I reach Keira in seconds, grabbing her hand and yanking her to her feet.
"We need to go."
"What—"
I don't let her finish.
I pull her against my chest, my arms locking around her, and she crashes into me.
"Octavian, what's?—"
Suddenly, my world explodes.
Glass becomes rain and fire becomes air.
The floor shudders beneath my feet, and the air fills with smoke and screams.
I lock my arms around her, shielding her from the debris raining down as we're tossed into the air.
Something slams into my shoulder, sharp, burning, but I don't let her go.
We crash to the ground and my arms and knees take most of the force as I try to protect her.
We roll twice from the blast and I instantly feel Keira's body go limp in my arms.
Something floods my chest that I haven't felt in a very long time. Fear. It's primal, deep, and makes me feel cold.
"Keira." My voice is low. "Keira!"
No response.
I lift her gently, cradle her face.
Blood trickles from a cut on her temple, and her eyes are closed.
"Keira, can you hear me?"
My hands shake as I press two fingers to her throat.
Her pulse is steady. Strong.
The relief is so intense I nearly feel weightless.
I press my forehead to hers for just a heartbeat, my breath ragged. "Don't worry, I'm getting you out of here."
Then I move, the soldier in me taking over.
I lift her over my shoulder, my left arm locking her in place. I scan the room, and see smoke billowing through the ballroom, people screaming and scrambling for exits.
I draw my gun with my right hand, kick some chairs out of my path and start moving.
People are screaming, running, crying all around me, but I keep my head straight, eyes scanning. I don't care about anyone but her right now.
As I make my way toward the side exit others are running to, I see two men moving in the opposite direction, coming toward the chaos, guns drawn.
One of them sees me, points, and they both raise their weapons.
I don't hesitate.
