“Emma, release the barrier!” Ethon’s voice boomed from outside.
“I don’t know how!” I yelled back.
“Emma, what’s wrong?” Kade called, running from his room. Thank God he hadn’t gone to the cabin yet.
“Darkling in Courtney’s room,” I was out of breath, and those were the only words I could push out before dragging Courtney to my room. I pulled her in and slammed the door shut, locking it behind us. I left her screaming against the door, and ran to my closet. Grabbing the dagger, it instantly started to tingle in my hand. I ran over to my window and looked out. It was clear, but I did see some movement within the Labyrinth.
Is this Lucian’s attack?
I ran back toward Courtney and moved her off to the side, away from the door.
“You’re safe here,” I whispered, not sure if we really were. I took a deep breath, unlocked the door, and cracked it open. Kade ran past my room, making me jump. He had his sword in hand, and I soon heard a Darkling scream in pain.
I knew there were more Darkling than just one, and Kade would need my help. At least until the rest of the Guardians came.
Courtney was huddled in the corner with her head between her legs, rocking back and forth, wailing.
“Courtney, honey, I need to go,” I said.
She grabbed hold of my arm. “You can’t leave me. Please don’t leave me here.”
“I’ll be right back. I promise,” I said, grasping the dagger. “If you can, I need you to go downstairs and get the others. We need help, and I need you to be strong for me. Can you do that?”
She nodded with tears pouring down her cheeks. “Yes.” She wiped her face and stood.
“You’re so brave, Courtney. Now, run straight to Alaine. She’ll gather all the others, and make sure you and Caleb are safe.”
“What about you?” she asked, squeezing my arm.
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. Just get to Alaine as quickly as you can. Okay?”
“Okay,” she said, taking in a deep breath.
I opened the door again and peeked out. It was clear, but I could hear Kade fighting the Darkling in Courtney’s room.
“Go!” I urged, exiting the room first. Courtney ran out from behind me and bolted down the stairs. I turned and ran down the hall to help Kade. The smell of Darkling was overpowering, the burning stench made my stomach twist.
When I entered the room, there were three headless Darkling sprawled out on the floor, but there were a lot more wrestling Kade to get in.
“Emma!” Ethon shouted with urgency in his voice.
“Kade, do you know how to release the barrier?”
“No. Only Alaine, James, and Samuel can release it.”
Dammit.
The sky was dark and overcast. That’s why the Darkling were coming out during the daytime. The last time they attacked was in the same kind of weather. How could we ever feel safe, knowing they could crawl into our windows at any given time?
“Ethon. Go get Samuel!” I shouted.
He didn’t answer, so I assumed he left to get him.
I rushed to the window, helping Kade by slaying the Darkling as they attempted to come in. I kicked a few in the chest, sending them flying back out. Below the third-story window was already a pile of wounded and dead Darkling. I thought we had the advantage, until I heard more glass shattering in one of the adjacent rooms.
My amulet became so hot, it burned my chest.
As I turned around, I was met with a Darkling standing at the door. Its long stringy hair hung in front of its blackened eyes. It snarled and snapped at me, crouching down like it was about to strike. I noticed it didn’t have any weapon in its hand, but its sharpened fingernails looked just as dangerous. Besides that, the Darkling were super-fast and strong.
“Kade. They’re in the room.” I said, cautiously.
I could hear him struggling with all of the Darkling still trying to get in through the window. As I readied myself to fight the one crouched in front of me, four more appeared behind it, in the doorway.
It was at this very moment I wished I had slipped into my super suit.
I felt my heart beat quicken, and held the dagger tightly in my grasp, knowing it was the only form of protection I had.
“Kade?” I knew I couldn’t fight all five of them.
“Emma. You’re going to need to fight,” he spoke loudly, thrusting his dagger into the neck of a Darkling snapping at his arm. “Don’t you dare let them take you.”
The Darkling who was crouched, bared its rotted teeth. Their odor violated my nostrils, making me want to gag. Swallowing hard I whispered quietly to my dagger. “I need your help. Now more than ever.”
I felt the dagger warm and then it started to glow.