Nora's POV
The feather slips from James's grasp. His head whips toward the door, and his arm shoots out like a steel barrier, shielding me from whatever lurks beyond.
"What is it?" My voice comes out as barely a whisper, my pulse hammering against my throat. "Do you sense something?"
His finger presses against his lips in a sharp gesture for silence. He motions for me to retreat, and my heels tap against the worn hardwood as I step backward. James moves with inhuman speed, his hands working the locks with practiced efficiency before returning to my side. His arms circle me protectively, though we both understand that no amount of metal and wood will keep determined angels at bay.
I squeeze my eyes shut and extend my palm, drawing the ethereal blue orb hovering above us back into my grasp. The moment I absorb the magical energy, darkness swallows the foyer whole. My vision disappears completely, but James sees everything with perfect clarity in the blackness.
