Page 82 of A Fury Of Shadows

Bryony whirled around as screams rent the air.

The Dark Council sorcerers and witches clutched their throats and dropped to their knees with cries of agony, their familiars collapsing beside them.

Oscar grunted and grabbed his chest. His lynx whined beside him.

Bryony frowned.Somehow, I’m not surprised to see him still standing!

“What—” the sorcerer clenched his jaw, sweat coating his face, “what did you do, bitch?!”

He glared at Anya.

“I’m making you believe you’re breathing fire, you dumb shit!” Anya snarled.

“Vlad was right,” Regina murmured. “Trash talk doesn’t suit her.”

Erik swore. He raised his spear and erected a shield above his and Anya’s heads a heartbeat before Barquiel emerged from a rift and brought his demonic sword down upon them.

The barrier shuddered. Erik grimaced. His face reddened as he poured all of his magic into his shield. Blood spurted from his mouth.

“You’re good,” Barquiel scoffed. “But not good enou—!”

A barrage of gold spell bombs struck the demon, blinding him for an instant.

Power blasted from Regina on a wave that made Bryony gasp.

“Get away from my son, you winged buffoon!”

CHAPTER31

Another wallof spell bombs burst into life in front of Regina. She cast the missiles at Barquiel with a roar. Daws bared his teeth at the demon.

Frustration churned Bryony’s stomach as she and Abraham followed through with their own attacks.This isn’t enough!

She saw the same realization dawn in Abraham and Regina’s eyes as the demon remained unscathed by their magic. Dread made her throat ache.

The only one who has a chance against him is Mae!

The vile energy that thickened the air in the next instant stole her breath and made her knees sag. Abraham gasped and would have fallen had she not grabbed his arm. Regina ground her teeth and dug her heels into the floor.

Demonic power throbbed around Barquiel as he floated above the foyer and observed them like insects. He glanced at Oscar.

The sorcerer was still struggling under the effect of Anya’s Illusion Sorcery, foul curses wheezing out of him.

Barquiel focused a crimson stare on Bryony. “Where is theBook of Light?Tell me and I shall spare your wretched lives.”

Penley pressed against Bryony’s leg, lending her his magic. She lifted her chin and glared at the demon.

“Like I’d tell you!”

Barquiel lowered his brows. “So be it, then.”

Bryony barely had time to blink before the demon was upon her.

Abraham and Regina shouted out her name as he grasped her by the throat, smashed a hole into the floor with his sword, and dragged her into the jagged opening with him, his talons scoring thin cuts into her flesh.

Bryony caught a glimpse of Penley as Barquiel raised his sword to cleave an opening in the next floor. The familiar leapt over the edge of the breach, his pupils aglow with wrath and magic.

Horror widened her eyes.No!

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