A neigh from Niamh in the sky and then the roars of gargoyles added to the chorus, the Ivy House team ready to fight. Ready to die, if need be. Kingsley lifted his roar to the heavens last, a great cat ready to support his brother’s bad decisions.
“You have earned the trust of those sworn to you,” Ivy House said as Austin lowered back down and rushed forward, “and your allies. They will protect you with their lives. Will you do the same for them?”
I neared the sidewalk, but Kingsley leapt forward, knocking me out of the way. Cheryl flew. He didn’t want me in the fight, probably because he thought I was useless in combat. Or else he thought Austin wouldn’t want me in danger. But Austin knew better.
The phoenix sprayed Austin with fire, a preliminary blast, like she’d first tried with us. The basajaun ran at her and swiped, but the moment his palm touched her skin, it burst into flame. He howled, shrinking back. The thunderbird flapped its great wings and lightning flickered. Edgar jolted, on its back. I hadn’t realized he’d jumped up there, but he didn’t stay there for long. He convulsed and fell, cracking his head on the ground.
The thunderbird launched into the air, each movement showcasing its incredible strength. The gargoyles rolled out of its way, but they immediately turned around and flew after it. Its lightning crawled out around it, giving it a natural shield. Niamh rammed it with her horn, showing no fear. The thunderbird roared as the crystalline horn pierced its side, the sound turning to thunder. Niamh convulsed and fell.
“No!” I threw out a net to catch her, suspending her in the air.
“Will you protect them with your life? Will you end this?”
“Of course I will end this,” I mentally shouted. “Send the others away. Let me handle this myself.”
“Will you protect your team with your life? Decide now. It will be your lifelong duty.”
It was already my lifelong duty. We’d become a unit in that first battle, and every battle thereafter had drawn us closer together. There was no way I would walk away when my friends were in danger. There was no way I wouldn’t sacrifice myself if it saved all of them, just as they would do for me.
“Take the oath,” Ivy House said. “Take the oath and I can help you save them.”
A roar of anguish froze my blood. I spun. Austin was on the ground, struggling with the phoenix, everywhere she touched burning.
I crawled through the grass for Cheryl, desperate, hearing another howl of pain from the basajaun, who was probably trying to help Austin. He couldn’t handle the burns, though. Another cry from above.
I looked up as Sebastian caught Mr. Tom in a magical net, suspending his fall.
I curled my fingers around Cheryl’s hilt.
“What do I say?” I yelled, tears in my eyes. Austin’s agonized howls tormented me. I doubted anyone in the world had ever heard them before. He never admitted to being in pain. A grunt was all he’d vocalize, even when a normal person would black out. He was beyond agony right now. Probably beyond what most could tolerate. And still he fought.
I couldn’t bear to peek through the link.
“What do I say?”
“‘I swear to protect Ivy House and my circle until the day I die. I will uphold the honor that is due my role and the legacy that is Ivy House.’”
I repeated the words quickly, with trembling lips.
“Shed blood onto the soil.”
Sebastian put up another net to catch Ulric.
Austin ripped the petite woman off him and sent her flying. He struggled to stand, burned and bloodied and shaky. I’d never seen him like this. His rage pushed through the muted link, hotter and fiercer than the pain. He was bringing forth the beast. He was shrouding himself in darkness so he could give everything to this fight. I doubted he’d regret it.
“Shed blood onto the soil,” Ivy House repeated.
With shaking hands, I sliced my finger; deep crimson welled up. I shoved it into the ground, wincing at the searing pain.
Thunder rolled above. Great wings beat. Our other friend was back. I’d have to beat that bastard in the sky. But first I needed to take out the phoenix.
“With great power comes great responsibility,” Ivy House said.
The petite woman pushed up from the ground, facing Austin. She knew which of us was her greatest competition.
Kingsley paced in front of me, watching his brother, keeping me from the fight.
Austin stood on his hind legs, bent over a little toward her, and roared.
They ran at each other.
“With great responsibility, you must have great courage. The courage to do what is right, and not what is easy. The courage to protect those sworn to you. The courage to wield the power without blinking.”