Thorne glances over his shoulder, his mouth set in a harsh line, but before he can confirm it, like I know he intends to, the sounds of an attack grow closer, and a second later, unwanted men surround us.
Interestingly enough, they’re definitely with The Rebellion, but Jude isn’t among them. That doesn’t stop Thorne, Rion, and Kael from circling me, blocking me off from the swinging weapons being aimed in our direction. There’s a handful of them. One member bares his teeth, revealing elongated fangs as his eyes narrow, revealing his abilities.
He takes a single step toward me before Kael confronts him, knocking him to the ground in a swing of arms and legs, both fighting with murderous intent.
The shrill cries that ring in the distance make my spine stiffen as I step forward, forming part of the circle with Thorne and Rion instead of hiding away. My grip on the sword tightens, but it’s not lost on me that I haven’t practiced how to use the damn thing since it was last placed in my hands. The thing about me, though, is I’m a trier, and I’m not ready to die yet.
“Just hand over the girl and we’ll let you live,” another calls out, his eyes set on mine as I gulp.
“I think you’re mistaken,” Thorne states, brushing invisible dust off his shoulder as he spins his attention to the man who spoke. “You’re not in charge here, and there’s no chance in Hellyou’lllive long enough to determinemyfate.”
All eyes are on the shadow fae beside me, too distracted to see the wolf coming. I catch a glimmer of the swirling metal as it launches through the air, hitting its target with the most awful sound as it slams into the man’s skull.
Blood gushes from the open wound, trailing down his face as the man’s eyes turn white and his legs give way beneath him. Collapsed in a heap on the ground, it takes a whole two seconds before people move, then it’s a full-on battle.
Raising my sword, ready to fight alongside them, a cry in the distance snags my attention and my world stills. A familiar flash of blonde hair flutters in the distance, another recognizable face holding them captive.
I’m moving without thought, dodging the dangers around me with little care, and a hiss parts my lips as something snags at my side. Running on adrenaline, I leave Thorne, Rion, and Kael in my wake, moving as fast as I can toward Ocean.
Despite the carnage happening in and around The Vale, turning down the path to Institute Two brings an eerie sense ofcalmness that doesn’t sit right in my stomach. I see the same flash of blonde behind the trees to my left and continue to blindly follow the chosen bait into unknown territory.
Any other time, I would be admiring the scenery around Institute Two in comparison to the barren surroundings we’re given in Thirteen, but that’s for another day. Not today, when there are horrors playing out around us.
Breaking through the first row of trees, I skid to a halt when I find the two people I’ve been chasing. Ocean’s eyes are wide, filled with fear and panic, and as they lock on me, they only seem to grow with terror.
“Elodie, no, I?—”
“It took you long enough,” Walker grunts, tightening his hold around Ocean’s chest, securing her arms at her sides and rendering her helpless.
I snarl at him.
“Let go of her,” I bite, and he snickers, shaking his head as his gaze narrows and his shoulders rise. I’m familiar with this stance, but this is the first time it’s been aimed at me. Usually, I’m standing at his side, facing the world as a unit, but that was all a lie, and I won’t fear him now. “Let go of her,” I repeat, and he stretches his neck from side to side.
“Follow your orders and I’ll let her go, Elodie.”
“Don’t listen to him, El! Don’t… argh!” Ocean tries to protest, but Walker quickly puts a stop to that as he brings his free hand to her throat.
“Drop the sword,” he growls, nostrils flaring as he peers at me.
I swing my arm up, only to slam it back down with as much force as I can, securing the steel in the earth beside me before I lift my hands in surrender.
“Now let her go,” I say calmly, and he scoffs.
“Stop giving out demands when you’re not in charge, Elodie,” he grumbles, and I nod, willing to play whatever game he needs to keep her safe.
“Then tell me what needs to happen for you to get your hands off her,” I grind out, my heart racing wildly in my chest as I watch his every move.
“You know what he wants, Elodie.”
My chest heaves. “Me.”
He rolls his eyes. “Well done.”
“So take me. Whatever. Just let her go,” I insist, and he huffs in frustration.
“It’s not as simple as that, Elodie,” he rages, his face reddening as he speaks. “I’ve seen your powers, what you can do. Do you think I’m stupid enough to let go of her so you can use them against me?”
Would I?
