The Spell of Rosette - Kim Falconer [173]
‘And then some.’
Rosette was pressed against the wall, her sword held high over her head, both hands gripping the hilt. Drayco crouched by her side, tail still, hindquarters bunched. She inched her shoulder towards the opening of the elevator, flashed a look and then pressed back against the wall.
Tell Scylla there are three on the left, two on the right.
Done, Maudi.
Where’s Jarrod?
There was a moment’s pause before the temple cat answered: On his way up, with the alchemist.
Who?
Grayson.
She relaxed her shoulders, slowly letting out her breath. Tell Scylla we’re ready.
Rosette glanced over at An’ Lawrence, who immediately looked her way. He tapped his little finger silently on the hilt of his sword—one, two, three.
On three, they both leapt through the open doorway and into the confined space of the elevator, screaming a war cry. Just as the last guard fell, the elevator bell opposite rang and the doors slid open.
Rosette spun around to see two scientists step out into the hall. ‘Where’s Jarrod?’ she demanded, sucking in a deep breath. She raised her sword, covering the distance in a step and slide, ready to strike.
Drop the sword, Maudi. He’s right in front of us, Drayco roared into her mind. See? And the other is the alchemist.
She looked again, narrowing her eyes. Suddenly she recognised Jarrod as he morphed back into his familiar Tulpa. She flicked her blade clean of blood and sheathed it.
‘You’ve been busy,’ Jarrod said, taking in the red spatters on her face and bare arms.
‘Get it done?’ An’ Lawrence asked.
‘Satellite’s down. Shields are landing. Worm’s in,’ Jarrod answered. ‘Where’s Kreshkali?’
‘She should be out by now,’ An’ Lawrence said.
‘Time?’
‘Three minutes. Move!’
As An’ Lawrence unstrapped a sword from his back for Jarrod, Rosette felt her eyes drift over to the man Drayco had called the alchemist. He was staring at her.
‘Grayson?’
He nodded without losing eye contact.
‘I’m Rosette.’ She smiled briefly, pressing her lips together.
He smiled back, his face softening. His gaze drifted from her eyes, down her arms, taking in the temple cat tattoo. ‘Impressive.’
‘It was my first.’
‘I like the way the tail entwines.’
‘Me too. Annadusa says you can tattoo in the traditional way?’ A curious smile lifted her face again.
‘Indeed I can.’
She leaned towards him and whispered, ‘I have this idea. A serpent. Two serpents, really…wrapping around my…’
‘Rosette!’ Jarrod’s voice snapped her up straight. ‘Can you talk about that later? The building’s about to blow!’ He gave her hand a tug. ‘Follow me,’ he shouted to the others.
Rosette hesitated a moment longer, reaching out to clasp Grayson’s hand. It felt warm, vibrant, the energy racing up her arm and down her spine.
‘We’ll get back to this,’ he said, lowering his voice. He gave her hand a squeeze then dropped it as he shot ahead. ‘Jarrod! This way’s faster.’
The others were close behind. When they reached the foyer, the sound of alarms was deafening amongst a sea of white coats, Lupins, uniforms and maimed bodies. Clay was fighting hand to hand with a guard while two sword students ushered a group of scientists out of the complex. New troops flooded in from the opposite side of the room, lasers flashing. A pack of Lupins came around the opposite corner and jumped into the fray.
Rosette drew her sword, hearing An’ Lawrence and Jarrod do the same. Together with the temple cats, they rushed towards the main assault. She cut down the front two guards before hearing the scream. Spinning round, she saw the contorted face of Clay as he dropped to the ground, his eyes finding hers before glazing into a fixed stare.
‘No!’ she yelled, but the guards pressed in and she had to cut her way back to Clay. By the time she reached him, Jarrod was pulling at her arm.
‘Leave him.’
‘No!’ She felt for a pulse, bending forward to listen for breath sounds. His eyes were fixed, pupils dilated. No blink reflex. She started giving him breaths of air, mouth to mouth.
‘Rosette!’ Jarrod screamed at her. ‘He’s dead!’
There’s no Clay