The Broken Myth

Chapter Twenty-Six

                                                    Maxine

We've jumped through a portal now and are on the ground. My legs are burning and I feel like they're going to fall off. I haven't been keeping track of where we're running but it feels like we're running in circles. 

"Where are we going?!" I yell with exhaustion. 

"Rex made a portal that was closest to New York! We're headed towards the exit!" Collin yells over his shoulder. Who the hell is Rex? The Gecko on his shoulder turns around with a goofy smile. I'm assuming that's Rex, he must be Collins spirit guide. 

"There it is! That's the exit!" Axel shouts. I look ahead and I can see the big opening with the little dots of light in the distance. Home. I can't wait to be back in my own den and go back to living my normal life. With the pack, Collin, Axel and the two new editions, Dolores and Rex.

Five people jump in front of the exit from the trees. All of them are guards. We all stop abruptly. Axel attempts to go around but he's stopped in his tracks when  2 guards step in front of him on our left. Another two pairs  of guards appear on our right.  The only way left is to go backwards but four people appear behind us. Two guards, Leo and The Queen. Not good. We've been surrounded!I'm left starring at Leo and the Queen. The Queen has an awful grin on her face and Leo is chuckling. 

"You really thought it would be that easy to escape me Max!" Leo exclaims with pride and joy. I won't reply. I'm not going to play into his hands. I'm not going to give him the satisfaction of seeing me weak or scared. The Queen nods at all the guards. What for? They all notch their bows and are aiming at the others. Everyone but me. 

"Now Max, I'm going to make you a deal here. You come with me and the queen and I we'll let your friends go. Okay?" His grin is touching his eyes and it's blinding. 

"And if I don't?" I ask. His eyes light up with happiness as he nods to one of the guards. They let the arrow fly as it sinks its self in Axels neck. I watch in horror as I watch the water fountain of blood pour out of his mouth as he falls to his knees choking and his eyes go blank. Everyone screams out his name but its cut short by Leo's cackle of laughter.

"You See! That's what will happen! No one move to him. You may after the deal is struck." He says with glee. I can hear Dolores sobbing in the back. I can't imagine how hard this is for her. She just met the only family member she has left and now he's gone. Our leader is dead. Hate fills me inside and I want to make him pay. Axel did nothing to him to deserve this. 

"Ah there's that that raging flame. It's come out now." The Queen says grinning alongside Leo. 

"So, do we have a deal?" Leo asks as our eyes lock. 

"Max don't do it! Don't listen to him!" Collin shouts from behind me. Leo's eyes flick to him with hatred. All the guards point their arrows at Collin with only two at Dolores. Before they release the bow the Queen holds up a wavering finger. 

"Even though he is a traitor, he is still my son. Do not hurt him unless I say." I Queen says strongly. Why would she save him? What kind of sick plan his she plotting in that head of hers? Tears are aching to leak out but I can't let them. It's a sign of weakness which is what he's looking for. The guards go back to their normal aiming directions. 

"Max we don't have all day." Leo sings in a voice full of glee as his eyes slowly trace back to mine. 

"Fine, but don't hurt them or there will be hell to pay." I say through gritted teeth. I would rather suffer life with him than suffer life with him knowing everyone I care about is dead. I hear both Dolores and Collins repeated yells of telling me to stop as I move towards Leo but it sounds like there muffled.