“Don’t let the blades touch you!” I scream at him.
He and Frederick carefully circle each other. Two predators well-matched from a time when swords were the only weapon one carried. They both swing, and their blades hit with a resounding clash. The force is so great the sound rings out across the field.
They blur, then circle and reassess, then attack again. Frederick whistles, and several vampires join the fray. Unfortunately, mere seconds later, ash rains down.
Chest heaving, Frederick disengages and leaps back. He lifts the blade and stares at it, then turns and charges Mathias.
A pair of vampires sidle closer to me, only to be plucked off the ground by a pair of razor-sharp talons. I look up and watch as Gatlin shreds them to pieces. Several others glance from me to him and take a few steps back.
Metal on metal brings my gaze back to Mathias and his opponent. While I was distracted, Mathias gained control of one of the blades. Biceps bulge as the two of them try to force their blade into the other. Sucking in a breath, I watch as the tip moves dangerously close to Mathias’ throat. He grunts. Boots slide in the dirt as Frederick tries to press his advantage.
In a daring move, Mathias suddenly drops the blade he’s holding, then uses both his hands to grab the one Frederick’s pressing into his throat. He shoves it down and backward, into Frederick’s own stomach. Ash rains down a second later.
Mathias attacks the remaining horde, eliminating several with one swipe, and the rest scatter in fear. He lowers the blades and holds them out to me. “I think these might be best in your hands.”
“Me too,” I tell him, letting them drop to the ground so I can throw myself into his arms. “Although, ultimately, I should return them to Ares.” When he quirks a brow, I explain how they appeared in my hands.
The battle rages around us, but I drop my lips on his, needing to know he’s alive and here with me. He gives me a hard kiss in return. After a second, I raise my head. “When I saw you surrounded, I was so scared.”
He presses his hands to my back. “I might have been a little worried myself. It’s been a while since I had to fight off a horde.”
Not wanting to know how often he’s had to do that; I slide down and pick up the blades. The sky lights up beside us, and I look over. “I left Jamison and Charlie fighting Bennett. I’m going to take a look.”
He nods and unsheathes his swords. “Be careful.” Whirling around, he takes off, swords swinging at the vampires who step into his path.
I grab the lethal blades and use my belt to tie a makeshift holster for them.
“Gatlin, still there?”
He lands beside me a second later, and I scramble onto his back.
“I want to check on Jamison,” I tell him, and he shoots up into the sky and banks to the right.
As we get closer, I see Jamison fighting Bennett by himself. I look around for Charlie and see him battling vampires nearby. He’s surrounded. I motion for Gatlin to set me down while he goes to help Charlie.
Blades ready, I move closer to the two of them. My eyes narrow as my heart pounds. Magic fighting magic, using every conceivable tactic. All the elements. Bennett releases a hailstorm of fire only for Jamison to nullify it and return his own volley of magic. I watch them for several minutes. They’re almost evenly matched. Both with off-the-chart power. It’s in that chilling moment that I realize why Jamison’s father cursed his ring. He never wanted Bennett to realize how much power Jamison had at his disposal because he would have targeted him. Tried to steal it for himself.
Hatred rules Bennett’s actions. It’s apparent in the magic he unleashes toward Jamison; every attempt brutal, designed to kill his opponent.
Jamison’s calm and collected, an expression of determination on his face, and it dawns on me. He’s playing offense, maneuvering his opponent with careful strikes against him. But to where?
Bennett sways the tiniest bit. Satisfaction sparks in Jamison’s eyes. He’s wearing him down. While they’re both evenly matched, Mathias’ vampire blood has given Jamison something that Bennett doesn’t have…endurance. The ability to use his powers for longer periods without fatigue.
I glance over at Charlie and see him flashing me a thumbs-up as he creates a barrier around Bennett and Jamison.
Gatlin circles above me.
I turn my attention back to the battle and find Bennett staring at me. In a startling move, he throws up a barrier between him and Jamison and stalks toward me. I hold up my hand, and Gatlin’s talons latch on, jerking me into the air.
Jamison roars, “Bennett!”
Bennett turns, a snarl on his face, only to find hell has been unleashed. Jamison’s attack is relentless and ruthless. Not once does he let up. Bennett tries to defend, but his attempts are weak and unfocused.
A black hole opens up behind him. Frantic, he glances at it, then back at Jamison. He flings magic faster and faster in an attempt to hit Jamison, but nothing works. Jamison’s shield is impenetrable, and his face is the epitome of granite as he purposely drives him backward. I don’t know what’s inside the hole, but whatever it is, Bennett is terrified of it.
The back of his heel disappears inside. Desperate, Bennett glances around wildly as if seeking help, but there’s no one. Bitterness twists his lips. In one final act, he salutes Jamison, then sends a burst of magic through his temple. Collapsing on the ground, he stares blankly at the sky above. Shocked, I raise a hand to my mouth. Whatever is inside that hole, it terrified him enough that he took his own life.
Charlie drops the barrier.
