s death. But if there’s a second thing I regret, it’s that Tolliver and I only kissed the once.
“Get them out of here,” I say.
His eyes light with understanding. “Elle—”
I plant a quick kiss on his cheek.
“See you on the other side,” I say, pushing him away.
Someone has to distract the demon or no one’s getting out.
I step out from behind the dome.
The demon’s back is toward me, foot nudging the woman who’s still unconscious.
“Hey, ash-licker!” I shout. “Nice horns. You get those from a giraffe?”
It turns slowly, black eyes narrowing on me. This was such a terrible idea.
Welp. Too late now.
I brace myself as it stalks forward, the same black smoke swirling around its clawed fingers. Time slows. The air crackles, my hair lifting with static. The demon’s mouth draws into a snarl as thespell leaves its fingers, a jagged bolt of lightning. I throw my hands over my face and duck.
But the blow never comes.
I risk a glance to find Rook standing above me, hands braced as if holding up some invisible barrier the demon’s spell can’t breach.
Holy shit.
“Are you trying to get us killed?” he snarls, anger rolling off him in waves, eyes never leaving the demon.
“I’m trying to distract it so everyone can get out!” I snap back, but the attempt is half-hearted. I’m too in awe of his magic. Whatever it is, it’s stronger than a demon’s. Rook could be the most powerful being on earth.
