Ch. 2
The wraiths' reaction is like hell uncorked.
They move faster than I can blink, scaling the pillar with jerky, demented movements. It is like nothing I've ever seen. I don't think, my fear has me scrambling up the pillar like a crazed cat. I blindly jump up to the rafters and take off, though the creatures have nearly reached the wooden beams themselves. My heart races so fast I feel it is going to explode out of me. I scan for some form of escape but then I realize that the wraiths are driving me deeper into the cathedral, away from any exits. I face the fact that I only have two options: fight Sebastian and the man in black (and whatever else awaits me outside), or face those hellish creatures.
At once I make the decision, which isn't really a decision, and somersault off the beam and down toward the cathedral floor. I catch ahold of a candelabra and send it, and me, crashing to the floor. Without further hesitation I fling myself toward the main entrance, setting my lungs aflame. I hear the screams of both the creatures and men following me, but I don't let myself steal a glance. All the armies of hell couldn't make me turn back now.
But then I remember. The Book. The artifact I was sworn to protect. The key to my Change, is in the hands of the man in black. If I return to The Circle without it I lose any chance I had to get out of Paris. Ever.
And so I stop.
Despite my fear and overwhelming urge to run, I stop. And instantly wish I hadn't. The creatures are on me within seconds, pinning me to the ground. The smell is nauseating, causing me to gag until I'm forced to take shallow breaths through my mouth.
"Terrifying creatures, Corbati." I continue my struggle against the creatures, ignoring the man in black all together. They pin me down anew, slamming my head against the stone and making my vision slide in and out of focus. "Of course, not if you know how to control them." The man continues, Sebastian hovers uncertainly behind him. "They can turn on you of course, but not if you promise them a source of flesh and make them swear on their master to serve you. But I'm getting ahead of myself."
He steps into the moonlight as the Corbati continue stroking my face, almost tenderly.
The wraiths' reaction is like hell uncorked.
They move faster than I can blink, scaling the pillar with jerky, demented movements. It is like nothing I've ever seen. I don't think, my fear has me scrambling up the pillar like a crazed cat. I blindly jump up to the rafters and take off, though the creatures have nearly reached the wooden beams themselves. My heart races so fast I feel it is going to explode out of me. I scan for some form of escape but then I realize that the wraiths are driving me deeper into the cathedral, away from any exits. I face the fact that I only have two options: fight Sebastian and the man in black (and whatever else awaits me outside), or face those hellish creatures.
At once I make the decision, which isn't really a decision, and somersault off the beam and down toward the cathedral floor. I catch ahold of a candelabra and send it, and me, crashing to the floor. Without further hesitation I fling myself toward the main entrance, setting my lungs aflame. I hear the screams of both the creatures and men following me, but I don't let myself steal a glance. All the armies of hell couldn't make me turn back now.
But then I remember. The Book. The artifact I was sworn to protect. The key to my Change, is in the hands of the man in black. If I return to The Circle without it I lose any chance I had to get out of Paris. Ever.
And so I stop.
Despite my fear and overwhelming urge to run, I stop. And instantly wish I hadn't. The creatures are on me within seconds, pinning me to the ground. The smell is nauseating, causing me to gag until I'm forced to take shallow breaths through my mouth.
"Terrifying creatures, Corbati." I continue my struggle against the creatures, ignoring the man in black all together. They pin me down anew, slamming my head against the stone and making my vision slide in and out of focus. "Of course, not if you know how to control them." The man continues, Sebastian hovers uncertainly behind him. "They can turn on you of course, but not if you promise them a source of flesh and make them swear on their master to serve you. But I'm getting ahead of myself."
He steps into the moonlight as the Corbati continue stroking my face, almost tenderly.
