“You two are despicable.”
I grabbed the walking stick and swung—hard, aiming straight for Marcellious and Dahlia.
But before the strike could land, a hand intercepted it, catching the stick in a swift, fluid motion.
Balthazar.
His grip was like iron as he wrenched it from my hands with terrifying ease.
“You’re a fucking monster!” I screamed, my fury bubbling to the surface.
“I don’t give a damn what you think about me,” Balthazar said coldly. “Now that I have the journal, I no longer need you.” His lips curled into a twisted smile. “I’ll end your misery and give you the painful death you deserve—then I’ll finally be reunited with my beloved Alina.”
A bolt of terror shot through me.
“Emily, run! Run!” I shouted.
Emily snatched Rosie’s hand and, without hesitation, took off.
I turned back to face the three demons standing before me.
This was it.
My final battle.
But I’d die fighting.
I tugged up my skirts, retrieving the dagger hidden beneath, and slashed the air in front of Dahlia and Marcellious.
Balthazar merely watched, amused, as if I were nothing more than entertainment.
A thunderous roar tore from my throat as I drove my heel into Marcellious’ thigh with every ounce of strength I had.
The sickening crack of bone shattering echoed in the clearing.
Marcellious collapsed beneath me, a wretched scream ripping from his lungs. His hands scrambled for purchase, fingers digging into the dirt as his leg twisted unnaturally beneath him.
“Do something!” Marcellious howled at Balthazar, agony disfiguring his face.
I ignored him.
Lifting my dagger to the sky, I whispered the sacred words, my voice firm despite the quiver in my limbs.
The blade flared to life, glowing with dark magic.
I turned my sights on Dahlia.
She shrank away, her eyes wide with sudden fear.
As long as she was in human form, I could kill her.
I was weak. Sloppy. But I would die with honor.
I seized Dahlia by the hair, feeling the frantic pounding of my heart.
With one final breath, I drove my dagger into her chest.
Her body arched, a strangled cry escaping her lips as the blade sank deep.
