Page 103 of Shadow & Stars
He switched on the TV to a news channel revealing the unfolding horror at Horse Guards Parade.
A gathering of humans in chains knelt before a raised platform at the center of the parade with two pyres side by side. Tied to poles sticking out of the kindling were Queen Piper and King Basile.
“Oh my God,” Roman breathed.
We left quickly, reaching our location in no time. Ice patterns adorned the manhole cover above, wisps of icy air streaming through the gaps.
“Ready?” Roman said, doing up his front zip.
“When we encounter Andri, be aware his reflexes. Only act if necessary.” I tried keeping the fear out of my voice.
“Noted.”
The moment we exited the sewers into the frozen street of Whitehall, Andri was waiting for us
33
ROMAN
The icy demon possessed the whitest hair and skin I’d ever seen. Apart from the blue flames dancing around his hands, he was pure alabaster, and extremely creepy.
You couldn’t look at this prick for too long at the risk of going snow-blind. So, I inspected my surroundings instead—the frozen ground, the buildings engulfed by blue fire. Dead humans littered the ground, smothered in the azure flames or from severe body trauma. It was like a graveyard brought to the surface.
My God, the temperature was brutal. My coat might as well be paper against the bite of this air.
Allow us…the inner voices of Margarite and Lizard Guy hummed. Together, they pushed heat through me as if they’d cranked up the thermostat, lighting an extra fire under my arse.
“Welcome to the beginning.” Andri’s voice came out deep and viciously cold. An icy wind slapped my cheeks with every word that passed his lips.
Pixels glimmered in the sky, performing their multicolored dance. They were brighter than before, pulsing with wicked intent.
We were on the opposite side of the road to Horse Guards Parade. Demons stood guard at the arched entrance, along with some humans. It was the only building free of fire, but the fences were still covered in ice, icicles hanging from the windows of the famous structure.
The continuous fall of the dust gave the ice a glow up, the sparkles really popping. What a shame they didn’t come with deicer.
“Do not resist, do not try to fight,” Andri warned. “With one flick of my wrist, your lives will end.”
My inner minions purred, hungry for his blood.
Patience…I waited for the right moment to strike, keeping Xavier’s warning in mind.
The ice demon’s eyes moved up and down my body. “I see there is no dagger in your chest now, sparkly one.”
“Where’s Ismael? In there?” I nodded to the parade entrance.
Andri smiled. “Butterfly warned me of a dangerous witch who may come to thwart the plan.” He laughed, sending more of that cold wind at my face. “But you are nothing more than an ant.”
My turn to giggle. “Been called worse. Anyway, ants are clever, enterprising creatures. I’m taking that as a compliment, Cheers. Thanks a lot.”
Hmmm. Maybe I shouldn’t be so cocky.
Movement around the entrance to the parade hinted at more bodies lurking in the shadows of arches.
Xavier grunted. “Lemon Drop…” He staggered forward, grabbing my shoulder for support.
“What’s happening?”
Ten silver-clad witches stepped out of the arches, sauntering over to greet us. I caught the scent of lemons, saw the smirks on their faces.
