Chapter 72
Seventy-two
We rush back into the fray, forming a large pattern.
Before we know it, the swooping of wings draws near.
“On your right!” Miles yells as Atlas zigzags in front of us.
We all shift to the right side, aligning ourselves so that the creature will fly overhead directly in the middle of all of us.
Legs pumping, heart pounding, wings beating—the creature’s rancid breath is upon us.
Today, I will not die. Today, I will not die.
I repeat the mantra as the beast of horrors gathers above us, its jaw dropping to light Atlas ablaze.
“Atlas, move!” I bellow just as Miles yells at us to attack.
I thrust upward and drag my sword along the monster’s stomach lining as Atlas lets out a cry of agony.
Darkened blood pours onto my arm, coursing down to my shoulder.
I firmly keep my mouth shut and eyes open as I continue the motion, despite the putrid smell making me want to gag.
“Kill the fucker!” Miles demands as he uses a spear to stab repeatedly. The creature lets out a bloodcurdling screech as its body dips.
“Move!” Celeste screams, the five of us scrambling out of the way as the monster loses strength, falling closer and closer to the ground.
It crashes to a skidding halt. Miles drags Atlas, who is lying on the ground, clutching his leg, out of the beast’s path.
Once stopped, we all wait one beat, then two.
The beast does not stir, its eyes unseeing. One down.
Right on cue, the second monster releases an angry battle cry.
I direct the group, “Back to the building!” The women run back towards our haven.
“Zellie! He can’t walk!” I whirl to find Miles struggling to support Atlas’s weight. His calf and knee are charred, the wound angry and bubbling.
Bile rises in my throat. “It’s okay, we've got you, Atlas. You’re going to be okay.
” I move to the other side, hoisting his arm around my shoulder, and then we quickly hobble towards safety.
A distorted beam of light catches my eye, tucked away behind a broken column.
A portal. I look backwards multiple times to ensure our way out doesn’t disappear, thanking my lucky stars when I can still make out the hiding spot from our shelter.
“I found a way out,” I relay breathlessly.
“There’s a portal hidden just over there.
” Looks of relief and exhaustion are clear on everyone’s faces.
The beast cries out again as realization washes over me.
Someone will have to distract it, especially now that Atlas is injured. I will lose no one else.
Knowing I would protect my family at all costs, I conveyed my plan. “We will wait for it to fly by, then make a go for it. We should have enough time to make it if we time it right.”
With everyone in agreement, I led the way with the others trailing behind.
I reach the portal, ushering Celeste, who assists Miles in carrying Atlas, through.
“You guys go first; he’s hurt.” Miles tries to switch out with me, but I insist he take him.
The three touch the portal, disappearing from view.
The whooshing of wings distracts us who remain, eyes widening in fear.
I move without thinking, rounding behind Aria and Merri and pushing them toward our exit.
“I’m right behind you!” I yell, moving into the open field to distract the creature from my friends—a lie.
No one else will fall today. Today, I will not die.
Today, I will not die. Today, I will not die.
I make a round, circling the broken shelter before looping back towards the portal.
Everyone has gone through; I am the only one to remain.
My relief is short-lived as panic bursts through me.
My friends are gone, but the portal is, too.