Page 41 of When Monsters Rise
“Herald’sclaw,”Shemconfirmed. “Thisis odd.Theydon’t emerge during the day unless disturbed.”
“It’sclose to sundown,”Sarqsaid.
“Wecan’t leave now,”Shemsaid. “Dammit.”
Wewere about to back away from the window when a couple of figures ran out of the alley at the side of the building.
BastianandBee.
Andhot on their tail was a second herald’s claw.
Myheart slammed into my rib cage. “Fuck!”Itore away fromShemand ran for the door.
Hegrabbed my arm. “Notyou.Youstay.”
Asmuch as it grated, he was right.Ihad no weapon.Iwas useless up against a claw. “Fine, but hurry.”
HeandSarqbeelined for the exit, andIheaded for the window again.
BastianandBeestood back-to-back while the two herald’s claws circled.
“That’sstrange,”Penemuesaid. “Theyshould have attacked by now.”
Butit looked like they were sniffing the air.
“Oh…”Penemuesaid. “Theycan smell death.”
Bastian…Theyknew he was dying.
ShemandSarqappeared in the street running toward the beasts.Bothwatchers took to the air and attacked.
Myheart thrummed in my throat asSarqandShemfought the creatures.
BastiangrabbedBeeand pulled her out of the way.
Theyran out of sight, and a moment later my radio crackled. “Rue, where are you?Over.”
Reliefat hearing his voice made my throat tight. “Storeacross the street from you.”Ihurried to the exit. “Boarded-up windows.”Istepped outside and waved to get their attention.
Thegrowls and snarls of the fight were louder in the street, and my pulse quickened in response.BastianandBeespotted me and ran over, but there was no time for a reunion because more claws had appeared on the rooftops.
Threemore.Ohshit.
Oneof them leapt into the fray, aiming for an airborneShem.
“Shem, watch out!”
Shemwent down beneath the creature.
“No!”
Ablast of heat hit my back, and the next momentJilyanawas running toward the creatures.Flamesshot out of her hands and lit up the claw on top ofShem.
Ithowled and rolled off him.Anotherjet took out a second claw.Jilyanabuckled and fell to her knees.
Imade a break for her, andBastiantried to grab me, butIevaded, legs pumping asIclosed the distance between myself and the djinn.
“Igot you.Comeon.”
