Chapter 40

In the Aftermath

Elisa's POV

We were in the TV room. Nashville's show just ended and we were trying to find something new. He was getting a drink. Alex was asleep. Katana flipped through the channels.

"I don't like this, Elisa, it's getting too close to sunrise." Angela said.

"I know, Ang-" I paused.

A news report suddenly flashed on screen. It was helicopter footage of the Nightstone Unlimited building. Smoke billowed out from the ground as though someone lit a fire under it. People were running from the building. There were firetrucks and police cars surrounding the block.

"Father!" Angela cried, running out.

"Angela, wait-" Katana called after her.

My phone rang. "Hello?"

"Elisa, it's the Nightstone building. Something's happened. Captain's calling for everyone." Matt said in rushed voice.

"Matt, what happened?" I asked.

"I think the clan's mission went sideways, but you need to come quick. I gotta go." He hung up.

"I have to go." I put my phone away.

"I understand." Katana said, getting up. "Nashville, to the rookery now!"

Elisa's POV End

Angela's POV

I flew as quickly as I could to Nightstone Unlimited. I grimaced as I got closer. The heat combined with the smoke made it a foreboding sight. Many windows were cracked or shattered. The building, like a chopped tree, seemed unsteady. Ready to collapse at any moment.

I landed in the nearest alley. It was further away than I would have liked. I heard something from the roof. I looked up.

"Hello?" I asked.

They jumped down from the fire escape. It was Mother. She was wounded in several places. The cuts were not bleeding outright, but they still looked fresh. Her left wing was broken.

"I saw a clan of gargoyles flying away from here. I could not follow." She told me, swaying.

"Are you alright? What happened?" I reached out.

She leaned against the wall. "I don't remember."

I paused, biting my lip. Father would understand if I brought Mother to the castle, but he wouldn't like her around Talia. I wasn't sure how she got injured, but some of her wounds seemed intentional. It would best if I tended to Mother first before I told everyone.

"I will take you somewhere safe. I'll explain everything later." I told her.

Angela's POV End

Goliath's POV

Elisa was waiting for us at the infirmary. Talon hugged her. I set Hudson on one of the beds. The staff scrambled to get enough supplies. Broadway helped Brooklyn and Lexington get comfortable. Puck hobbled to a spare bed and laid down. Xanatos watched anxiously as Fox and Talia got wires and tubes attached to them.

"Did you see Angela?" Elisa asked.

"No…" I frowned.

"We saw it on the news and she ran out without thinking. Don't be too hard on her." She told me.

"We will talk about it later." I said.

"Katana took Nashville and Alex to the rookery. I think Bronx is with them. I have to go help out at Nightstone. I already should have left." She explained, reaching and holding my hand. "I'm glad you got everyone home."

"We'll see you tomorrow, Elisa." I promised.

Goliath's POV End