Frosted Torment (Marked Mortals Saga #1)

Chapter 32

CHAPTER 32

N one of us slept well. Baz and Lex took turns keeping watch on Vallen, unconvinced he wouldn’t try to kill me. Or kidnap me, then kill me. I sat up and rubbed the back of my neck with a yawn.

“Any ideas on how to get to Noa’s apartment once we get out of here?” Baz’s skepticism was evident in his questioning as he stood gazing up at the small openings of the cavern.

Lex rose, excitement lighting up his face. “You can teleport us, Noa.”

“Teleport?” Baz’s eyebrow arched, showing his intrigue at the possibility. “She’s done it one time.”

I shook my head, dismissing the idea, “And that was by accident,” I reminded them.

Vallen trained his eyes on me with unnerving curiosity that sent shivers down my spine. Uncertainty clouded my mind. What was he thinking? I would usually dismiss such intrusive scrutiny, but a prickly awareness heightened my senses. It felt as though he was dissecting me like a science experiment. A sickness he was determined to cure.

If I didn’t hate him for screwing up my life, stealing my soul, and killing my mother, he’d be the epitome of what I’d take home from the bar to quench my desires. And gods, did I need some quenching. But sex, along with everything else in my life, was on an indefinite hold.

Fucking angels.

Vallen’s entire body changed like magic once he took back his essence. Not something easily ignored, even if I wanted to gut him where he sat. He caught my eye, and a smile tugged at one corner of his mouth.

I instantly averted my gaze and offered Baz a polite smile. “It was a fluke. I don’t even know how it happened unless Vallen had something to do with it.”

“Your lineage has something to do with it,” Vallen stated, his observation of me unwavering.

He would need to stop staring at me, or I would consider stabbing him before we left the cave.

“You broke through the shield I created and,” Vallen declared with assurance, “if you were wearing the bracelet when you teleported, then it absolutely helped.”

My eyebrows furrowed as I examined my skin, trying to make sense of how a rusty nail from the cross had chosen me. “But it wasn’t fused to my bones the other day.”

“Even better,” Vallen chimed in. “It makes you stronger along with mine and Callum’s essence flowing through you. But those will wear off. And when they do, princess—” He cocked his head sideways, not needing to say it.

Vallen’s tone was lethal, and I couldn’t help but feel satisfied that Callum gave me something to help save my life for the time being. I didn’t want to acknowledge that Vallen had anything to do with it. The more it angered him I got to live, suited me fine.

He shoved the chains lying next to him against the stone and stood. My eyes widened at the sight before me. What was once a thermal blanket had transformed into thermal… pants.

“How the hell did you manage that?” I inquired, turning to Vallen with a look of curiosity. I nudged Lex’s arm playfully, urging him to join the conversation.

Lex swiveled around, adjusting his backpack with practiced ease. “Well done,” he praised Vallen with a smile.

“I have my ways,” Vallen replied, his voice smooth and confident.

His eyes held a spark of mischief that made me wary. What other tricks did he have up his sleeve that he hadn’t revealed yet?

Baz snorted, unimpressed. “Can we focus on getting out of here instead of playing dress-up?”

I shot Baz a warning look before turning back to Vallen. “Is there a way for us to leave this cave without alerting anyone outside of our presence?”

Vallen’s voice remained steady as he considered the question. “They can’t track you, but Vincent knows where I am, so I’m sure someone is checking around the mountain,” he cautioned. “We’ll need to move fast and work together.”

I exchanged a wary glance with Lex and Baz, but took a breath. “Alright,” I managed to say. “Let’s hear the plan.”

Vallen tilted his head back once more and peered up into the opening where water dripped into the cave.

“Once your wrist is through there,” he informed us. “The last of the runes will disappear and the opening will expand. It will allow us enough time to get to the edge of the waterfall. From there, you’ll portal us to your apartment.”

“And how will Noa get up there?” Lex inquired, shifting his weight to get a better view.

“I’ll lift her,” Vallen stated matter-of-factly. “Once opened, we can pull you both up there.”

