Page 83 of Hunt the Dusk
“This is what I do.”
“A Raven is on its way to the chapter house,” Atlas said, joining us at the bottom of the steps.
“The children!” Christian cried from the top of the steps. “We have to get to the children.”
“What?” I rushed toward him. “I thought the children were in the main building.”
“Not all of them,” Christian said. “And the ones who performed already went back to the east and west residences behind the main house.”
“Shit. I have to go.”
“You should wait for your team,” Atlas said.
“It’ll take them forever to get here.”
I strode back down the steps.
“I’m coming with you,” Ezekiel said, hot on my heels.
Kaster followed.
“No. I don’t have time to babysit you right now.” I made sure to look at them both. “Either of you. Get inside with the others. Keep them safe and let me do my job.”
Ezekiel flinched as if I’d slapped him, but I didn’t have time for his fragile ego right now. “Please.”
Kaster looked torn but inclined his head, respecting my wishes.
I ignored Ezekiel’s growl and broke into a jog, away from the main building, tuning into the hum of my sword so it could guide me.
The cold ones were close.
I cut around the side of the building and across the moon-washed lawn.
My sword vibrated, warning me to be on my guard.
A four-story towering building sat ahead, gray and silent, not a single lamp burning inside, but I caught movement on the bottom floor—something large passing a vaulted window.
The east residence.
A place filled with children.
Ice flooded my veins, and I picked up speed, running full pelt toward the building. The air beside me whooshed, and I jolted at the sight of Ezekiel keeping pace with me.
“Dammit, Ezekiel!”
There was no time to berate him. No time to make him turn back, because the air was rent by the distinctive screams of children.
Chapter 29
The stairwell was blocked by a cold one. Massive in bulk, its silver-gray body ate up space, cutting us off from ascending. I’d have to take it down to get past.
Ezekiel let out a curse and grabbed my arm to haul me back, but I shrugged him off, my gaze locking with the beast, who had eyes only for me.
It knew I was the threat. It could feel the power in my sword.
“Ezekiel, don’t move. Do not interfere. Do you understand?”
“I understand.”
