Page 9 of Gargoyle Sentinel

Malachi did a quick scan of the area and motioned for Cassiel and Ronen to follow him. A darkened area surrounded by a large pine and some shrubbery at the back of the building was ideal for them to land after a quick shift. Even if humans couldn’t see them when shifted, changing to their human form was another matter. That was when they needed to be discreet.

They descended to street level and, after shifting, blended seamlessly with the evening crowd of well-heeled tourists and locals. Malachi kept his senses wide open, following the crystal’s pull like a compass. As they moved deeper into the downtown area, the pulsing grew stronger, more insistent.

Mal paused, closing his eyes, visualizing where the crystal wanted him to go. His eyes flew open as a vision of a terrified young man filled his mind.

“This way.”

He rushed down a side street lined with upscale boutiques and restaurants, not bothering to check whether Cassiel and Ronen had followed. He had no doubt they had, but it didn’t matter. Danny was so close. Nothing could keep him from his mate.

He was drawn toward a grand building with a distinctive façade. A dark blue awning announced that it was the WheelerOpera House. The historic architecture stood in stark contrast to the modern buildings surrounding it. The crystal pulsed with an almost frantic energy. As unexpected as it was, this was definitely the right place.

“The opera house?” Cassiel caught up with him. “That's weird.”

“Too public,” Ronen agreed. Several patrons were entering for what must be an evening performance. “Why would they risk holding a kidnapped Nephilim in such a visible location?”

Malachi narrowed his eyes, studying the building. “I doubt they’re the stars of the evening’s show.” He focused harder, letting his gargoyle senses expand beyond human limitations. “There's more to it. Underground passages, perhaps. Old buildings like this often have secrets.”

Cassiel clapped her hands together. “Works for me. Do we bust in there all dramatic-like? Cause I've been dying to make a grand entrance.”

Ronen smirked at her. “Yeah. Let’s draw as much attention as possible. What could possibly go wrong?”

Cassie tsked. “Newbies. Wouldn’t know sarcasm if it bitch-slapped them in the face.”

“Hey!” Ronen crossed his arms. “That was completely unnecessary.”

"We can't wait,” Malachi growled. “Every second Danny remains in their clutches is too long. However...” He directed his words at Cassiel. “We don’t attract attention.” He turned to Ronen. “Humor. The only thing preventing me from losing my ever-loving fucking mind in the face of all this evil.”

Ronen nodded. “Got it. I can see how battling demons and traitors for centuries might wear on you.”

Cassiel snorted. “Uh, yeah. Just a tad.”

Malachi gritted his teeth as a sharp pain sliced through his gut.Fuck. They were torturing Danny, he was sure of it.

“No more blabbing. We need to get inside this way too public building that’s away from these crowds. Shifting and using a rooftop window or vent is an old standby.”

Cassie pointed. “Except for the blaze of lights. Wanna make a bet that it’s where the theatre is? It might seem odd to the opera patrons if windows and vent shields begin opening by themselves.”

Malachi pressed his lips together. “Even so, the theatre can’t be the entire upper floor. There’s a reason we don’t usually break in on ground level.” He wished they knew the layout of the building.

“Sure, fewer prying eyes,” said Cassiel. “But there have to be other options.”

Another vicious pain burst in Malachi’s lower back. “Dammit!”

Ronen gasped. “Watch what you say. Michael will have a fit.”

Cassiel rolled her eyes. “When is henothaving a fit about something?”

“Enough!” Malachi growled again. “They’re hurting Danny. He doesn’t seem to be aware of what they’re doing, but that’s not to say he won’t suffer physical injuries.”

Ronen grabbed Malachi’s arm. “Of course. Whatever you say. I’m too familiar with their depravity.”

Cassiel lowered her head. Zeke had shared that Cassiel was part of the team that rescued Ronen when he’d been tortured and questioned by the rogues.

Malachi gave him a quick dip of his chin. “Right. Let’s circle the building and search for the most vulnerable spot.” He regarded Cassiel, who still appeared sullen from the reminder of Ronen’s brush with death. “Makes more sense to go through the ground floor anyway. Especially if there is a basement or tunnels. Right?”

She lifted her eyes and gave him a crooked smile. “Sounds good, buddy.”

They quickly made their way to a narrow alley, checking to ensure they weren’t being observed before ducking down the dark corridor. Almost immediately, Malachi spotted a simple metal door marked ‘Staff Only’ that was partially hidden behind a dumpster. He motioned for Cassiel and Ronen to move closer. Cassiel pulled out a small vial of clear liquid from her pocket.

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