Baz crossed his arms, a scowl deepening on his face. “You’re not going to touch her.”

Vallen stood composed beside him, arms relaxed by his sides as he tried to rein in his emotions. “Tell me how you want it done. Remember, your abilities are not the same as mine.”

Baz stepped up next to me and flashed a smile as he motioned toward Lex. “He can lift her.”

Lex shook his head with impatience. “It’s too small an area in here for me to unfurl my wings, brother.”

Vallen’s jaw ticked, almost pleased. “Lex is right. This space makes it impossible, whereas I don’t always need my wings to fly.”

Recognition dawned on Baz’s face, and he turned towards me. “I don’t trust this, Noa.”

I looked up subtly, aiming not to draw attention to our private exchange. “He can lift me. Don’t worry, I’m the one he wants to kill, remember?”

“Yes! That’s why I don’t trust him,” Baz persisted.

“He won’t do anything until the essence has made its way out of my body, so smile and play along.” I feigned contemplation with varying expressions.

“Vallen can lift me, Baz. It’s fine,” I finally reassured them and sheathed my dagger.

Vallen rolled his eyes and remarked, “It’s adorable that you two pretend like I don’t know you’re having a conversation in your head.”

Baz hesitated, his gaze shifting between me and Vallen before finally nodding in reluctant agreement. I looked at Lex, who found our decision-making skills boring.

Lex cut in, patting Baz’s arm with a sense of urgency. “Can we get on with this, please?”

“Let’s do it,” I said with a confident nod.

“We need rope, Lex,” Vallen pointed out, eyeing the backpack. Lex rolled his eyes.

“You couldn’t have mentioned that before I was ready to go?”

Lex pulled off his backpack and located a bundle of light yellow climbing rope. Vallen knelt down in front of me, hands hovering above my waist as if waiting for permission. I hesitated, searching his eyes for any hint of dishonesty.

But his expression was sincere, making me feel like I could trust him, at least for this task. He took one end of the rope and tied it around my waist with a tight knot. Lex and Baz unwound the rest, leaving enough for Baz to stay on the cave floor until I reached the top.

Once Vallen and I were through the opening, Baz would secure himself to the rope still connected to me. Then Vallen would pull him up while Lex brought up the rear. I braced myself and nodded, trying to ignore how his touch sent an electrifying jolt through me.

A fleeting look of pain crossed Vallen’s eyes as he hoisted me up, his movements fluid and graceful. His hands were strong but gentle enough not to bruise me. For a moment, I felt almost invincible as I raised my arm so that my wrist could break through the final barrier.

The runes lining the opening began to glow, and the distant sound of rushing water grew louder. The cave trembled as if waking from a long slumber—time was running out.

With a sudden whoosh of air, the opening widened and granted us access to the outside world. We landed on an expanse of grassy terrain near the top of a roaring waterfall’s edge.

“Let’s move!” he yelled down to Baz and Lex.

A strong gust of wind almost knocked me over, but Vallen reached his arm around my waist and pulled me into him. “Not your time,” he whispered.

“Yet,” I said, sarcasm evident in my response. “Not my time yet , is what you meant.”

I narrowed my eyes at him, then pushed myself away, planting my feet on the ground. A rumble below us made me jump, and I decided that lying face down on the ground was the better option. Vallen knelt down on one knee and placed a hand on my back, showing concern for me rather than ensuring I didn’t die before the ceremony to replace my soul.

I was kidding myself to think there was any other reason. As I looked into the cave, Baz tied himself off and tugged on the rope. Vallen began hoisting him up when a faint screech carried across the mountains, and I jumped. Then, what felt like a small earthquake shook the ground. I turned my head and looked at Vallen.

“Hurry up!” Dread filled my body as I tried to reach for the rope.

The piercing sound drew nearer, and I knew Vincent and his angels were almost at the mountain. Small rocks tumbled into the opening, scattering around Lex. Baz shielded his face as Vallen made two quick moves to haul him out. He hopped over me and joined me.

“You okay?” he panted, his eyes scanning my body for any injuries.

I nodded, swallowing hard, then looked back down into the cave. “Lex’s turn.”

