I’m not going to let any more people die because of me.
“I don’t get to go inside and wait,” Persephone said. “You’ve got to trust me on this, because unfortunately, I don’t have time to explain.”
She handed her bag to Danielle, trying not to think about the fact she might never get to wear whatever it was she’d bought.
When Danielle stood rooted, Persephone locked eyes with her. “Please, Danielle. I’ll call you later, okay?”
“I’ll be expecting the explanation then as well.” Danielle readjusted the bags on her arm, turned, and walked back into the heart of the mall.
Persephone’s mind spun, trying to work out a quick plan. Facing the demons without a weapon was suicide. Lucky for her, she had a pretty good idea where she could get one.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Jax stared at the tiny community he used to call home. Charred wood skeletons stood where houses used to be. The fires had long burned out, but the smoky scent hung heavy in the air. With the exception of his footsteps crunching through the debris, the place was silent
How many people had died, he didn’t know. Didn’t want to know. The blackened corpses he’d passed as he came into town were enough to tell him it had been too many. Why didn’t they sense it coming? Unless it wasn’t demons.
No other enemy would target them like this, though. Or be so ruthless.
This explains why I couldn’t get a hold of anyone, he thought, his heart sinking. There is no one.
Jobs often took the Warriors far away from home, sometimes for months at a time. Jax had a handful of numbers memorized—it was too risky to keep the numbers in his phone, in case the demons got a hold of it and used it to track other Warriors down. He’d called all the numbers he could remember, but so far no one had answered or called him back. He wanted to believe they were simply busy, that they were still out there fighting. But the young Warriors. They’d been here. Training swords and tiny shields littered the ground.
The stench grew and he lifted a hand to his nose. A lump formed in his throat. His home, his people, gone. Images of his family and friends filled his mind. Had any of them gotten out in time?
Then he saw all the tiny corpses. Swallowing became impossible, and his hands started to shake. Unable to take it anymore, he pulled his eyes off the fallen Warriors-in-training.
Fire coursed through his veins as the rage took hold. Whoever’s responsible for this is going to pay.
His wounds from the fight with Lamia had healed remarkably fast, and he was ready to fight again. He just needed to find the bastards. He stopped for a moment, listening, waiting for his instincts to guide him, but he didn’t pick up anything.
As much as he hated to go further, he forced himself forward. If there were any survivors, he needed to find them. The sun dipped low in the sky, casting its last beams of light through the crumbling town.
The second the sun disappeared, a strange feeling settled over him. He surveyed the area. Nothing. He couldn’t tell if the buzzing under his skin was his demon sensor, or the dark, or if it was his connection to Persephone.
Persephone. A dull ache filled his chest, growing worse the longer he thought about her. He couldn’t stop worrying about her. Leaving had been the last thing he wanted to do, yet he’d truly believed it had been the right decision. But it now looked like there wasn’t anyone else to help them. Running might be their only option after all, regardless of how dangerous it was to bring the dagger out of hiding.
A warning hummed through his body. It felt different than it usually did, but he was certain there was a demonic presence near.
Letting his instincts guide him, he drifted to the large building on the right. Made out of cement, the warehouse was the only building still standing, and his instincts were screaming the creatures responsible were in there. Seven, maybe eight, maybe more, it was hard to tell. More demons than he’d ever taken on alone, but he was pissed off enough he didn’t care how outnumbered he was. Fury like he’d never felt before heated his body. He felt strong, powerful—like he could destroy anything he crossed, and enjoy every minute of it, too.
He extended the blade on his sword and stormed up to the entrance. A swift kick flung open the door. Several red pairs of eyes looked up at him. From the looks of it, they were waking up for the night.
Jax didn’t wait. He slashed at the one nearest him, slitting his throat. He swung across and stabbed another in the heart. He thrust his sword into the next one’s stomach. Jamming the blade deeper, he lifted the beast into the air and threw him into the other demons scrambling to their feet.
The first to break free came at him from the right. Jax swung his blade in front of him. With a flick of his wrist, he stabbed the demon. The creature shrieked, and Jax hacked off his head, cutting off the scream.
Six more, now on their feet, were coming at him.
Flamethrowers ringed the room. One of the beasts lunged for one and wrapped his fingers around the handle.
Jax cut off the hand and sent his heel into the demon’s face. Bones crunched and black blood poured from its nose. Sensing movement behind him, Jax spun and blocked the blow with his sword. The demon swung his other massive fist at Jax’s head. Jax ducked and plunged his sword into the creature’s side.
Thinking of all those tiny, burnt bodies, Jax twisted the blade. Blood ran from the corner of the demon’s mouth. He hissed, flashing his sharp teeth. Then his knees buckled, and he fell to the ground.
Jax lunged left, piercing the chest of the demon advancing from that direction. He threw an elbow into the beast on his right and brought his blade back around to deliver a deadly blow.
The last two demons backed away.
Eyes wide, they turned and darted out the door.
Gripping his sword tighter, Jax sprinted after them. Taking aim at one of their backs, he whipped his arm forward, causing pain to spike through his injured shoulder.
The blade landed true, in the center of the beast’s back. A cloud of ash puffed around him as he hit the ground.
