There’s no response. Of course there isn’t. Why should there be? Anyone in this place is probably waiting for this exact thing to happen. The ceiling drops lower, forcing me to drop to the floor. Even flat on my belly now, I can feel the cold surface pressing against my back.
Oh, God! Oh, God!
I’m such a fucking fool. I’m going to be pulverized. The thought makes bile rise up my throat as I imagine the sound of my own shattering bones, my organs imploding.
I don’t want to die!
“Please!” I scream, the sound made ragged by my breath, which is becoming hard to draw in. “Somebody help me! Oh, God, please!”
The pressure begins to grow uncomfortable. In a matter of seconds, it will be unbearable. And then… And then-
The door suddenly flies open, flooding the tiny space with light.
A strong hand grasps my arm, yanking me from the death trap with supernatural speed. I shoot forward, gasping for air as I crash against a solid chest. The sound of grinding stone fills the air as the walls slam together behind me with unthinkable force.
“What part of ‘the time for hair-brained schemes is over’ didn’t you understand?” Marcus Nightshade’s voice is low and controlled, but I can hear the edge of anger beneath it.
Oh, great. It’s him.
4
Chapter 4
Marcus
Shetriestopushaway from me, but it seems like her legs won’t cooperate. Her whole body trembles, and I’m pretty sure she’s facing the reality of how close she just came to death. And yet her jaw juts out. Of course it does.
Damn fool.
“I- I had it under con-control,” she stutters, her voice choked. I look down at where she’s clutching my shirt, and she loosens her grip as if she’s been burned.
“Clearly.” I don’t bother keeping the sarcasm from my voice. “Well, nothing says ‘great plan’ like voluntarily stepping into a room designed for witch compaction.”
She pulls away from me, scowling. “How did you even know I was here?”
“Because contrary to what you might think, I’m not actually an idiot.” Irritation flares. Tracking her had been easy. Dealing with her stupidity is another matter entirely. “And neither are you, which makes this little solo mission of yours even more infuriating.”
“Well, pardon me for ruining your day,” she huffs, straightening her shoulders and lifting her chin. “I’m sure you would rather have left me there to die.”
“Actually, I wouldn’t. Although I imagine you’d quite happily go back in there and face a gruesome death than be saved by me.” I resist the urge to shake her.
Fucking intolerable.
“Don’t be ridiculous!” she snaps. “Why would anyone want to die like that?”
“Precisely. So how about thanking me?” I fold my arms over my chest.
She glowers at me for a moment. “Fine. Thank you,” she mutters.
I watch her for a moment. “Good enough.” I glance around. “Anyway, as much as I’d love to stand around for more of your particular brand of charm, we need to get out of here.”
As if to prove my point, the sound of a door slamming has us both spinning to face the sound.
“Shit.” I reach for her arm and take a step in the opposite direction. She yanks against me, which doesn’t surprise me. I tighten my grip and start moving, but another loud thump comes from up ahead.
Goddammit.
I stop and look around us.
