Page 83 of Guardian

Wes and Virginia exchanged a look. Then Wes shrugged. “It’s more than what you and I had when we were down there. And we got out.”

“Pure luck,” Virginia claimed.

“Maybe I’ll be lucky too,” Logan said.

Wes reached into his other pocket and pulled out a vial. “Here’s some luck in a bottle. You know what to do with it?”

Logan took it and stashed it in a padded inside pocket of his jacket. “If it survives the trip. You sure it works?”

Wes shrugged. “Didn’t exactly have time to test it.”

“Hope the potion won’t kill me,” Logan said.

Wes grimaced. “Doubt it.”

Logan looked over his shoulder, where Quinn and Ryder were still busy setting up the explosive charges. For a few minutes, he fell silent. This was either the most brilliant or the most stupid idea he’d ever had. He hoped the former was the case.

“Almost ready,” Quinn called out. “We’re just setting up the detonator.”

A few minutes later, they were ready.

“What do you want me to tell your parents?” Virginia asked.

Logan took a deep breath. “My parents know that being a warrior comes with risks. They’ll understand.”

“I wish you luck,” Virginia said.

Wes slapped him on the shoulder. “Kick their asses for me, will you?”

If Winter’s vision was accurate then he would do more than just that. He’d behead the fuckers.

Without another word, he walked to the hut, where Quinn and Ryder were waiting for him.

Quinn nodded at him. “I’ve set it up so the countdown is loud enough for you to hear inside the portal. I’m giving you ten seconds. Enough time for us to get far enough away, and for you to do whatever you need to do.”

“Got it.”

“One other thing: once I start the countdown, I can’t abort. This is a simple one-way setup. We didn’t have time to—”

Logan lifted his hand to stop him. “It’s good. Let’s do this.” He looked at Ryder, then back at Quinn. “Thank you both.”

He walked inside the hut and laid his palm over the dagger that was engraved in the rock. Warmth built beneath it and within a second or two the portal was open. He stepped inside and pivoted, looking out at his friends. With a last nod, he willed the portal to close.

It took a few seconds, before he heard the countdown start. Concentrating on his mission, he focused on his hate for the demons, and on his need to save Winter.

Three.

On his love for her and the knowledge that he couldn’t live without her.

Two.

On the promise he’d made to her. You’re safe with me. I’ll protect you. Always.

One.

And on his anger toward himself for having failed her. I’m going to make it right. I’m coming for you, Winter. I’m coming to rescue you. And I’m going to slay the demons for you.

The explosion rocked the portal, flinging him in the air, slamming him against the rock. He tumbled in weightlessness, losing his sense of up and down.

Fucking demons!

Again he smashed against the rock. This time head first.

Then nothing. Only darkness as his body dropped limply.