Kade shot up. “Emma,” he exhaled.
“I had to. I’m sorry,” I said.
“Don’t be sorry,” he said, hugging me tight. “You saved us. I’m just thankful you didn’t get hurt.”
“Come on, we have to get you to the safe room.”
He grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the room.
As we turned into the hallway, it was blocked. Dom was fighting two Fallen, and I was overjoyed to see he was still alive.
“Second floor should be free,” Dom yelled, right after he did an awesome flying twist, using both of his sharp blades to behead one of the Fallen.
“Thanks, man,” Kade yelled back.
“Emma, I can see you,” he called out while dodging another blade swung at his head.
“Not the face,” he shouted, pushing the Fallen back into one of the rooms. “No one comes near this face. It’s my money maker!”
I held onto Kade’s hand and giggled, calling upon my invisibility. We instantly disappeared and I was surprised at how fast and easy it was becoming. Maybe invisibility would be my gift too.
But I wondered why I didn’t get tired like Alaine did after she went invisible. Maybe it was the suit.
WE BOTH STARTED DOWN THE stairs to the second level. When we reached the balcony I stopped Kade. Below us was devastation and death. There were two Grimlock inside, swinging their weapons, absolutely destroying Alaine’s home.
Two more Grimlock lay lifeless on the ground. One of them was headless, and the other was on its back with its large tongue hanging to the side of its mouth. It had an obvious wound to its chest.
The battle was raging. Guardians against Fallen, and it seemed as if our guys were holding their own.
My heart twisted as I saw Samuel, fighting side by side with Alaine. They moved so naturally together, like each of them knew what the other’s next move would be. Samuel used his wings as his weapon, and was slaughtering Fallen after Fallen. Alaine let him lead, but fought just as hard and just as bravely.
“Lucifer’s Fallen aren’t as skilled as most, probably because they haven’t been in battle for a while. They seem sluggish,” Kade noted.
“That’s good,” I exhaled. “It works to our advantage.”
James, Thomas, and Alex were fighting on the lowest level, close to Alaine and Samuel. They all looked drained.
“Emma,” Kade said, tugging at my hand.
“Wait. Where’s Malachi?” I asked, concerned. I quickly scouted all of the lifeless bodies on the ground, but didn’t spot his.
“Maybe he chased one outside. There seems to be a lot of commotion going on out there.”
“I hope so.”
Then I watched as Lucian stalked toward the Guardians. The one nearest him was Alex.
“Kade,” I wailed, almost letting go of him. “Alex is in danger!”
He held me back, probably thinking I would jump to his aid.
Alex did not see Lucian coming. He was too engaged with another Fallen to notice.
“Alex!” I screamed. “Alex, behind you!”
Alex paused for a split second, and when he turned around, Lucian was already right behind him, his black eyes locked onto his target. Lucian lifted his arm and shoved his sword right into Alex’s midsection.
“No!” I screamed.
Thomas rushed to his aid, and drop kicked Lucian backward, just enough to free the blade from Alex’s stomach. He grabbed Alex’s arm and swung him away, while thrusting out his blade, decapitating an oncoming Fallen. Alex dropped to his knees, his sword fell from his hands as he leaned forward examining his wound.
“Shit!” he bellowed.
Thomas fought bravely next to him, keeping the others away.
“We need to save him,” I cried.
“You are the one who needs to be saved. We need to go. The others will take care of him.”
“He’s dying,” I wailed, watching Alex try to get up, but he collapsed.
“Lucifer failed us, and so did Ethon,” I sobbed, watching helplessly as more Fallen and another Grimlock crashed through the house.
“Emma. We need to go. Now,” he urged.
“They’re gonna die. They’re all gonna die because of me.”
“That’s not true.”
“It is true, and I can’t stand here and let it happen. It’s not fair. They shouldn’t have to die for me.”
“That’s what Guardians do. They watch over those they’ve been assigned. It’s their duty to fight, and even die to protect those appointed to them. It’s what we were created for.”
“It’s not fair,” I said, falling into his arms.
A thunderous boom shook the whole house. The large chandelier above the foyer came crashing down, along with the beautiful stained glass skylight. Crystal shards and glass exploded all across the floor.