A Crown Of Shadows And Secrets - Sloane Murphy Page 0,31

asks, and we all look around frantically to try and see what on earth could be causing it, when I see it in the distance. A blanket of darkness in the sky moving towards us.

“Fucking banshees,” Levi hisses. “We need to move and find some sort of cover in this godforsaken wasteland. There’s got to be a cave in those mountains somewhere where we can take cover from them.”

Usually I wouldn’t consider running, but I’ve never encountered a banshee, let alone that many of them. The light from the glow of the sky grows dimmer as they approach, and we take off at a run towards the mountain in the distance. No-one says a word as we haul ass, running across the sand. My thighs burn, as I struggle to breathe, the very air growing warmer and drier, as if I’m swallowing sand with each breath.

The red rockface looms above us as we reach it.

“I'll go up and see if I can find anything,” Levi says unfurling his wings, and shooting into the sky.

“I'll head this way, and see if I can find anything mon amour,” Kain says, pointing behind him. Going backwards and splitting up doesn't seem like the greatest idea, but what choice do we have.

“I'll go with you,” Creek says, and they take off in a blur.

“That leaves you with me, princess. Let’s get a move on, see if we can't find somewhere to hide, and maybe stay for the night, you look tired,” he says softly, cupping my cheek.

“We're all tired Roman, I have no idea how long we've been gone, but we've not stopped since we got here. Come on, let’s get going.”

“I didn't mean...” he starts and I stop him.

“I know, I'm sorry. I'm feeling hot and cranky,” I apologize and start running along the rockface trying to find any sort of opening that we can hide in, while I try to ignore the disappearing light and the screeching of the banshees heading towards us. Roman catches up to me quickly and we run together, while I hope that we find something.

Anything.

“Remy!” Levi's voice calls out just before he lands in front of us, dropping to one knee before he stands. “I found a cave, it’s pretty far up, but it’s more than big enough for all of us.”

“Okay, let’s start climbing. Can you let the others know?” I ask him. He shakes his head and puts his arms around my waist.

“No time, this is quicker,” he says as he pushes off and I grip onto him as we soar upwards.

“A little warning next time, please?” I tell him, half laughing, half angry.

“If there's time,” he says as he reaches a ledge, and puts me down. “I'll go get the others now, get inside. Quickly.”

Before I get a chance to respond, he disappears from sight, and I enter the cave. It's dark in here, there's scattered wood and god only knows what else, but it’s empty and that's what counts. The temperature in here is cooler too, which I'm thankful for. I spin at the growl from the entrance, but relax when I see Roman.

“Fucking Angel,” he grumbles, but comes in towards me. “I've stayed in worse.” He shrugs and then wraps his arms around me and kisses me.

“I've wanted to do that all fucking day,” he sighs against my lips as he threads a hand in my hair, and then kisses me again, so frantic and desperate, as if he might not get to kiss me again.

“Don't mind us,” Kain chuckles as he enters the cave with Creek and Levi behind him. I can't help the blush that rises on my cheeks, luckily it’s dark enough in here that it’s hidden, even with their superior sight.

“Let me sort a fire, so we can at least see. Especially since it's colder in here, then I'll take the first watch while you guys get some rest. Fates only knows how long it will take for the banshee legion to pass,” Levi says, gathering together some of the scattered logs and branches in here. He crouches down and summons a spark of his power which ignites a small flame that he tends.

“Are you sure?” I ask him, slightly concerned because he’s seemed a little off since his run in with Phoenix, well, since we got here really.

“I’m sure. Try and get some sleep,” he says, walking towards me. He wraps his arms around me and kisses the top of my head. “We don’t know how long