Caged by Damnation (Caged #2)(68)

Rafe cleared his throat, reminding us that we weren't alone. I turned to find Nicolai staring at us, but I couldn't decipher his poker face.



WILLOW

Watching the Hellhounds lose it on the Draconians was enlightening, but also confusing. I had no grief with them. If they protected my friends, they were all right in my book.

Ash's reunion with Savannah was endearing, but I was more interested in the fire I saw in the scarred Draconian’s eyes at their embrace. In the midst, Izzy walked into the fray, smiling when she saw me and Ash, as if she’d expected our arrival. Isis came up behind her, maneuvering around Izzy’s wings, and leaned into the wall to watch the interaction.

Isis looked different. Normally her appearance was her number one concern, but she looked like the living dead. Her skin was pale and her eyes were bruised. Her fingernails looked bloody and raw, as if she had been buried alive and tried to claw her way out. She was also unnaturally quiet.

Ash left Savannah to speak with Rafe. "Can you bring me to Griffin?"

Rafe looked to the other Draconians and then signaled for Ash to follow him past Isis and Izzy, who I was surprised to see didn't snap at them. Savannah asked my pack to come in and they looked at her like she was crazy.

Poison Ivy sizzled. "I'm not getting any closer to them."

"We're not anxious to have you around either," a platinum-blonde man with green eyes said. Izzy mouthed ‘Ryder’ to me. I nodded in understanding.

"At least we can be trusted," Vixen aimed at a different Draconian, as Liam entered and sat on the sofa.

"Well, we saved lives while you were off doing the bidding of your master," the Draconian shouted back at Vixen. His anger was a bizarre contrast to his appearance. He was wearing a hat from the 1920s over his light brown hair. His eyes matched his hair perfectly, and under different circumstances I would have thought him to be a cheerful sort. Although, I had a feeling those circumstances would need to be far from the Hellhounds.

"Cooper, enough," the scarred leader growled. "We all need to put aside our differences. We are supposed to be protectors and can't do that if we're too busy fighting one another. That's how people get killed." His eyes narrowed at Ryder and turned back to us. "I'm Nicolai."

Once quiet ensued, Echo addressed the Hellhounds. "That goes for you as well." Vixen showed signs of protesting, but Echo covered Vixen’s mouth. "I don't want to hear it. If you can't follow this simple order, go back to the lair because you will be of no help here. End of discussion." Vixen took on the guise of an angst-ridden teenager, crossing her arms and pouting.

Reluctantly, we arranged ourselves among the Draconians. It was a tight fit, but at least the arguing had ceased. They filled us in on the events that had transpired and recited the prophecy, leaving us all speechless and darting looks at Savannah as if she were an escaped gorilla terrorizing civilians.

Scrye grasped Savannah in a tight hug, but Savannah's body remained stiff as a board, uncomfortable with the contact. "Prophecies are tricky and can have many meanings. It's clear that you are the one it speaks of, but don't fear it. Once you do, the power comes from the belief that fate is controlling you. It takes away your free will because you forget that it's your greatest power."

Scrye had turned to address us all when a knock sounded at the door. "Finally!" She grinned, as if she knew visitors would arrive soon. She opened the door and the Draconians screamed for her to stop, but it was too late.

Maye, Josephine, and Diamante stood at the door with relieved expressions. Soon we were all hugging, crying, and pulling them into the warmth of the cottage.

Isis gave the newcomers an exasperated look. "What took you so long? I've been calling you since the battle."

Maye flung up her hands. "We didn't hear you because we were weak." She held Savannah tightly and looked at the others. "Thank you for keeping them safe."

Maloc nodded. "We're grateful that you're safe too. Please, sit down." He removed himself from the sofa, making room for her. The others took the cue and gave their seats to Diamante and Josephine.

"Thank you." Maye sank peacefully into the sofa, watching everyone like a hawk.

Scrye took her spot once more. "As I was saying...." She repeated the prophecy for Josephine, Maye, and Diamante. "We should assign protectors to individuals. They'll need them if the demons attack again."

A sincere voice came from a brown-haired Draconian. "I know we are supposed to put aside our blood feud, but if we don't trust each other ... how are we going to be secure in the safety of these charges? How can we trust you to protect them?" His hazel eyes looked apologetic at the insult to the Hellhounds. Everyone considered the predicament and he adjusted his glasses, which had slipped down his nose. ”Anyone?"

Whisper spoke up, her black hair obscuring her almond-shaped eyes. "We protect in teams, one Hellhound for each Draconian." Cooper objected, but Nicolai and Maloc told him to shut it.

"Agreed," Nicolai stated, and looked at Echo. "It's probably the best way to ensure their safety. "I'll assign mine and you assign yours. Sound good?"

She nodded.

Savannah interrupted. "Why don't we all just protect one another?

As if speaking to a child, Echo said, gently. "If there is a fight it can be difficult to keep track of everyone. This way we all know whose back to watch. Of course, if someone else needs help, we will go to their aid, but it's better to stick to a plan."