Free Above The Flames (The Flames Trilogy #1) by Cassandra Fear

as he rocked back and forth. He doesn’t want to be here either. The demons are forcing him.
    “We can help you, you know. Bael wants us because of how powerful we are. If you help us get out of here, we can protect you,” Jasmine said.
    “Nobody can protect me. It’s too late.”
    “That’s not true.” Gemma’s voice was soft and gentle, her eyes full of concern as she caught sight of Grizzles.
    Grizzles bit his lip. “There’s nothing I can do to get you out of here.”
    “Do you have a key?” Cole asked, standing up.
    Grizzles nodded. “It’s only for emergencies. In case someone finds you guys. Then I am in charge of getting you out of here and hiding you until Bael comes.”
    “I’d say this is an emergency,” Jasmine said. The noises grew louder above them. “Do you hear that? There’s more than one person fighting up there. It has to be our rescue party. Best to get us hidden, don’t you think?”
    Grizzles smiled. “I like your way of thinking, kid.”
    “I have my moments.” Jasmine laughed. “Now hurry up!”
    Grizzles hopped to his feet much more gracefully than Jasmine would have imagined for such a big guy. He ran over to her, even though he only had to take about three steps. The room wasn’t that big. He lifted the keys from his jeans pocket and pulled her wrists up.
    “She’s downstairs, guys. Hurry!” someone yelled.
    And just like that, Amon strode through the doorway in all his tall glory. His eyes seemed to smile at her mockingly as he took in Grizzles and the keys in his hand. “Looks like you were on your own rescue mission.”
    “I don’t need rescuing. I know how to take care of myself,” Jasmine responded.
    “I am going to beg to differ on that one, but only because you’re still a child.” Amon rushed forward and turned to Grizzles. “Which key?”
    With shaky hands, Grizzles grabbed a key and held it out to Amon. He snatched it, popped it in the keyhole, and the cuffs sprung free.
    Jasmine rubbed her wrists.
    “Why didn’t you use your power?” Amon raised his golden eyebrows. “Don’t you think they might have come in handy?”
    “Who are you to tell me what to do?” Her face heated.
    He grinned, and then went to Cole. “Friend or foe?”
    “Friend,” Cole said.
    “I’m a friend too. Can you get me out of here?” Gemma’s words were fast paced and loud, but still soft in comparison to Amon’s deep baritone.
    “I will. As soon as I’m done here,” Amon said.
    Cole’s cuffs dropped, clinking against the floor.
    Next was Gemma, and when she was free, Amon gestured for all of them to follow.
    “Wait a second. How do you expect to get us out of here?” Jasmine asked. “Did you forget about Bael?”
    “I don’t forget. Ever,” he said.
    That’s it? He says he doesn’t forget and that’s supposed to explain everything?
    Jasmine pressed her lips together tightly. Inside she listed every synonym she knew for hatred, since it bubbled inside her like a pot of water on a stove. Outside, though, she remained as cool as a bucket of ice.
    They climbed the stairs and continued down a narrow hallway which led to a spacious room with a glass case in the corner, filled with knick-knacks. Pictures of two children hung on the rose-colored walls. Jasmine halted, squinting up at a picture of a family. The woman crouched down in front of two children and a very handsome man looked very familiar.
    “Is this…” Jasmine couldn’t finish.
    Grizzles appeared beside her and nodded. “This is Doc’s house. And that’s her family.” He cleared his throat. “Come on. The door’s over there, and the others already went through it.”
    “Did she get out?” Jasmine asked.
    “Not sure, but I know I’m going to.” Grizzles left, leaving Jasmine to stare at the photo alone. Her feet felt rooted to the spot as she looked at the woman. She looked so happy in this picture. Her family seemed to shine in the sunlight as they stood in front of an ocean.
    “She