The intense heat was like a pulse that ebbed and flowed around us. Lucian and I were both drenched in sweat by the time we made it to the next floor. Phantom was panting beside me. His massive frame soaked in blood. Thalia did her best to keep the temperature manageable for us. But she was too weak to keep this up for long. "We need a new strategy. Do you think you could have your eagle carry us to the top?" Lucian took a second to think. "Maybe, but he can't hold us for long. we would have to drop at the top."
I grimaced. The impact from that might be painfully warm. "Just drop me and Phantom, then keep the guards busy while I release her."
"That might work. I hope she likes her men extra toasted. The top of the tower is engulfed in the flames. It might be her way of keeping our owner at bay." He walked to the window and opened it. "Gabriel, I'm going to be honest, this might suck." He grabbed my tunic. "Tell Phantom to follow you." With that said he tossed me out the window. "Phantom!"
The white beast shot out after me. We free fell for a second before the eagle caught us in his talons. to put size in perspective, he is the size of a small dragon. The beast rose up to the top of the tower quickly. Once we were over the roaring flames spiraling up into the night. The eagle dropped us into the fires of hell itself. Phantom tried to shield me from the flames that seemed to reach up and embrace us. I knew immediately that this was a bad idea. [Thalia, my lady. I may not reach you this time.] I could feel her screams and the flames engulfed me.
The flames were gentle and warm like a hug. I opened my eyes expecting pain but got none. I landed next to Phantom on the roof of the tower. twin spires shot towards the sky. chains hung from them suspending a woman with deep red hair off the ground. Her eyes were closed but I could feel her surrounding me with her presence. "Thalia." She opened her eyes and the deep golden depths pierced my very soul. "Gabriel, thank you."