A Home for Misfit Monsters

Chapter 22 - Live & Die In Hell

The sun was dipping low behind the trees as Ezra walked the perimeter of the yard with the demons who'd be their first line of defense against any hunters crashing the party. "Jin, don't put yourselves in danger if you can't hold them off. I don't want any of you losing your life to them."

"We know, boss," she said, patting a hand on Jax's shoulder. "We've got our own plan to send as many of them to the pen of tortured souls as we can."

"That's right." Jax nodded. "We won't be able to catch them all, and the werewolves are working with Vynri and Callie to hold off the ones that make it into the party."

"Good," Ezra said, looking across the lawn to Sully and Mack standing at the entrance of the towering gazebo that was lit up with tiny fairy lights entwined in blackened tree branches with black and cream drapes wrapped around the tall wooden posts, billowing in the soft breeze. "Gia will be coming soon with more demons to infiltrate the party for another line of defense."

"The more the merrier." Jin sighed. "I just hope this will be enough to allow Rhia the time she needs to focus on Godiran."

"It will. Gavina, Carter and I will make sure of it as well as Rhia's residents, but I'd like to keep them as unscathed as possible."

"Where is Gavina?" Jin said. "She went to get Belle a while ago, but she hasn't come back yet and Belle's already here."

"What do you mean?" Ezra said, frowning. "She was just with Carter in the gazebo."

"Hold on." Jax sniffed the air as car doors slammed outside of the hedges. "I smell...humans. Are they supposed to be here? I thought Rhia decided against inviting them."

"Those aren't just any humans." A small smile tugged at Ezra's lips as he looked toward the driveway at the group of men and women dressed in an arrangement of colorful robes, big hats and intricate staffs carved from white oak. "They're witches."

"Oh blessed Satan," one man gasped, taking off his pointed hat to bow to him. "We hail from the covens of Eternal Light, Nightshadow and Phoenix Fire."

"None of us were sure we'd read our visions right, but it's true, isn't it?" a young woman with bright pink hair and deep brown skin said, gripping her staff tight. "Ruhina lives and God is coming to take her life again."

"There's no need to bow to me, but yes, your visions were true and her name is Rhia in this life," Ezra said, gesturing to the entrance of the gazebo. "Come with me. I'm sure she and her coven would like to speak to you."

Jax stood beside Ezra and crossed his big arms over his chest as he glared at the group. "And if you witches are who you say," he said, pointing to the arch bursting with black and red roses entwined in skulls and bones. "You'll have no problem passing through that gate."

The pink-haired witch glared back at Jax. "We would never harm the goddess who gave us purpose. We are true, demon. We wouldn't be here otherwise."

"Mm, if you're certain, Pinky, then by all means," Jax said, nodding to the gazebo. "Enjoy the party."

Brother...

Ezra's heart clenched as a cold, tingling chill crept down his spine at the sound of Godiran's voice.

"My name is Fabula," she said, pressing the tip of her staff against Jax's chin. "And I am the matriarch of Nightshadow. You will do well not to disrespect me."

Oh, little brother...

Godiran sang in a sinister glee.

"And my name is Jax," he said, brushing her glowing staff away from him. "I meant no disrespect, but I look forward to working with you."