Rise of the Fallen by Teagan Chilcott Page B

all of this before, and probably had even lived during the most critical times in the world’s development. But like I said, school wasn’t the issue here.
    The issue was moving without being followed or stopped by Dorian, Soul or anyone else who was looking for us. I hadn’t been too concerned with moving until Cael began to make me increasingly aware of the risks of leaving. The most concerning side effect was being killed. Obviously, that was the least desired outcome. I mentioned this to Cael, but he simply shook his head with a smile.
    I had almost forgotten about Holly over the long night and morning. It became clear to me that there had to be some sort of time difference between where she lived and where we were right now, but I hadn’t noticed that before. When I asked Cael, he simply told me not to worry, everything would work out fine. He was one of the only people I could trust to look after me and I was completely fine with that.
    Cael told me I should learn to trust Holly the same as I trustedhim, but I couldn’t see that happening. At least, not any time soon.
    I barely knew her – I had only met her once and I didn’t trust her powers. Her parents’ death was suspicious, with everything far too perfect and neat. I knew demons; they were anything but deliberate in their actions. They preferred to let things fall into place; they don’t plan. It was for that reason that I couldn’t bring myself to trust her.
    Behind her deep, green eyes and that charming, doll-like face, she was hiding something. I didn’t doubt for a second that demons were involved with Holly’s parents’ death, but I doubted the cause. It made no sense, and it shocked me that Cael was so quick to believe her.
    I wanted to call Dorian and ask him if he knew anything about it, but with Cael around me at all times I couldn’t find a moment alone to make the call. He probably wouldn’t tell me much anyway, Dorian rarely did. Unlike Soul. Perhaps I was wrong and Soul wasn’t like Dorian in every way, but they were still close. When Dorian spoke about Soul it was as though they were close companions or friends.
    Cael wouldn’t say it, but I knew that he was furious with me for hurting Soul. I had unleashed hell on us – literally. I knew Lilith wouldn’t just let us leave, but we had to try. I barely knew what she wanted with me. It seemed impractical to only want me to join them.
    Nevertheless, my ideas and opinions remained unheard. Normally that wouldn’t have bothered me, except this time I had a feeling that I was right. It was pointless to argue though; Cael was only trying to take care of me … and Holly.
    Half the day had passed and nothing particularly exciting happened, until my phone rang. Cael looked over at me with curiosity as I quietly answered.
    â€œEmilie, I think you should tell Cael that you’re not going anywhere. We’re not going to let you, I promise you that.” Soul’s voice sounded slightly broken with a tinge of regret.
    â€œYou can’t stop me from leaving, Soul.” I had hesitated beforeanswering, worried my voice would reveal the uncertainty I felt.
    The line was quiet for a moment before he spoke again. “You sound tense, Emilie …”
    â€œI’m fine and I … I’m leaving with Cael,” I stuttered.
    â€œI don’t believe you,” his voice was forceful. “You’ve changed your mind, haven’t you? Where are you, I’ll come and get you.”
    â€œI can’t … I want to leave with Cael,” I said in a stronger voice this time.
    â€œYou’re lying. You don’t know what you want,” he hissed. “Tell me where you are and you can stay with me forever.”
    I looked over at Cael, my eyes wide. “But Soul, Dorian said you’re furious with me, why would you take me back anyway?”
    Cael looked at me in disbelief, mouthing the words,