Page 30 of Wicked Warlock
“Then you’d better stop. Because imma start a fight, and that dude would be the one to finish it.” I was a warrior. I knew when I would get my ass kicked. It wasn’t often, but the Fallen would be the ones to do it.
“Look away from him and at all the fancy shit and keep us both alive.” I pointed up toward the ceiling.
This place was fancy as hell on steroids with a shot of Red Bull. It was even bigger than the house I grew up in. White marble floors extended out from the foyer, all the way back toward a long hallway going farther into the house. A set of double stairs bowed up in a U-shape to the second floor. I tilted back my head, looking up and up to the third and fourth floors. Dark iron railings ran around each of the levels, separated by thick marble pillars. White double doors were closed up tightly on each of the floors.
Matteaus trudged out from that long dark hallway and stopped just beside Aidenuli and Tilly. Power seethed from him and little sparks of fire flickered over his wings. “How the hell can you turn a human girl into a fucking demon?”
Maze opened his mouth to replay, and Matteaus shot him a cutting look silencing him. “Of all the stupid, irresponsible, dumb-ass things that any of you could do. THIS. This is what you did.”
Maze opened his mouth again and Grayson jabbed his elbow into his ribs. “Lock it up. Unless you want them to lock it up for you. Choose life, mate.”
Matteaus put his hands on his hips. “Do any of you know what we do to demons? Especially hell demons.”
Astrid’s eyes widened and she shook her head and whispered, “No.”
Matteaus looked down by Maze’s feet, pointing at the black cat. “You know.”
Odin, who I hadn’t realized was here among us all, scurried behind Maze’s legs. He peeked out with that one eye, staring up at Matteaus. The angel spun around and walked back by Tilly. “It is our task to rid this Earth of Hell demons and to stop Lucifer. How the hell are we supposed to do that when you all think it’s a good idea to turn a human into A DEMON!”
His voice carried and echoed off the walls. I’d never been scolded like this before. I wasn’t sure if this awful sinking feeling I had in my stomach was what it was supposed to feel like.
Matteaus jabbed a finger out toward Adrienne. “You!”
She jumped and squeaked. Two books fell from inside her jacket and banged to the floor. Her eyes widened and she pressed a hand to her chest. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.
Matteaus nodded. “Yeah, you, tell me what is up with my fountain.”
Adrianne tugged at one of her long braids and shifted from one foot to the other. “The fountain is connected to the looking pools. In the heavenly plain.”
“And what does that mean for us and the school?”
When Adrienne froze, staring at Matteaus, Penny cleared her throat. “It means the compound and the school are protected by heavenly power. And that water… that water is more potent than holy water. It burns away demon essence.”
Matteaus’ eyes flashed a bright blue. “You all wonder why I obsess over our fountains… This is why. It keeps all of your dumb asses safe.”
Penny glanced from Tilly to Matteaus and back. “And deadly.”
“No!” Astrid gasped. “You can’t kill her.”
Matteaus scoffed. “Can’t I?”
“Please.” Astrid’s voice was so small. “It’s not her fault. She deserves a life.”
“This isn’t living.” He walked over to Aidenuli and took Tilly from his hand. He lifted her over the fountain in the center of the room. “Either she’ll be cleansed, or she’ll die. But a demon she will not be.”
Maze burst forward, pumping his arms, running right at Matteaus. Neon smoke exploded from his body and his cards flew from his pockets. Kadeion took a single step to her side and blocked Maze’s path. Her arm shot out and she wrapped her tiny hand around his throat. She lifted him up off the ground and held him there. His legs dangled and kicked, yet he couldn’t find any footing. His cards all dropped to the ground and the magic in his hand disappeared. Astrid tried to follow in Maze’s wake to stop Matteaus from dunking Tilly in the fountain.
“Beck, stop her!” The last thing we needed was a powerless Astrid trying to fight the Fallen. I would go down for my friends. It didn’t mean I wanted to.
Beckett wrapped his arms tighter around her, yanking her back. Grayson sped in front of Astrid and caught her eye. “You’re doing her no favors.”
“A demon of her making cannot walk this Earth.” Matteaus shoved Tilly down into the water, holding her under the surface.
She thrashed and kicked. Her agonized screams echoed up the foyer and were nearly deafening. Water splattered across my shirt. The fountain began to bubble and boil. Steam rose up from the turbulent waters. I felt helpless against this. I didn’t want to see little Tilly with her blond ringlets hurt. She was sweet and sassy and all the things that Maze needed. The soaking trench coat drifted on the surface of the water as she threw back her head, crying out.
Tears streamed down Astrid’s cheeks, and she sagged into Beckett. Maze reached out for her, yet Kadeion’s grip didn’t waver. She jostled him like a rag doll then looked to Grayson. “Yo, Vamp. Catch.”
She threw him back, and Grayson easily caught him, standing him on his feet. Maze moved toward the fountain, and Grayson grabbed his arm and yanked him back into place. Maze growled in his direction.
