Page 5 of Rage of the Fallen

I looked at Justice, seeing the same thoughts reflected in his eyes. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a plan. And right now, any plan was better than none.

“Edinburgh Castle it is,” I declared with a small surge of relief at having a destination. “Justice, you know the way?”

He nodded grimly, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. “I know every street in this city. We’ll take the long way in case we’re being followed.”

We sped through the countryside, and soon, the looming silhouette of Edinburgh appeared. It was midday, and my stomach grumbled. I couldn’t remember when I had last eaten.

However, satisfying my hunger was the last thing on my mind.

Maci was out there, changed and dangerous. The demon of rage was still a threat. And who knew what other forces were at play?

I glanced back at my team, their faces filled with determination and fear, highlighted by the harsh afternoon sunlight streaming through the car windows. Sweat glistened on their brows from the summer heat and the lingering adrenaline. We were battered, exhausted, and out of our depth. The bright daylight outside seemed to mock the darkness we’d fled, making our supernatural encounter almost surreal.

Damon squinted against the sunlight, his usual smirk replaced by a grim line. Lisa’s blonde hair, still dusty from the cave, caught the light like a tarnished halo. Zara’s gaze darted constantly between the windows as if expecting something to emerge from the bright landscape at any moment. Brody’s fingers tapped a nervous rhythm on his knee, the only outward sign of his inner turmoil.

Despite the warmth of the day, a chill crept down my spine. I took in the resolute set of Justice’s jaw as he drove, the way my team instinctively leaned toward each other in the back seat, and felt a surge of something like hope.

We were together. Dirty, scared, and unsure of what came next, but together. And for now, as we sped through the Scottish countryside, that had to be enough.

“Stay sharp,” I reminded them, my voice cutting through the hum of the engine and the rush of air from the open windows. “We might not even make it to the castle.”

Zara opened her purse and pulled out a compact mirror. “I suggest we clean up as best we can before we get there, or we’re liable to draw unwanted stares.”

I opened the glove box and found some tissues. After pulling down the car’s sun visor, I looked into the mirror. Dirt covered my cheeks and forehead and dusted my hair. I dragged my fingers through my hair, trying to brush it off. I wet a tissue and attempted to clean my face, but all I did was smear the filth.

“Here,” Zara offered. “I’ve got some wet wipes. Try using these.”

“Thank you.” The moist cloth cleaned off the dirt, but I still looked like a little kid who had been playing in the mud.

“Maybe we should pull into a gas station,” Lisa suggested as she braided her messy hair.

“We don’t have time,” Justice returned. “Maci would catch us for sure. Just do the best you can.”

He pressed harder on the accelerator, and we raced onward, leaving a trail of dust in the golden afternoon light.

CHAPTER THREE

Edinburgh Castle loomed before us, perched on its rocky crag at the end of the Royal Mile. As we approached, awe and trepidation washed over me. The ancient fortress stood like a sentinel against the late afternoon sky, its weathered stone walls and towering battlements a testament to centuries of Scottish history.

Parking proved to be a challenge in the busy city center. We eventually found a spot in Grassmarket, the bustling square nestled in the shadow of the castle. As we stepped out of the car, the cobblestones beneath our feet served as a stark reminder of how out of place we were. Modern warriors in an ancient battleground.

I had managed to dust most of the dirt from my hair, leaving a fine layer on the front seat. Unfortunately, dirt and dust still clung stubbornly to my clothes. I felt like a cowboy coming in from a long cattle drive.

Everyone else looked like they had been on the same cattle drive except Justice. He had used glamour to hide the dirt. I guessed that was one of the benefits of being a vampire.

Yet, I didn’t have time to dwell on my appearance.

I checked my watch. “We’ve got about two hours before the castle closes at five. Let’s make them count.”

We started up the steep path toward the castle, each step bringing us closer to our temporary sanctuary. People glanced curiously at us, and I wanted to dart into a nearby bathroom to hide my appearance. Then, dark clouds crept in and loosed a rainstorm.

At least we didn’t stick out like black sheep in the middle of a white herd anymore.

I used my palm to shield my eyes. The castle grew more imposing with every meter we climbed. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence as I took in the sight. The castle was a behemoth of stone and history, its walls rising defiantly against the sky. Turrets and towers punctuated its silhouette, creating a jagged crown against the sky.

“It’s like a giant fortress looking down at us,” I murmured.

The strategic value of our chosen hideout wasn’t lost on me. From up there, we’d have a commanding view of the city and its surroundings. If Maci decided to make her move in dragon form, or if the demon Rage charged in, we’d spot them long before they reached us. The thought provided a small measure of comfort.

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