Orelie

*31*

*31*

"Stay calm!" I called out as panicked voices started to fill the air. "Stay low, and stay calm! It's going to be alright!" I noticed Erixsys had taken up the front, shielding as many people behind him as possible.

Screams reached our ears as another hollow growl sounded. Everyone must be in a frenzy up there. I just hope he can get down here before the other Professors step in and try to kill him.

A large explosion shook the walls. Was that him or the Professors? Will he actually be okay? He hasn't had my blood in a long time. Is he strong enough to defend himself?

Muted shouts could be heard as more smaller booms drew closer. We all cried out in shock as the door suddenly flew off its hinges, landing at the bottom of the steep stairs. The shouts and explosions stopped as heavy footsteps slowly came down the stairs. Each step came with a heavy pant. I gulped as his Demon form came into view.

His gaze landed across the room towards the other Orelie. His pace faltered at the sight of them. With a shake of his head, he turned towards me. His red eyes softened at the sight of me standing there. I trembled in place, not knowing what was going to happen.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ergo and Erixsys guide the others to safety. Startled gasps sounded form the Professors as they ascended the stairs.

My attention was brought back to the Demon as his clawed hand reached for me. I flinched and cowered into the wall. It wasn't a paw that cupped my cheek, but a soft, large hand. I slowly opened my eyes to see an exhausted, physically drained Crae before me. A tired smile slowly spread across his lips.

"Crae..." without realizing, I flung myself into his arms, tears sliding down my face. I don't know if they were tears of fear or joy, but I let them fall anyway.

"I'm so sorry..."

"Don't." I sniffed and pulled away. "Not right now. We have to get out of here. Rodnik was taken by a Witch and has been trapping Orelie down here so the Witches can take from us. We have to go!"

"Rodnik?" Confusion covered his face. "How is that possible? I've known him for years!"

"There's no time to explain!"

"And there never will be!" Crae turned to shield me from the voice. I peaked around to see Rodnik with a wild look in his eyes. "This has been a secret for many years, and now you've ruined it! I can't come back from this one! My cover is blown, and it's all your fault!"

Steam rolled off Crae as he morphed into his Demon form. "You won't touch her!" He roared and charged once he was fully transformed. They collided together with magic and physical attacks. I took this time to get around them and escape.

I stumbled up the stairs a few times, but made it out. When I got to the end of the hall, the whole academy was in a confused panic. A few professors were with the Orelie trying to get the whole story while others escorted the students to safety.

My eyes widened as I spotted a familiar pair. "Myla! Striker!" The stopped and turned.

"Kyrene!" They broke from the crowd and sprinted for me, ignoring the professors.

"What happened? Where have you been?!" Striker demanded as Myla drew me into an embrace, a happy sobbing mess.

"Professor Rodnik is not who he seems." I said.

"I knew it!" Striker cursed. "I knew something wasn't right! Something told me you were in trouble when that lady came by asking for you."

"Mystic came for me?"