Page 37 of Forging Darkness

There’s a roar, and a pale body is thrown. I duck to keep from getting hit by a flailing limb. It incites the mob of Forsaken and several more jump into what is obviously a fight.

A lion’s bellow mixes with Forsaken screams.

Steel.

The mass of Forsaken blocks my view of what’s happening, but the spurts of black and red blood splatter-painting the walls is indication enough.

That hidden part of me rumbles:mine.

I don’t stop the possessiveness from taking over. Heat zings down my body as my wings burst free, cutting into a few Forsaken that have noticed me and tried to ambush me from behind.

Looking down at myself, I’m covered in golden armor. Weapons are strapped to my arms and legs, my torso protected by a shell of metal.

I’m finally wearing pants—thank goodness.

Crouching low, I spring into the air, giving my wings a few test flaps before dropping onto the horde of Forsaken attacking Steel.

I slash at the Forsaken with my wings and a dagger I yanked from the holster at my thigh. I manage to put a bit of distance between Steel and me, and the group of bloody monsters.

I spare Steel a quick glance. He doesn’t look good. Besides the red and black blood soaking his fur, he’s panting, and his frame is slimmer than I remember. The wear from the last few months shows.

I consider trying to convince Steel to phase back into the mortal realm, but the Forsaken would simply follow, most likely leaving human casualties in their wake.

We were wholly unprepared for an attack of this magnitude, and this time there won’t be a small Nephilim army to rescue us.

The Forsaken circle us, hissing and spitting insults as they take turns lashing out with their claws and teeth.

“Filthy half-breeds.”

“I’ll spill your guts and shred your skin with my fangs.”

“Those wings would make a pretty trophy.”

“Let’s skin the lion and leave his bloody corpse for the Nephilim to find.”

“Now, now.” A voice rings out above the noise.

Heads swivel in her direction as Silver makes her way through the throng. I don’t know how she managed to gain authority over these creatures, but it’s obvious she has. They quiet considerably, seeming to wait for her command.

“Let’s not be hasty. You know we have use for the golden one.” Her head tips in Steel’s direction. Matted, greasy hair swings back and forth, a contrast to her silken mane in the mortal world. “This one, though, is a different story.”

Silver steps toward Steel, and he swipes at her with his paw. She deftly avoids his attacks. Fatigue and blood loss make Steel’s movements sloppy and feeble.

“You’ve played your part to perfection, dear brother. You are wonderful bait, but I’m sorry to say I have no use for you anymore.” Silver’s gaze finds mine before she issues orders. A grotesque smile stretches her blood-leached lips. “Subdue her. Kill him.”

There isn’t time for dread to twist in my belly before the pack of Forsaken swallow Steel and me. I flare my wings and twist, trying desperately to dislodge the bodies weighing me down.

Steel’s pain-filled roar breaks through the chaos and renews my strength. I’m able to shake a couple monsters free and flap my wings once, but just as I get a few inches off the ground, I’m hauled back to the earth.

Something punctures my shoulder, cutting through muscle and hitting bone. The pain is excruciating, but I don’t have the luxury of reacting.

I thrash and buck, but can’t break free. I can’t see the spectrum sky through the mass of bodies pinning me to the frozen ground, and that frightens me.

Heat rolls through my body, building even as my energy drains. I can’t feel my injuries anymore, only fire. It burns and scorches, cauterizing my wounds.

The Forsaken trying to rip into me hiss and back away. A white flame coats my body, seemingly burning any Forsaken who come near.

Finally free, I search for Steel, yet only see another horde of Forsaken. It looks like a football pileup.

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