Page 21 of Wrath of the Fae

‘If they catch you, Raven…’ he says quietly, his hand tightening on me. ‘The things they will do.’

‘Then get me to the manor.’ I take his face in my hands and look deep into that crazy eye. ‘Get me to the manor, Lucca.’

He swallows and nods before pulling out a dagger and twirling it in his fingers.

‘You got it, Pup.’

So much for sneaking in. We’ve become a fucking stampede!

We charge through the trees, knowing that the soldiers at our backs are far more lethal than those babysitting the least cared-for Kingdom in the realm.

By the time Lucca and I reach the city's cobbled streets, bodies are already littering the floor, and the sounds of screams and fury echo all around us. I see a group of our people being herded into a large pub by one of the bartenders, promising safety.

His promises are the truth. He’s on our side.

He drags them inside and slams his fist into anyone who tries to intervene. Those living on the streets rush to our aid. They pick up the weapons of the dead to help hack and end those in First Kingdom uniform. They don’t know who we are or why we’re coming into their city. But they know we’re killing the First Kingdom soldiers, so they side with us instantly.

Given the chance, I would have done the same when I lived in Rosenwood. If strangers turned up with innocents in tow and started killing the Authority agents that terrorised us, I would have grabbed anything I could have and joined in.

Their enemy is our enemy, and for now, that makes us allies. They see the frightened children. The parents clinging to them. The weak and injured. The frightened who still find the strength to hold a weapon and charge.

And they help us!

Doors open wide, and they call them in. Groups charge in defence of those cornered. Three half-naked sex workers leap from their brothel and jump on two soldiers descending on a woman holding a baby.

They don’t stand a chance. The women decimate the men.

Lucca takes my hand and runs, keeping me close as he darts down street after street. I grip my dagger tightly, ready to drive it into throats, eyes, and hearts.

I hear the fierce laughter of Wolf and look down the street to see him wielding his hammer wildly around him, loving every second of violence.

A bottle smashes at our feet and explodes with blue fire, throwing us backwards. Three soldiers sprint towards us with their weapons drawn. Lucca gets me back on my feet, pulls my hood further over my face and tucks my hair inside.

‘Down there. Third left. Second right. Cut through the butcher’s market and get yourself on the main avenue. Wolf said that's the best path to take to the manor.’ He holds my face and kisses the top of my hooded head. ‘Keep your face and your wings hidden beneath the cloak. They'll all come for you if they know you’re alive.’

‘Come with me!’

He places himself between the three men and me.

‘GO!’ His wings emerge as a second fire bomb is launched. ‘NOW!’

I turn and run, dodging, ducking and weaving the battling Fae.

First Kingdom soldiers in white. Us in rags and makeshift armour.

I count the left turns.

One. Two. Three.

I dart down the street lined with abandoned shops. It looked like a market once stood here. All that’s left are ruins.

I run, leaping over bodies and puddles of blood.

As Lucca told me, I pass the first right and skid as I turn down the second. The street is ablaze on either side of me, and both their side and ours scream as they burn, thrashing in desperation to extinguish the strange blue flames that consume them alive. Horror engulfs me as I see those I know writhing, their skin sizzling as if coated in hot oil. The flames sweep over them like a snake, twisting and curling around their arms, legs and torso.

One of those on the floor looks at me. When I go to help, he scurries back and bellows at me through his utter agony.

‘Don’t touch the flames! They never leave you! Run! RUN!’

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