Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE

Edinburgh Castle loomed before us, perched on its rocky crag at the end of the Royal Mile. As we approached, awe and trepidation washed over me. The ancient fortress stood like a sentinel against the late afternoon sky, its weathered stone walls and towering battlements a testament to centuries of Scottish history.

Parking proved to be a challenge in the busy city center. We eventually found a spot in Grassmarket, the bustling square nestled in the shadow of the castle. As we stepped out of the car, the cobblestones beneath our feet served as a stark reminder of how out of place we were. Modern warriors in an ancient battleground.

I had managed to dust most of the dirt from my hair, leaving a fine layer on the front seat. Unfortunately, dirt and dust still clung stubbornly to my clothes. I felt like a cowboy coming in from a long cattle drive.

Everyone else looked like they had been on the same cattle drive except Justice. He had used glamour to hide the dirt. I guessed that was one of the benefits of being a vampire.

Yet, I didn’t have time to dwell on my appearance.

I checked my watch. “We’ve got about two hours before the castle closes at five. Let’s make them count.”

We started up the steep path toward the castle, each step bringing us closer to our temporary sanctuary. People glanced curiously at us, and I wanted to dart into a nearby bathroom to hide my appearance. Then, dark clouds crept in and loosed a rainstorm.

At least we didn’t stick out like black sheep in the middle of a white herd anymore.

I used my palm to shield my eyes. The castle grew more imposing with every meter we climbed. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence as I took in the sight. The castle was a behemoth of stone and history, its walls rising defiantly against the sky. Turrets and towers punctuated its silhouette, creating a jagged crown against the sky.

“It’s like a giant fortress looking down at us,” I murmured.

The strategic value of our chosen hideout wasn’t lost on me. From up there, we’d have a commanding view of the city and its surroundings. If Maci decided to make her move in dragon form, or if the demon Rage charged in, we’d spot them long before they reached us. The thought provided a small measure of comfort.

“There’ll be plenty of places to hide in there.” I gestured toward the complex layout of buildings within the castle walls. “Nooks, crannies, secret passages. This place is a maze. I’ll be able to use the mirror without interruption.”

As we neared the entrance, I felt a strange juxtaposition of emotions. On one hand, the castle represented safety, a stronghold against the supernatural threats we faced. On the other, its age and grandeur emphasized how small and out of our depth we truly were in this cosmic battle.

“It’s majestic,” Lisa murmured beside me, echoing my thoughts.

I nodded, then steeled myself. “And it’s our best shot right now. Everyone stay alert. Just because it’s crowded doesn’t mean we’re safe. Keep your eyes open for anything unusual.”

As we joined the throng of tourists entering the castle grounds, I felt like we were walking into another trap. But with Maci and Rage on our heels, we were out of options. Edinburgh Castle might be our last line of defense. Or our final battleground.

When we reached the top, we bought tickets and hurried toward the entrance. I kept scanning the dark skies but didn’t see any shadows. It was hard to tell with all the drizzle.

Maci was a shadow dragon and could be hiding in the shadows. Her demons had taken on human form so they could blend into the crowds. Only their black eyes would set them apart.

I shifted my backpack, acutely aware of its precious contents. The Crown of Envy, the compass, the scales, the phoenix feather, the phoenix grass, and the mirror were all safely tucked away inside. There was no way I was leaving these powerful artifacts in the SUV. Not with Maci and her demonic allies on our tail.

Justice scanned our surroundings, his posture tense. “Okay, Sawyer. Where do you think we should go?”

I studied the signs scattered throughout the castle grounds, each pointing to a different attraction. National War Museum, Prisons of War, St. Margaret’s Chapel, the Royal Palace. My mind raced, weighing our options against the information I’d gleaned from the brochure.

“St. Margaret’s Chapel is out,” I muttered. “Too small, barely any room to maneuver if we’re cornered.”

Damon nodded in agreement. “And the Prisons of War are a no-go. Too cramped. We’d be sitting ducks in there.”

“We need somewhere with space that’s out of the rain,” Brody chimed in, his gaze darting nervously around the crowded courtyard. “Somewhere we can see them coming, but with an escape route if things go south.”

I nodded, impressed as always by my team’s quick thinking. “You’re right. We need a place that’s open but with at least two exits.”

Zara, who had been quietly studying the castle map, perked up. “How about the Great Hall?” she suggested, pointing to a large structure on the map.

We huddled around the map, considering Zara’s suggestion. The Great Hall was spacious and historically significant, so it was likely to be filled with tourists. Plus, its central location within the castle complex meant multiple potential escape routes.

“Good thinking, Zara.” I felt a small surge of hope. “The Great Hall it is.”

