Page 30 of Rage of the Fallen

A set of grand stone steps led up to a terrace. From there, ornate double doors provided access to the interior. The castle’s unique construction, with its four symmetrical diagonal wings, meant this rear entrance was as imposing as the front.

Brody continued. “See that dip in the land before the steps? That’s part of the old defensive design. Not quite a moat, but it would’ve slowed down attackers. We can use it for cover.”

I nodded, taking in the scene. The manicured lawns gave way to a subtle depression in the ground that circled the castle. It wasn’t filled with water like a traditional moat, but in the dim light, it offered some concealment.

Damon scanned the lawn and the rear entrance, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. “After we’re across that, it’s a straight shot up those steps, but we’ll be exposed. We’ll need to move fast.” He smirked. “And pray none of those demon bastards decides it’s a good time for a smoke break on the terrace.”

“You know what to do,” Lisa murmured as she stroked the top of the phoenix’s head.

I stiffened, a flicker of doubt crossing my mind. Was Lisa going to betray us like she did last time? The memory of her past deception still stung.

As if sensing my unease, Lisa turned and winked at me, her eyes filled with determination. She glanced back at the phoenix. “Be careful, Aurora.”

Aurora ruffled her brilliant feathers and took flight, her wings a blur of red and gold as she soared toward one of the castle’s turrets. For a moment, the majestic bird was silhouetted against the sky, a beacon of fire and hope.

Suddenly, a loud commotion erupted from the front of the castle. Demons scrambled, their attention drawn to the unexpected intruder.

“The phoenix!” someone cried with awe and alarm. “It’s on one of the turrets!”

“Get it!” another called. The urgency in its voice sent the rest into a frenzy.

As the demons rushed toward the castle, their concentration fixed on Aurora rather than the gardens, I felt relieved. The diversion was working.

Damon grinned, his eyes gleaming with approval. “Now, that’s what I call a bird’s-eye view of the situation. Let’s not waste this chance, people.”

Brody motioned for us to follow him. We crouched and moved swiftly, using the meticulously trimmed hedgerows as cover. These weren’t merely decorative. In the formal garden style typical of Scottish castles, they formed a series of geometric patterns, creating natural corridors we could exploit.

“Stay in the shadows of the topiaries,” Brody muttered. “Move when I move, stop when I stop.”

I weaved through the garden from one sculpted bush to another, grateful for the early morning shadows that stretched across the manicured lawn. Behind me, I heard the soft footsteps of my team. I glanced over my shoulder and found Damon directly behind me. He motioned for me to keep going. I turned and followed Brody. The gravel paths posed a challenge. Each step risked a telltale crunch, so we stuck to the softer grass wherever possible.

I glanced from side to side for any demons, Maci, or Justice, but they all seemed focused on the phoenix.

As we neared the castle’s rear entrance, the hedges gave way to open space. A stretch of exposed lawn lay between us and the grand stone steps leading to the terrace.

Damon tensed. “This is where it gets tricky,” he muttered, eyeing the open ground warily.

Suddenly, a dark shape detached itself from the shadows of a nearby turret. My heart clenched as I recognized the flapping movements of the bat. It was Justice. Even in this form, I could sense his presence, feel the echo of our connection. But the malevolent energy surrounding him was unmistakable.

The bat circled the phoenix, predatory and threatening. Aurora seemed unperturbed by the smaller creature’s approach.

As the bat dove toward her, Aurora spread her wings wide. The morning sun caught her feathers, igniting them in a dazzling display of reds, golds, and oranges. The sight was breathtaking, momentarily distracting even the demons on the ground.

With a powerful flap of her wings, Aurora released a pulse of energy. The air around her shimmered with heat, distorting the fabric of reality. Justice was caught in the wake of this display. He flew erratically, tumbling as if buffeted by invisible winds.

The demons cried out in awe and fury, captivated by the aerial display above them.

Lisa knelt beside me. “See? She makes a great distraction. None of them can touch her since she’s perched on the turret, and the wards protect her.”

I had to admit she was right, but my heart broke watching Justice. This wasn’t him.

Brody’s hand clasped my arm, his grip firm but reassuring. His blue eyes met mine. “The phoenix is playing her part valiantly,” he pointed out. “It’s our turn to step up to the plate. Remember, we’re not only a team. We’re a family. And we never leave family behind.”

He scanned our faces, making sure we were all focused. “We move as one unit. Quick, quiet, and together. Is everybody ready to do their part?”

I drew a deep breath, forcing my focus away from the aerial battle and back to the task at hand. Justice needed us to succeed. We all did. I gave Brody a sharp nod. “Ready.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

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