Jax ran to the body, jerked out his sword, and bolted after the last demon. He leapt over the charred debris and pushed harder. He dove on top of the demon and brought the blade across the thick neck of his enemy.
They tumbled to the ground. Jax rolled and stood, sword still in hand.
But it was over.
Jax worked to get his breathing under control. Dark blood coated his arms, and his muscles burned with exhaustion. He looked from the beast at his feet, to the one he’d impaled, to the warehouse, where he could make out a few of the bodies.
“Whoa.” He’d taken demons on before, but never like that. He felt strange, too, almost a little drunk with power. It didn’t matter, though. The death sentences had been delivered; his people had been avenged.
Only it didn’t make him feel much better. Now that the adrenaline was wearing off, he felt empty. And dizzy. He reached out and propped himself against a scorched post.
Near the edge of the woods, he caught movement. He tightened his grip on his sword. Realizing he wasn’t getting a demon vibe, a flicker of hope ran through him. More outlines appeared among the trees.
Jax strode toward the figures, squinting his eyes, trying to make out faces.
Moonlight glowed off the top of their heads, and he recognized blonde curly waves, the same color as his.
“Jax?” Mom left the others and sprinted toward him. When she reached him, she threw her arms around him and showered him with affection that would’ve embarrassed him in any other circumstance. Soon the need for air became urgent, and he had to pull out of her grasp.
That’s when he noticed the bloodshot eyes, scratches on her face and arms, the blackened clothes, and twigs and leaves caught in her hair.
“How many did we lose?” he asked.
“I’m not sure.” Unshed tears glistened in her eyes. “Hades himself was with them—more demons than I knew existed. We sensed it, but there were so many surrounding
the area we couldn’t get everyone out in time. So many were gone on missions, too.
“The demons killed everyone in their path, burning the town as they went. We tried to fight, but it soon became clear…” She sniffed, and huge tears ran down her ash covered cheeks. “The kids who were old enough to be in training were already gone…Their cries…” Like she could still hear them, she brought her hands to her ears.
Not knowing what else to do, Jax hugged her. The other figures neared and he recognized people he’d known all his life. A handful of teens, a few women around Mom’s age, who were cut up and bruised, three young mothers, and six kids under the age of ten.
“Have you been able to contact any of the others, the ones who are deployed?” Jax asked.
Mom shook her head. “We’ve had no way to, but last we heard most of them were being overwhelmed by demons already. Something bad’s happening. I’m not sure what, but I know that Hades and most of the demons marched south.”
“I’m afraid I know what they’re after. Or more accurately who.” He glanced at the other scraggly looking survivors, then leaned in and whispered, “I found the Sentry who has Hades Dagger. And in order to keep it from Hades and his demon army, she’s going to need our help, as many as we can gather.”
All of a sudden, Jax’s stomach clenched and all the hairs on his arm prickled. Even from several states away, he could sense that Persephone was in trouble.
***
Persephone hated to steal, but there was that whole desperate times, desperate measures thing. And her attempt to get back home was definitely going to be desperate. Hood up, head down, she got ready for her first attempt at unarmed robbery.
The guy working the counter of Collector’s Edge had his attention on a display, and even better, he was alone. One swift kick to the head and he crumpled to the floor. Persephone dragged him behind the counter where he wouldn’t be easily spotted, tossed all the money left in her wallet next to him, and retrieved the key to the glass case. Making sure to keep her face away from the camera, she armed herself with an assortment of knives. The samurai sword on the bottom shelf caught her eye.
Most little stores like this carried junky, dull blades for show. Not this one. The words display only in bold print ran next to the curved katana. Lifting it, she took note of the fine craftsmanship. Black, cord-wrapped hardwood handle and a gleaming blade with a razor sharp edge. With a weapon like this, she might just have a fighting chance.
I’ll bring it back. Granted I live through what I’m about to do, of course.
She tossed the key on top of the money and slunk out of the store, keeping the sword tucked next to her. At least not many people were at the mall late Monday night. The demons were still out, though, watching and waiting.
In addition to feeling them, she could now see several sets of red eyes through the glass exit doors.
All I’ve got to do is make it to the car.
Hopefully, the demons would try to follow her, getting them away from the innocent bystanders. Then she could lose them and make her way to her protected house.
Steeling herself for what was sure to be the most challenging fight of her life, Persephone took out the sword and gripped the handle so hard the cords dug into her palm.
Here’s hoping all that training I did with Jax pays off.
Heart thumping a million-miles-a-minute, she pushed out the glass doors.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Cool air hit her face and glowing red eyes focused on her. The demon standing in front smiled, displaying his jagged teeth.
Persephone pointed the samurai sword at him. “Why don’t you come a little closer so I can wipe that smile off your ugly face.”
The demon didn’t waste any time granting her request. Persephone took a large step forward and swung the katana. The blade glided through his thick hide with an ease she’d never experienced before.
A blow to her right side caught her by surprise. She spun and sliced off the creature’s arm. Demons closed in on her from all directions. She hacked at them as they came, swinging until her shoulder ached. Their warm blood splattered her arms and face. Still they came, massive demons that loomed over her. As soon as she’d take out one, another would appear.