Vallen gripped my arm with a firm hold, his expression tense as he surveyed our surroundings for any signs of danger.

“What are you waiting for?” Baz snapped at Vallen, fear coloring his voice that he might run off with me.

Vallen didn’t respond but looked down at Lex and waved him up. As Vallen pulled on the rope again, the mountain shook violently, and Lex slipped from his grasp.

“No!” I reached for Lex, but he bounced in the air and smiled up at me.

“All good, here,” he called out, with one hand cupped around his mouth, holding on tightly to the rope with the other.

I repositioned myself on my knees and placed a hand on Baz’s shoulder. “Will you please scout around the area and let us know if we have company?”

Baz pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. “You’re right. I’ll go check things out.”

In one move, Baz was on his feet. As I turned my head back to Lex and Vallen, I heard Baz shift.

“Don’t take your eyes off Vallen,” he said. “I’m going to get in contact with the others now. The cave blocked me from communicating with anyone but you.” He sauntered off to check the mountain from all directions.

Watching Vallen was easy. The simmering rage I felt toward him made sure of that. Even though it seemed like his essence was messing with my emotions, that confusion didn’t matter now. I shook my head and paid attention to Lex getting pulled up out of the opening below.

Once he was safely on solid ground beside me, I leaped up and wrapped him in a tight hug. “I’m glad you made it,” I said with a relieved squeal.

“Me too,” Lex smiled, then untied himself to return my hug with equal warmth.

I let the rope drop from my waist in time to see immense shadows passing above us—there had to be at least ten of them, their wings beating rhythmically and sending gusts of wind around us. Vallen moved in front of me like a human shield while Lex pressed his back against mine, scanning the opposite side of the mountain for threats.

A strangled cry pierced through the chaos. “Noa!”

“Baz! Where are you?” I strained to locate him, dashing toward the source of the voice around the rocky terrain.

Vallen grabbed my arm, yanking me back to face him. “You’ll die if you go.”

“And he’ll die if I don’t!” Desperation fueled my fists as they collided with his stone-like chest.

“You can live without him, but we can’t survive without you, Noa!” Vallen’s voice boomed, compelling me to meet his fierce gaze.

“Until you’ve gotten what you need from me, right?” Energy crackled at my fingertips as I sent jolts into Vallen’s muscles. Tears blurred my vision as anger turned into anguish. “You piece of shit! This is your fault; you should be the one dying! ”

“Noa,” Baz called to me, his voice strained. “They torched Dawson’s and ? —”

An excruciating howl erupted from his throat. My head snapped to the other side of the mountain as Vallen freed me. He, Lex, and I all stared up at Vincent hovering above us, Baz clutched by the throat with the claws of his wings.

“Run, Noa,” Baz choked out, his wolf form dangling hopelessly.

With a flick of his wrist, Vincent tossed Baz across the mountain. I heard him squeal as he landed with a back-breaking sound, then a splash into the waterfall.

A guttural scream escaped me. “Baz!” I clutched my chest, unable to breathe. “Baz! Baz!” There was nothing but silence, and I fell to my knees.

“I’ve missed you, brother,” Vincent purred down at Vallen with his crimson wings spread wide.

“I bet you have,” Vallen commented as he stepped forward, unfurling his gorgeous emerald-green wings with black-tipped talons.

“Shouldn’t Maros have taken you to hell by now?” yelled Lex, who now unleashed his wings. The white and silver feathers began to form a cocoon around me, still allowing me to see Vincent.

Vincent’s lip curled back as he scoffed. “Maros and I had a little talk. I made him realize that only someone with angel essence could activate the bracelet, but Noa’s lineage could bring forth the powers and secrets.”

“You won’t win this, Vincent!” I shouted up at him as his dark wings flapped menacingly.

He clapped his hands and smiled as though I meant nothing. And to him, I didn’t. “Kindly hand over, Noa,” he said in that chilling voice of his, “and I’ll let one of you live.”

A maniacal laugh erupted from him because we knew he meant that I would be the one to live.

