Broken Wings [Completed!]

Chapter 16

It was like a glimpse into a mirror of the past.

There was no mermaid tail, no long canines... but horns. Horns that protruded from the head, and curled outwards with silver runes carving patterns into the bone. It was unrecognizable.

It, which used to be Adeline.

It grew in size, so big, that the Consul was reeled backwards and jammed into the walls beside the stage. The noise of his crash forced the hall into motion. Screeching of chairs as they were pushed back and toppled onto the floor; people screaming; so many people screaming; Sophia Henderson on the stage –

A blast of fire shot from the demon's outstretched hands, and straight into the chair behind Evira. She stumbled backwards, her mouth wide open. Where was Adeline? She can't be gone –

"Run!" It seemed to be the only voice she could hear clearly. She looked sideways to find Axel, to warn him too, but he had already disappeared.

Evira jumped onto the stage, pulling on Consul's unconscious body. He was the only one with enough power to stop Hell sinking further into the quick sand of starvation and people turning into demons. Remy stumbled for Consul's legs whilst Evira clasped onto his arms, dragging him outside of the building in the frenzy.

Shoulders bashed into other shoulders, foul words were thrown about, and Evira gave an exasperated sound as she nearly tripped over a lying body in the front of the doors.

Another fireball was hurled towards the people. Someone cried out in pain; Evira was almost grateful the sizzling sound of flesh battling fire that drowned out his screams.

"We're nearly there," Evira grunted as she pushed past the people, her nails now digging into Consul's own arms. Remy' face was scrunched up in effort. She was now limping, with one ankle red from the fireball's burn.

They burst out of the building.

All at once, Hell was now littered by giant demons and ruby red eyes. Some had only one massive eye in the middle of its face, peaking up from behind buildings and twisted in a laugh at the strangled cries from the citizens of Hell. The sky dripped red liquid onto Hell, as if it were crying blood.

Evira turned back to the demon that transformed Adeline.

It was now a dark mass of shadows, and was currently munching on two legs that were kicking frantically. It caught Evira's gaze and grinned, but it was ancient and foreign.

Right at that moment, Evira knew Adeline was already gone.

"Get Consul in the car!" Remy shouted as she pulled the door open. She jumped into the car seat and pressed down on the pedal. Evira was nearly flung out of the car by the momentum, seeing as she hadn't even closed her door yet.

"Consul, Consul! You gotta do something!"

The car skidded, barely missing the feet of a demon stomping nearby. Its steps sounded like a countdown before a bomb. Evira held her breath as Remy drove up over a ramp, forcing the car to fly for a fleeting moment, before landing heavily back on the road.

The jolt seemed to wake Consul up.

"Consul!" Remy stole a glance at the rear view mirror. "What's happening?!"

He glanced at the demons kicking down buildings, some feasting on Hellions and other creatures. His eyes were misty, seemingly still in a daze.

Forcing off his ring, he pried it towards Evira. "Take this," he said, voice hoarse.

"Your ring? Doesn't that give you power only you can control? How am I supposed to –"

"I'm injured now – I can no longer control it. Head towards mortal grounds," he was speaking extremely fast now, as if worried someone would try to stop him. "Follow the ring!" He spluttered out blood, before his eyes rolled backwards again.