Claws raked down her back. The next swipe cut deep scratches into her shoulder and the sword fell to the ground with a clang. The scent of decaying flesh filled the air.
She grabbed at the nearest demon and put him in a headlock. He straightened, clawing at her arms, and she squeezed tighter. Another demon came at them. Keeping her grip on the first creature’s thick neck, she ran up the other body and flipped over backward. The crack of the demon’s spine echoed through the air, and his body went limp.
Demons circled her. She grabbed one’s shoulders and yanked down as she brought her knee into his nose, then kicked back and took out one of the beasts behind her.
The handle of the sword caught her eye. She swooped down and retrieved it. Crouching low, she swung, slicing at legs. An opening appeared and she dove for it. Her car was only a few rows away.
Pushing herself as hard as she could, Persephone ran. She heard them behind her, coming fast. Keeping her grip on the sword, she dug the other hand into her pocket. Her fingers wrapped around the car remote. She ran her thumb down it until she found the right button. The lights flashed as the locks disengaged.
Just a little further.
“Persephone?” Dean’s voice made her stop dead in her tracks. She whipped her head from side to side, searching for him.
He was standing off to her left, the next row over. “What’s up? Why’d I have to get Danielle if—”
His eyebrows shot up. “What the hell happened to you?”
Persephone ran over to him and linked her arm through his. “Hell pretty much describes it. Where’s your car?”
“Um, you’ve got a sword,” Dean said, pointing at it.
“The car, Dean! Where’s the car?” She ran, dragging him with her, worrying she was going in the wrong direction.
Two demons blocked the path, and it no longer mattered. Chills ran down her spine as one of their ear-shattering war-cries pierced the air. She started to back away, but four more demons stepped behind them—she and Dean were surrounded. On the bright side, three were limping. A pathetic silver lining, but she’d take what she could get.
Persephone raised her blade, sticking close to Dean. “If you get the chance, run.”
All the color had drained from Dean’s face. “That scream—it didn’t even sound human.” His fingers wrapped around her arm, and she could hear his breaths sawing in and out of his mouth. “I don’t understand what’s going on. Why are these men circling us? Who are they? What do they want?”
How to explain to Dean these weren’t men, but evil creatures who projected themselves as men? Simple. She couldn’t. Not while they were surrounded and in very real danger of dying, anyway.
“I’m afraid I don’t have time to explain.” And I’m afraid I’m out of good ideas. “What you need to know now is that these are all bad guys. The worst kind of bad.”
Man, I wish Jax was here.
Persephone looked to the heavens. “Athena, if you could spare a few seconds, I could really use some help.”
The demons moved closer, tightening the circle.
Lightning tore through the sky. The bolt split, striking two of the creatures.
Persephone swung her sword, slashing wildly at anything besides Dean that moved. Two went down easily. Two remained. Every muscle in Persephone’s body was exhausted, screaming for a break.
Yelling, she charged again, ramming the blade into the nearest creature’s stomach just as large arms encircled her from behind. Her feet left the ground as the demon lifted her. With her arms pinned, she couldn’t raise the katana high enough to do any damage. He spun her around and slammed her against a nearby SUV.
The world separated into two of everything, and she struggled for air. Blood ran from the cuts on he
r arms, and her grip on the hilt of her weapon slipped. He slammed her again, and the sword clattered against the pavement.
A caustic grin spread across the demon’s face as he pulled her to him. “Don’t worry. Soon you’ll realize there’s nothing to fight.”
Persephone’s fingers groped at the waistband of her jeans. Finally, she found what she was looking for. She whipped out the knife and jammed it into the demon’s throat.
He dropped her as his hands shot to his neck, grasping for the knife’s handle.
“Dean, run!”
He didn’t have to be told twice.
Persephone retrieved the katana from the ground. Her lungs and legs burned, but she pushed forward. “Get to your car and—”
“No way,” Dean said, running alongside of her. “I’m not leaving you now.”
With no time to argue, she gave in. They reached her car and climbed inside. The tires squealed as she reversed the car out of the space. “Call Danielle. Tell her to get to the exit as fast as she can.”
Dean made the call.
As soon as the car neared the main exit, Dean hopped out and yanked his sister into it.
“Geez!” Danielle swatted at Dean’s arm. “What’s going on? You guys are acting all whacked out and—” She screamed, and Persephone whipped her head forward.
The headlights lit up the demon in the road. He dropped his projection, revealing himself for what he really was. Danielle’s scream grew.
Persephone slammed down the gas pedal and barreled into him. The demon clawed at the hood, getting a grip on the top of it. Persephone swerved, but the beast remained. She unrolled the window and shouted to Dean. “Take the wheel!”
Dean slid next to her and gripped the wheel. Persephone pulled out the knife she’d tucked into her pocket. Her hair whipped behind her as she stuck her head out the window. Squinting against the wind, she plunged the knife into the gray, knotted hand.
He jerked his hand away and Persephone slipped. Dean clamped onto her leg, barely keeping her from falling out.
Demons of the Sun Page 22
