I wanted to run. My feet practically itched to take flight. But even if I ran as fast and gracefully as a gazelle through a cemetery strewn with headstones and uneven graves, I would never outrun Brax. He was faster than me. He’d overtake me in a few steps.
My eyes landed on the draugr. He was the source of this. I needed to take him out if I wanted to have even a little bit of a chance.
First though, I needed to create a window of opportunity with Brax.
The wolf’s eyes were slightly deranged as they glared at me, his growls getting throatier and strings of saliva hanging from his fangs. His head lowered as he circled to the left of me.
I searched his eyes for some spark of the person he was. I needed him to fight, even if it was only for a few seconds.
I let my attention drift to the draugr for a brief moment, hoping he got the message.
There. A spark. His growl faltered before continuing.
He shook his head, as if to deter a pesky mosquito.
I sprinted forward, using every ounce of whatever vampire speed I might have. There was an enraged snarl and then the thud of paws behind me.
Faster. Faster.
I eked out another two yards.
Victor caught on to my plan and ran forward. I kept my eyes trained on my target.
Come on. Everything you’ve got. Move.
I flew over the last few yards, before tackling the draugr in as beautiful a leap as any seen on a football field.
The draugr’s hysterical laughter was cut short with a grunt as we collided.
I landed on top of him, grabbed him by the throat and banged his head against the ground.
A furry body flew past me, sailing over another headstone and bounding past another. Brax’s wolf disappeared into the darkness.
Good. Mission accomplished.
Now, I needed to follow him.
I dug a knee into the monster’s chest and rose.
A weight bowled into me from the side, slamming me into a headstone. It cracked under my weight and sent pain screaming through my chest.
My ribs were broken—again.
Blood bubbled up from my lips as I fought to rise.
Victor sneered down at me, before one bare foot came crashing down on my head.
Darkness sucked me under. Again.
*
Water dripped onto my face. I flinched and then wished I hadn’t. It felt like I’d been run over by a truck. This whole getting knocked out business was turning into a bad habit.
Memories of the events leading up to my loss of consciousness rose. I opened my eyes without turning my head. Where was I, and why wasn’t I dead?
A dirt floor greeted my eyes. Cement blocks were only a few feet away from me. Basement. Probably an older house. Another drop of water hit the back of my neck. Probably one with a leak.
I carefully turned my head. Looked like I was alone for now. I stifled a groan as I tried to sit and found I couldn’t. Chains were wrapped around my chest and hooked to an old pipe. I gave an experimental yank. The pipe groaned but didn’t budge. Just great.
