Demon Soul (1)

XXVIII

I woke up on Missy's couch, my face buried in the blankets around me. There was a small dribble of drool running down my cheek that I wiped away while I sat up, trying to wake myself up. There was early morning sunlight filtering in through the windows, and Missy was on the floor with her blankets scattered around her. I just laughed to myself and checked the time, whistling when I saw that it was only four. I would've gone back to sleep, but I decided that it would be best if I got home.

With careful steps I tiptoed around my best friend, stretching as I walked back to the mud room. I slid my feet into my boots and grabbed my coat, snuggling into the down lining while I opened the door. There was fresh powder covering the grass that I stomped through, listening to the sound of it crunch under my soles. My truck was freezing when I jumped in, but it barely phased me. I simply turned it on and pulled out of the driveway.

More people seemed to be out today. They must have stayed inside the day before due to hangovers or went to work. I just smiled at everyone as I drove by, settling down only as I passed by the police station. I couldn't see anyone, but still, I kept my eyes on the road and did my best to ignore it. As I went along though, I could see more and more people with rosaries around their necks. Suddenly I was very frightened to be out in the open and I gripped the steering wheel tighter.

Finally I managed to exit the town, and found myself pulling into the gates of the Lumen estate. Instantly I felt more relaxed, and as I parked my car and hopped out, I was greeted on the front porch by my brother. He grinned at me and I hugged him, letting out a deep breath I hadn't known I'd been holding. He smelled like cookies and brown sugar, warm, just like how home should be.

"How was Missy's?" He asked, closing the door behind us.

"Nice, she's real upset over Tara, but I think she'll be okay." I sighed. "She's scared."

"Well, hopefully tonight we can quash her fears." Nox smiled.

"What's the plan?"

"Gabriel and I have everything set up, we'll put it in the back of your truck and drive down to the facility. Obviously we can't park right out front, but we can stop about a half mile out in the woods." Nox explained as we walked to the study. "While Gabriel and I lure the Hunters outside, you'll sneak in and seal the front door shut. Um...you might have to kill people Nyx, I hope you know this."

"Oh, I know." I clenched my fists. "I'm looking forward to it."

"That's my girl." He snickered, leading me into the study. Gabriel was dressed in all black, his signature turtleneck adorning his frame.

"Good morning Nyx." Gabriel smiled, lifting two shotguns into the air. I felt my jaw drop and my eyes widen as he handled the weapons so carelessly.

"What do we need shotguns for?!"

"Oh, these are for Nox and I." He chuckled, tossing one to his son, who caught it effortlessly. "The bag is for you."

I walked over to him, pulling open the duffel bag. Inside were bricks of C4, all hooked together through a wireless detonator. My heart shuddered and I grinned darkly, zipping the bag up and patting it gently.

"You're a life saver Gabriel." I laughed wildly. "When are we going to leave?"

"As soon as you're ready." He said. "It's not even five yet, they might not be awake, and we can catch them while they're still groggy."

"Oh, perfect! Let me go change real quick, why don't you guys put this stuff in my truck and I'll meet you out there."

They nodded, grabbing everything and walking towards the door. I followed behind and took a detour up the stairs, taking them two at a time and ducking into the room. In seconds I'd stripped out of my clothes, and I reached into my closet to grab ahold of a black long sleeved shirt, a pair of leggings, and knee high combat boots. These are clothes I wouldn't miss if I happened to go ballistic in there. There was nothing else I needed, so I shut the door behind me and ran back down the steps.