The Peregrines

Chapter 22

"Dammit!" I hissed.

"Nowhere to go, I see," I quickly turned around and noticed that the first wight had reached the summit. With caution, it started approaching me, and for every step they took towards me, I instinctively took one step back, attempting to create a safe distance between us. As more wights began to reach the rooftop, I realized that I was gradually becoming outnumbered.

"You best come with us," said another wight. As I approached the edge of the building, I noticed a man who appeared to be the head of this group. Just as I reached the very edge, he extended his hand towards me. "Listen, we want to do this the easy way where no one here will get hurt,"

I glanced over my shoulder and noticed the significant distance below us. The height was quite intimidating. If I were to take the leap, I might finally reveal the hidden secret that I've kept to myself for so long. . . . If it goes wrong, I'll die . . . And if it doesn't, I'll be more in danger.

"I suppose you wouldn't be stupid enough to jump," He said as he moved closer to me, I glanced down again and the vivid recollection of my previous failed attempt to transform into a bird sent shivers down my spine. . . . Back in Germany, when I was in the care of Miss Raven and Miss Crow . . . The life I had there that I wouldn't consider a 'normal' one, even though, looking back at it now . . . It was, and I've never accepted that.

My last attempt almost had me killed . . . And yet . . . I'm ready to try once more without any safety measures. As the wight approached, I knew I had to act fast. If I hesitated, he would surely catch me before I could unleash my Ymbryne abilities. Without a second thought, I leapt off the building, maintaining my composure and concentrating on transforming into a bird.

Even though nothing occurred, I didn't sense any alteration. I raised my arms in front of me, only to find no differences - I was still human. Glancing down, I noticed I was descending towards a protective cover sheet for small apartment balconies. As I landed on the sheet, it cushioned my fall, but then bounced me off, sending me tumbling into a stack of cardboard boxes.

At first, I felt disoriented, but I didn't allow that to prevent me from standing up and carrying on with my escape. "Over here!" I heard a familiar voice softly speaking to me, so I glanced around but couldn't see anyone nearby. "No, in front of you! Look at the door!"

As I approached, I noticed a dog's head peeping out from the partially open door. Without wasting a moment, I hurriedly made my way towards him, entered the house, securely locked the door, and then slid on the floor, attempting to calm my breathing. "You must have been running for a long time to have such great stamina," The dog said in a hushed voice.

"You have . . . No idea!" I said through my heaving breaths.

"I'm terribly sorry that I could not introduce myself the first time we met . . . My name is Addison MacHenry, and I am at your humble service," he bowed.

"Kira . . . Kira Peregrine," I said.

Right after the introduction, my back started to cramp up in a completely unfamiliar way. The pain intensified, causing me to bend over in an attempt to alleviate the cramp before it worsened. The cramp evolved into a sharp ache as if something inside me was attempting to claw its way out. I resorted to hitting the floor with my clenched fist, struggling to contain my urge to scream.

"My dear, are you alright?" Addison asked me.

"Something is happening . . . I don't know what!" I clenched my jaw, holding back any sounds that could reveal our location to nearby wights. The pain was unbearable, pushing me to the brink of yelling out. Tears welled up in my eyes as I desperately dug my nails into the floor, feeling the agony spreading to a specific spot.

As soon as I sensed a sharp pain in my back, as if I had been struck with a katana, I couldn't help but let out a groan through clenched teeth. I felt a sudden weight on me, making it hard to stay silent. Warm liquid trickled down my back, and the ache intensified for a few minutes before gradually subsiding. Glancing at Addison, I noticed he had taken a few steps back, his mouth wide open in shock. . . . Or maybe scared. . .

"What?" I whispered.

I was left unanswered, but I mustered up the courage to turn around and catch a glimpse of those enormous wings. To my astonishment, every single feather was drenched in my own blood, and it was trickling down onto the floor. It was truly a sight to behold. However, I couldn't help but wonder why they chose to reveal themselves now. It would have been much more convenient if they had appeared while I was in the midst of my freefall.

With the assistance of a nearby chair, I managed to lift myself up and then my gaze fell upon the dog. "Let's go . . . There are people who are waiting to be saved!" All of a sudden, my eyesight became hazy and I felt a sense of confusion. I instinctively held onto the chair tightly to regain my balance, determined not to let my body weaken. . . . Least not again.