Blood Prophecy

CHAPTER 42



Lucy


We ran all the way to the platforms, trailing jaw-clacking Hel-Blar.

There was so much adrenaline coursing through me, I felt sick. “This was a better idea in theory.” I panted, even though between Nicholas on one side and Christabel on the other, my feet barely touched the ground.

Nicholas managed to find an actual rope ladder, not just a rope with knots for handholds. Connor went up first so he could hang down and lift us up when we got within reach. I followed Christabel. Nicholas stayed on the ground, a long dagger in one hand and a stake in the other. He broke into a run when we were too far up the tree to stop him, drawing the Hel-Blar off our scent.

“Damn it,” Connor said, practically tossing me up on the platform. “Why does he keep doing that?”

I raced across the platforms, keeping my eye on Nicholas, willing him to stop running so I could cover him properly with my bow. Connor dropped back down to the ground, darting after his brother. Christabel and I kept going, leaping over the broken boards and skirting small fires. I choked on smoke, eyes tearing.

It wasn’t long before we were back on the edge of the battle and the Hel-Blar abandoned us in favor of the fallen wounded, who were bleeding in the snow. Nicholas and Connor went for the nearest ladder, pulling it up behind them once they’d reached a platform. We ran until we found Chloe sitting on the rough planks, rubbing the back of her neck. She was hunched over her laptop. Jenna had lashed herself to a branch by her waist. She straddled it, feet dangling on either side. I had to duck under her boots. These platforms must have been used by the Moon Guard because there were rails and makeshift roofs, baskets of food, and a jug of water. I took a long drink, only now realizing how thirsty I was.

“How’s it going?” I asked.

Jenna just grunted and loosed another arrow. Chloe was slightly wild-eyed. “I much prefer computer hacking to actual hacking,” she said. “I’m sending Hope’s coordinates to Hart,” she added to Connor.

“And Hunter?” I asked, peering over the side.

Hunter still hadn’t moved away from her grandfather’s body. She was defending it with grim precision, her blond ponytail swinging behind her. Quinn stayed at her side, dispatching a Hel-Blar and knocking aside a hunter with the same blow. Jenna shot another arrow, taking out a Hel-Blar who strayed too close to them. I reached for my own arrows, nocking one to the bowstring even as I widened my stance for better balance.

I searched for Solange, finally spotting her at the edge of the clearing with Kieran and Helena, all surrounded by Host vampires. Nicholas saw them too.

“Stay here,” he ordered as I shot an arrow through two Host, turning them both to dust. “Please,” he added desperately. Since I was better able to help from up here, I didn’t argue. He kissed me quickly, fiercely, and then he was gone over the railing. He landed nimbly and I covered him as he crossed the battlefield toward Solange.

Having a Drake for a boyfriend and one for a best friend was a full-time job.