Outside the coffee shop, a man stops to beat on the door, only to back away in horror. He tries to scream out a warning, but no sound will come. A bloody face slams into the glass with a wolf like creature on its back. In a full panic, he spins and runs, he makes it two steps before he is driven into the ground by a winged creature landing on his shoulders. His scream of pain is cut short as the creature tears into his neck to feed.
By now the two hundred predators are attacking as many victims as they can. Some attack from the air, others from the ground, no matter how they move they leave a wake of victims behind them twitching and convulsing on the ground. Mass hysteria has taken over and Caius watches with pride as the city evolves.
The two hundred are moving, swarming through the city, drawn by the lure of easy prey. Run or hide that is really the only option Joel can think of. He is recording the destruction around him as his friend Josh drags him along. A hysterical giggle erupts when the overhead billboard lights up with a shoe advertisement that says, “Go Run.”
“Nowhere left to run,” Josh murmurs as he pulls his pistol and checks the clip to see how much ammunition he has. “Two more clips,” he mumbles. Ducking under the golden arches of a fast food restaurant they take cover, praying for a miracle or at least a break in the crowd. As quickly as he can Joel posts the video to the internet and prays for help. Sure, that 911 will be flooded with calls, he is hoping that proof will bring a faster response.
“Joel, look!” Josh points to a police helicopter overhead, just as a massive bird soars up with a screaming man in his claws. “What the hell is that?” Josh yells and watches in horror as three more of the massive creatures dive down at the crowds in a synchronized pattern. In the distance, he hears gun shots as people begin to fight back.
“Someone is fighting back!” Joel says glancing in the direction of the gun shots.
“Let’s head that way! We will be safer in numbers!” Josh yells and dives out from under the arches dragging his friend and they run to join in the fight.
Chapter 32
Vorn arrives at the Vale and is greeted by Caderyn, the Queen of the Fae. Her smile of welcome is tinged with sadness.
“My Queen,” Vorn drops to his knee in a show of respect for her, “you know why I have come.”
“I do,” she sighs, “now get up Vorn. I hate the formality and I suspect that is why you do it.” Caderyn stares at him and opens the invisible shield that protects her people. “Drake is in an emergency meeting of the council.”
“My Queen, The Herald needs your help. Caius has…” Caderyn lifts a hand and he pauses in surprise.
“I know what he has done, but I’m afraid, it’s much worse than that. He is using it as a contagion to spread across the entire planet.” She tosses her black hair over her shoulder and walks as she talks. “Dissension and suspicion have entered the Vale. The Fae are split, some do not wish to follow a Queen that once was human. They believe only pure Fae should lead.” Caderyn stops griping his arm. “Vorn and I will help you and the people of Earth in the only way that I can.” Leaning forward, she whispers in his ear and he grins in relief.
“It will be done, my Queen. Thank you.” He turns to leave, and glances back at her, “You knew Anya was for me?”
“I hoped it would be so. Love is a gift, no matter what form it takes. Do you not agree?” she asks with a smile.
“I do. Perhaps you should remind, these Fae of what they have forgotten. Human or Fae, we are all the same, spirits, living on the same planet, seeking the same thing? To love and be loved, that is the common thread that ties us all together.”
Caderyn is stunned at the simplicity of the statement. Her grin blooms bright and her eyes begin to glow “Reese is waiting for you. Thank you Vorn for reminding me to honor my humanity. Anya is a very lucky woman. Don’t let her forget it?”
Vorn nods and leaps back through the Vale.
Caderyn closes her eyes and begins to spin. Leaping into the air above she calls to her husband, “Drake, how long has it been since we danced together among the stars?” A hushed silence falls over the Fae as a bright blue star, dances amongst them, twirling and spinning, she illuminates the watching Fae with her light.
Drake stands up and the throne room falls silent. They are shocked when Caderyn calls to him.
“Catch me if you can!” she laughs and he leaps into the air, shifting to fire to chase his beloved.
“What are you doing, Caderyn?” Drake calls as he chases her.
“Reminding them of who they are and where they came from. Will you help me?” The moment the red flame of his star touches the ice blue tail of hers the power intensifies. Instantly they become one, a bright white star shining down over the Vale.
“You, my husband were born of fire, sent here to teach us our role in this tale. We were chosen to protect humanity, yet instead, we hide behind a wall and keep
