Now I was sprinting, easing the first of my blades from their leather sheaths. ‘Better to be nothing than to cringe in fear!’ I retorted. ‘Please, Grimalkin, listen to me!’ she called. I could hear Thorne running close at my heels. I continued to run, gathering speed through the narrow streets, each turn taking me closer to the sound of the screaming. I turned, gestured that Thorne should follow me and began to run towards the baleful red moon towards those cries and screams. That was where most of the predators and victims must be gathered. There were cries of fear and pain all around but their greatest concentration was in the direction of the blood moon and they were accompanied by screams of agony. It was not my way to cower in an alley like this, hoping for a bell to save me. Hopefully the bell will chime soon, ending the danger.’Īnger flared within me. ‘It will be directing other predators towards us. ‘They hunt in packs and we’re their chosen prey!’ cried Thorne. It was like a giant bat with glowing eyes and long, bone-tipped wings terminating in clawed hands. It hovered directly above our heads and I could see it bathed in the light of the blood moon. Something large swooped low over the alley giving a raucous screech.

Look! There’s one above us now!’ Thorne cried, pointing upwards. It’s best to hide until a single chime signals that the period of danger is over.’

Now predators are permitted to hunt whoever they like. ‘That bell serves more than one purpose,’ Thorne explained, ‘but it signals an immediate threat.

The dark army joseph delaney ebook