When The Sky Bleeds ✔️

Chapter 4

I was struck with awe, my lips parting in astonishment as I gazed upon Meradyth. Her luminous blue eyes held an air of mystery and resolve that evaded my understanding. Her demeanor was unlike any other, from her graceful and subtle movements to the eloquent words that flowed from her lips.

Her outstretched hand lingered between us, waiting for a handshake I had no intention of giving. She withdrew it with a disappointed sigh, her fingers curling back into a fist.

"Why would you do that? You don't even know me?" I questioned skeptically.

Her expression deepened as if she knew something I didn't.

"There are greater forces at work, Everly," she said enigmatically, a mysterious smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Unfortunately, our current circumstances do not allow for detailed explanations at the moment. Time is of the essence, and we must act quickly." Her words left me with a multitude of inquiries, yet I could not disregard the urgency in her expression. Grudgingly, I complied with her instructions, my mind whirling with intrigue and unease as we embarked upon uncharted territory.

"What about my phone? They took it when I first got here," I inquired, remembering the guards' cold stares as they confiscated my belongings upon my arrival.

"I assure you, it will not be necessary for our destination," She nonchalantly began stripping off the scrubs she had snatched up, revealing a figure clad in black. A stylish jacket hugged her form, emblazoned with the bold words "Legion of Light" on the right side of her chest. Her legs were encased in fitted cargo pants, practical for any journey, and sturdy boots decorated her feet.

As Meradyth descended the shadowy staircase, it appeared she was engaged in a silent discourse with herself, her lips moving with purposeful intent. This only served to deepen the air of mystery that constantly surrounded her.

We reached a door at the end of the stairwell, and Meradyth produced a key card - most likely stolen - and swiftly unlocked the door. Without hesitation, she motioned for me to follow her out.

I hugged my arms tight around myself as my body shook violently—a combination of adrenaline and the harsh Montana winter. The thin hospital scrubs and sock-covered feet were no match for the biting wind. My breaths came out in small puffs, visible in the frigid air.

The moonlight cast an ethereal glow upon the courtyard, illuminating the intricately designed cobblestone path we swiftly traversed.

As we made our way further into the courtyard, a sense of foreboding crept over me. In the distance, I spotted a couple of armed guards patrolling the perimeter. Their heavy boots echoed against the stone ground, harmonizing with the hushed whispers of the wind weaving through the oak trees.

I signaled to Meradyth, and her eyes flickered with sheer determination, her gaze fixed upon the guards. She gestured for me to hide behind a nearby marble statue that stood like a silent sentinel. Momentarily frozen, I obeyed her command and pressed my back against the cold stone, peering between its weathered arm and torso.

Meradyth began to vocalize, her utterances resounding in a language alien to my ears. It bore similar to the tongue of demons yet was imbued with a sublime and potent energy that seemed to breathe life into the atmosphere. I stood transfixed as Meradyth raised her hands towards the heavens, eyes sealed shut in concentration. Her incantations beckoned a power, both captivating and disconcerting as if bearing witness to something beyond mortal comprehension or control.

In an instant, a statue situated across the yard stirred to being. Its colossal strides reverberated through the stillness of the night, advancing menacingly toward the unsuspecting guards. What once was an inanimate figure now contorted into a snarl of malicious intent.