Fallen Royals

Chapter 17

The screams from her friends' house made her swift walk turn into a run. Klea was terrified to find out what was happening but she owned her friends that much. No one was here for her until she met Petra. Although Petra was now estranged, Klea couldn't turn a blind eye to female screams, Marina's or Petra's. Marina was becoming a dear friend whom she spent a lot of time with. She couldn't imagine Karlo hurting them but she wasn't the best judge of character so she won't make any conclusions until she sees with her own two eyes what's going on.

She bursted into their house without knocking and froze at the sight before her. Petra was lying on the floor, Marina was searching for something in the cupboard and Karlo was going upstairs. The house was a mess.

"What is this?"

"Klea! You need to go home. It's not safe!"

"What do you mean?"

"We need to run, men are coming to get us. I can't go into any more details. Please, I'm begging you, leave and forget us!"

"When are you leaving?"

"We'll be gone in 30 minutes or less."

Klea's mind was racing. "Alright, wait for me. I'll be back in 20."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm coming with you and don't even try to stop me."

"You can't come. You need a horse."

"I'll get one, I have to go!"

Klea ran out and towards her house. For once, luck was on her side. Her husband came home early and she could take his horse. He was out and drinking with his buddies. Klea took some clothes, photos, dear-to-heart trinkets and their life savings. A divorce payout.

Klea found her friends putting an unconscious Petra on horse.

"What happened to her?"

"She didn't want to go. She rumbled nonsense about Toma. If they find her, she's dead."

"I always knew you're some big shots."

"More like people born under an unlucky star."

"Girls, we're set. Stay next to your horse and no talking. We'll try to sneak out behind the old warehouse.

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The sun was in their favor as it was setting down. They moved in the shadows through backyards and small alleys. Karlo stopped and so did the girls. They were near the warehouse but they had to cross a wide street to get to it. Three men were moving through the stores and asking questions. One of them had copper red hair and the blackest eyes Karlo has ever seen. The combination was unnatural as was the man. He was a pure demon or half-demon.

"King's dog Marko is here. He's a teleporter but could be a tracker, too. If he is, then we're doomed." - No one commented on Karlo's words. - "Marina, you'll be the first to cross the street when they move into the next store, then Klea goes, I'll come last with Petra. I'll need you to make a diversion before I come."

"Petra's doppelganger?" - Marina asked.

"Yeah, we can try with that."

Klea raised her eyebrows but didn't ask her question as time was of the essence.

The enemy trio was four shops away from them. Marina went from the alley to main street as the trio entered a clothing shop. Klea repeated her steps and successfully crossed to the shadows of the warehouse. Karlo watched after Marko. He didn't come outside as did his two men. He was standing next to the window, watching the street. As a supernatural, his sixth sense was much more advanced than a normal human's. He watched Klea disappear in the shadows. It was good she was unfamiliar to him. The problematic part was that she was going to an abandoned facility. He might ask himself 'why?' and go investigate.