Justice clasped my hand. “Let’s go. Stay alert.”

The rain had intensified, pelting down mercilessly until I felt like a drowned rat. The artifacts in my backpack seemed to grow heavier with each step, a tangible reminder of the supernatural stakes we grappled with.

As we headed toward the Great Hall, I hoped the ancient stones of Edinburgh Castle would provide us the sanctuary we desperately needed.

After stepping inside, I exhaled a breath of relief at escaping the downpour. Water trickled down my temples and face, and my clothes clung to me like a wet suit.

Then, my discomfort faded into the background as I took in the sight before me.

The Great Hall took my breath away. My gaze was immediately drawn upward to the vaulted wooden ceiling, its massive beams resting on stones intricately carved with heads and symbols. I recognized the thistle, the proud flower of Scotland, among the designs. The craftsmanship spoke of centuries of history, of battles won and lost, of a nation’s enduring spirit.

At the far end of the vast room stood a magnificent stone fireplace, flanked by suits of armor, standing silent guard. Their empty visors seemed to watch us as we moved farther into the hall, and I couldn’t shake the feeling we were being observed by more than these metal sentinels.

Weapons adorned the walls. Spears and swords were arranged in elegant semi-circles over the fireplace, their polished surfaces gleaming in the afternoon light that streamed through the high windows.

I squeezed Justice’s hand in awe, partly to ground myself in the present. “It’s incredible,” I whispered.

Justice nodded, scanning the room with a practiced gaze. “Beautiful,” he agreed. “And defensible. Good sight lines, multiple exits. We chose well.”

As we kept going, blending with the crowd of visitors, I couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of emotions. The Great Hall’s grandeur and history provided a sense of security, as if its ancient stones could shield us from the supernatural threats we faced. Yet, at the same time, the weapons on display and the battle-scarred architecture were stark reminders of the conflicts that had shaped this place and the one we were currently embroiled in.

“Let’s find a good vantage point,” I murmured to Justice.

He led me into a corner away from the crowd. Most of the tourists stood in front of the fireplace and the display cases.

Zara and Damon strolled toward us.

Damon scrutinized the Great Hall. “Well, would you look at that? It’s like we stepped into friggin’ Hogwarts or something. Hey, Sawyer, you see any house elves running around?”

I took the mirror out of my backpack and chuckled. He still could make me laugh even in dire situations.

Brody and Lisa approached, their faces etched with concern. Brody’s posture was straight and resolute, reminiscent of a soldier ready for duty. He placed a reassuring hand on Lisa’s shoulder and spoke with a calm, authoritative tone.

“Easy there, Lisa. I know you’re worried, but we have to trust the plan. Sawyer gave her word, and that means something. We’re a team. Right now, we need to stand together.”

He turned to address us, his voice carrying a note of inspiration. “I know we’re all under pressure, but let’s not lose sight of why we’re here. Each of us has a crucial role to play. Sawyer, what’s our next move? Whatever it is, we’re with you.”

I looked past Brody, my gaze settling on Lisa. Her lips pressed into a thin line, tension radiating from every line of her body. The sight made my stomach churn with unease.

When I was at Rimespire Isle, the mystical location revealed the phoenix’s whereabouts on the Isle of Skye. The information had been our ace in the hole, the leverage that brought Lisa back to our side. However, doubt gnawed at me now. What if the phoenix wasn’t there anymore? Magical creatures, especially ones as powerful as a phoenix, were notoriously difficult to pin down. If we arrived at Skye only to find Aurora gone, what would Lisa do?

I studied her face, trying to gauge her state of mind. The palpable desperation in her eyes reflected the profound bond between a guardian and their magical charge. I understood the connection in theory, but its intensity still took me by surprise.

I kept my voice low and steady. “Lisa, I know you’re worried. We all are. But I need to know, are you with us? No matter what happens?”

She met my gaze, conflict clear in her eyes. For a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of the old Lisa, the trusted friend and ally. But the fierce, almost feral determination of a guardian separated from their charge quickly overshadowed it.

“I’m here, aren’t I?” The lines around her eyes and mouth tightened. “Sawyer, you have to understand. The longer we wait, the greater the risk. If anything happens to my phoenix…”

She left the threat unspoken, but it hung between us, heavy with implication. I nodded in acknowledgment, trying to project a confidence I didn’t entirely feel.

“I get it, and we will find your phoenix. But right now, we need to focus on staying alive and outmaneuvering Maci. One step at a time, okay?”

As Lisa gave a curt nod and turned away, I exchanged a worried glance with Brody. He wore the same uneasy look. Our truce with Lisa was fragile at best.