Page 90 of The Stone Survival
“We need the elite,” Derek said. “They’re on their way.”
“Keep the alchemists busy until help arrives.” I rushed to join the graynites as they attacked the platform.
Together we hit the barrier, pushing through slightly before being banished back.
“He’s weakening,” Ubron yelled. “Keep going.”
We hit him again and again.
“Cameron!” Melanie beckoned from across the room. But she’d have to wait.
Shadows blocked out the moon.
Gargoyles!
Shar, Orix, and Curi, carrying Levi.
Yarrow screamed with rage as they dropped through the dome and surrounded his platform.
The energy coming out of him sputtered and died.
He wilted, breathing hard and heavy, amber eyes glowing with triumph. “You’re too late. It’s done.”
“And so are you,” Orix said.
We attacked him as one—five graynites and four gargoyles—elite bloodlines. A sharp crack filled the air, and his barrier dropped.
Enron grabbed him by the throat and lifted him into the air.
All this time I hadn’t thought to wonder how the elite would kill the alpha. How it had always been said that they could do it if they were together, but in that moment, a pulsing connection formed between us all, tying us together in a web of power that filtered through to the graynite holding Yarrow aloft.
“Stop,” Yarrow pleaded. “You’re making a mistake. You need me. The rift is open, and you’ll need me.”
“No one needs you,” Enron sneered.
Bone snapped.
Yarrow’s head tipped to the side, eyes going dull and blank.
The graynites cried out in unison and fell onto their knees.
All except Ubron, who stood watching as golden ethereal mist rose from the graynites’ bodies.
The infernals were free, and the bodies they left behind morphed to humanoid form.
Romi? I fell to my knees beside him. “Romi, oh god!”
He looked at me blearily. “Cameron?”
“Yes.” I bit back a sob. “Yes, it’s me. It’s me and you’re here.” I blinked back tears and wrapped my arms around him.
He tensed then hugged me back. “I…I was dreaming.”
“You’re awake now. You’re safe now.”
“The rift is open,” Ubron said to his brothers. “Go now. Go home.” The golden forms hesitated, hovering close before flying away.
He watched them leave, a look of raw longing on his face.