We were surrounded; the hovering angels couldn’t land but swooped close enough to make my body shake with terror.

“Lex,” I said, glancing back at him. “Please unwrap your wings from me. Go to the camp and alert the others. Baz,” I paused, choking on a sob, “Baz told me Nevaeh’s house is gone.”

“What!” Lex dropped his protective wings like I had asked.

“Baz didn’t get a chance to tell me everything, but he managed to tell me enough.” Then, I looked up at Vincent. “You will never have me!” I spat.

Vincent watched, amused, as Lex ran his hands through his hair, worry coating his face. A cruel smirk spread across Vincent’s face. “You won’t make it, Lex,” he sneered calmly.

Lex’s gray eyes danced with fog and rain, something I hadn’t seen since my birthday, and it made my stomach lurch. He searched Vincent’s face. “You revolting son of a bitch! Why?”

Vallen’s arm shot out in front of me, his grip firm as he pushed me behind him.

“What the hell, Vallen?” I twisted against his grip, my frustration boiling over.

“Lex, I want to thank you for your service,” began Vincent mockingly as he pranced and fluttered higher above us.

“No!” I screamed. My voice cracked with desperation. Vallen’s arms were vice-like around me, unyielding, and I felt my strength float away.

Vincent’s wings beat twice as he shifted to the left, eyes locked on mine. “If it weren’t for you, Jossy, and Ivy…” His voice dripped with menace. “Remember her, Noa? She loved you, but did you love her back?”

“I did love her, you piece of shit!” The tears burned hot trails down my cheeks as I thrashed against Vallen’s iron grip. “She was my everything—my best friend.”

He looked back to Lex, bored as his eyes glazed over as if he couldn’t remember why we were there. “If it weren’t for the three of you finding Noa and setting up the New Year’s Eve party,” he praised Lex with a nod of respect. “We wouldn’t be here now.”

“Don’t listen to him, Lex,” I ordered, my hands balled up at my sides.

“Anyway,” Vincent shrugged nonchalantly, his eyes shifting briefly to meet mine before flitting away. “Thank you.” He gave a powerful flap of his wings, sending a gust of wind swirling around us and rustling the leaves in nearby trees. Then Vincent’s angels descended like a well-coordinated flock, their wings slicing through the air as they circled around Lex.

Vallen grabbed me and slung me over his shoulder as we sprinted.

“Lex!” I shouted, watching him turn and give a quick wave before launching into the sky to fight.

Time seemed to crawl as another fallen angel swooped in, snatching me from Vallen’s grip. I almost hit the ground, but Vallen caught me at the last second, holding me tight against his chest with one arm. With the other, he reached out and crushed the angel’s throat. She disintegrated into ash upon hitting the ground, leaving only bones and ripped wings behind.

I spun back toward the mountain where three of Lex’s former allies hovered menacingly in the air. Within seconds, they seized Lex by his shoulders and flung him into a dark cave below, boulders crashing down on him. Tears streamed down my face as I went limp in Vallen’s arms. He swiftly lowered me to the ground.

“We have about ten seconds before Vincent and his horde get here, Noa,” he said urgently, though his voice was distant as my ears began to muffle. His hand gripped my shoulder firmly. “Focus! We need to get to your apartment.”

My body turned to lead with every motion feeling cumbersome, and I couldn’t think straight. A wave of panic hit me as I wondered if I should go back for Lex. I made another attempt to contact Baz, but there was still no response.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I struggled for breath between sobs. “He...he won’t answer me.”

Vallen pressed his palms against his temples, his breath trembling as he fought to keep calm. “I know,” he murmured. “But please, stay with me. We need to reach your apartment.”

My nails dug into my palms as I whipped around to face Vincent, the legion of angels looming behind him like an impending storm. Electricity crackled through my veins, setting off a wildfire of rage that blazed hotter with each heartbeat. Bolts of searing orange and yellow erupted from my fingertips, disintegrating two guards mid-flight before they could even react.

With an earth-shattering roar, Vincent launched himself at us. His claws flashed ominously in the dim light as he closed the distance with terrifying speed.