Page 266 of The Mortal Trials

I look at Hazi, expecting his fear to match mine, but Hazi isn’t afraid. He gives me a cunning smile and twists out of Kallik’s grip so fast, he becomes nothing but a blur of purple. Hazi slams a hand down on Kallik’s wrist, forcing the man to drop the blade. Hazi catches it by the handle and stabs Torsten in the hand he holds the sword with, jerking it free again.

Torsten’s sword falls to the ground and he clutches the wounded hand to his chest, bellowing and cursing Hazi. “Backstabbing bastard!”

I dip down and pick up his fallen blade, turning it on a stunned Kallik.

Torsten flexes his hand, still roaring. The stab wound goes all the way through to the other side.

Hazi grabs my elbow and tells me to come with him. We use the fog to our advantage, concealing our path as Aymes still shouts my name in the distance.

The forest gives way to a wheat field with healthy stalks striking mid-thigh. A path has been trampled through it, and I smile when I realize it leads to a glowing portal.

August runs to intercept us, sharpened branch ready.

“Run!” I motion wildly.

“They’re right behind you!” he yells, waving us on. “Come on!”

I pump my arms, obsidian spear in one hand and Torsten’s golden sword in the other.

“Drop that sword, bitch!” Torsten seethes as he and Kallik tear through the field on our heels, panting and snuffling like the boar we just put down – twice.

“Into the portal!” August shouts, urging us on. “Go, go, go!”

Hazi and I run into the churning gold at full speed and crash into the sand of the arena. I land on my side, somehow managing not to lose either weapon or impale myself.

I get up as fast as I can and hurry to Koda. Elias sits at his side, supporting him upright, while Niall stands over them both, clutching the spear protectively. “You okay, friend?”

Koda gives a weary smile. “I’m here, Callalie. Thanks to you all.”

“Oh good, you got my sword back,” Elias drawls. He scowls when I ease it away from him.

I’m not sure I’m giving it back. August needs a weapon, and I’d rather arm him than the Greek who still has mixed emotions about killing me.

Niall stares at the portal, his brows furrowed. “Where’s August? I thought he’d be right behind you.”

Hazi joins our group, but he wisely keeps his distance, like he’s not sure if he’ll be welcome.

Niall raises a brow at his presence but continues. “He carried Koda into the arena, then went back for you.”

Fear squeezes my heart. “How did he know it would take him into the trial again? How does he know it’ll work for him twice?”

Elias winces. “I don’t know, but I don’t think that’s what he was worried about.”

“But the gods might –” I let out a low curse when August calmly emerges again.

He doesn’t seem to be hurt. I blink, wondering why he’s wearing a devious grin.

Where are Torsten and Kallik?

Hazi knocks the grit off his arms and clothes and shrugs a shoulder at me.

When Torsten and Kallik finally tear through the portal a few breaths later, both of them are limping. Torsten’s palm sprinkles the sand crimson as he staggers to a stop.

“What did you do to them?” Hazi asks August, smiling appreciatively, hands on his slender hips as he works to calm his breathing.

August smiles innocently as he strolls toward us, but there’s a sinister glimmer in his eyes. Amused, but sinister.

With a bloodthirsty growl, Torsten rushes toward August with his bloody fists raised, despite August’s back being turned. He makes it two steps before the tip of my sword dents the Norseman’s stomach. He sucks in a breath when I step closer, repaying him for the wound on my chest and neck.