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Oberon’s cover fire erupts behind us, the sharp crack of his weapon echoing through the air as he draws the attention of the Eclipse gang members. Roman guides Cassie, keeping her close, her head down.
The scent of dust and decay fills my nostrils as we burst through the mansion’s broken door, shards of wood splintering under our boots. The once opulent foyer is now a shadow of its former self, faded grandeur crumbling into ruin.
“Stay close,” I call out to the group, my voice carrying a note of urgency. We navigate through the abandoned rooms, our footsteps muffled by the thick layer of dust that coats every surface. A sudden crash startles us, and we freeze in our tracks, weapons at the ready.
But it’s just Cassie, her foot catching on a piece of debris.
“I’m okay,” she whispers, her voice trembling with adrenaline.
I shoot her a reassuring smile before we press on, our goal clear in our minds. We can hear the distant sounds of gunfire outside, signaling Oberon’s valiant distraction. I can hear him taking up the rear, his weapon still trained on the street behind us. The knowledge that Vance’s people are on their way spurs me forward, each step bringing us closer to our destination.
I know they’re here, though.
And that’s when they attack.
A shot hits the wall behind me, sending marble shrapnel flying. The explosion of sound reverberates through the mansion, setting my heart pounding with renewed intensity. We find ourselves under attack, and as we scramble for cover, I catch a glimpse of familiar faces storming in through the broken windows, their presence bringing a surge of relief amidst the chaos.
Luka is here…and others too.
The Angels have come to save us.
“Help is here!” Aisling shouts over the din of battle. “We need to make a run for it!”
The five of us form into a unit, staying low as the first volleys of a new street war erupt all around us. The air is thick with the acrid smell of gun smoke and fear, my ears ringing from the blasts. Roman shields Cassie with his body, his movements swift and protective as he returns fire. Cassie’s hands tremble as she grips her weapon, but she squares her shoulders and stands tall.
Luka is up ahead, waving us toward him, decked out in tactical gear. We race in his direction, our group falling apart a little in the chaos as the house falls apart too. This place isn’t ready for the kind of action we’ve brought to it; it’s going to collapse—
“Gunnar!” Aisling shouts, her voice a beacon in the frenzy.
I glance over, see her grappling with an Eclipse goon. With a roar, I barrel towards them, slamming into the thug with all the force I can muster. He stumbles, and Aisling breaks free.
“Thanks,” she pants, and there’s a flash of satisfaction in her eyes. It’s brief–we both know this isn’t over.
But right now, it’s enough.
We regroup, backs together as we face down the remaining Eclipse. They’re relentless, but so are we. Every punch thrown, every bone-crunching impact–it’s all testament to our resolve. We’re more than a group; we’re a unit, bound by something stronger than fear.
Then we’re heading toward the other side of the house, out through a hole in the wall, onto the streets. We’re firmly in Celestial Hills now, surrounded by Angels, the Eclipse at our backs. So close to home, so close to help—
“Watch out!” Roman’s shout cuts through the fray just as I feel a sharp blow to my side.
Pain radiates through me, hot and blinding, and then the world tilts on its axis.
“Got him!” I hear someone yell, their triumph slicing through my haze.
Arms grab me, drag me away from the fight, away from Aisling. I struggle, but everything’s slipping–my strength, my consciousness. As I’m thrown into the van, darkness rushes in to claim me, and I can’t fight it any longer.
At least the others made it, I think.
I hope.
Chapter nineteen
Aisling
Ican’t believe we left him behind.
Just…gone.
