I got up, trying to catch my breath. Suddenly, a loud screech sounded right behind me and my skin crawled. I did not even have time to turn before an enormous force threw me forward, right through the window. The glass shattered under me and pieces of it pierced the skin on my face and neck. I fell forward. My body slammed into the railing, and pushed me forward. My hand clenched the stone of thebalcony and I had to let go of my knife that flew out of my hand. The monster jumped onto the railing, extending its long body above me. It raised its head and made a loud, harsh sound that echoed down in the valley.
I groaned, my hands were slipping. I could let go of the railing and turn, try to overpower the monster in the air. But something within me did not want to run anymore.
I looked up, noticing the sallow, gray skin and black patches on its face.
A wave of hatred hit me and I could not control the rage, the fury. With all my strength, I pulled myself up, unwilling to retreat.
The dragon growled, flapping its wings.
“Come here, motherfucker!”
Just then, the monster’s skull was stabbed from behind. The undead’s body slammed to the floor backward, and a young man just managed to jump away at the last moment. Denis only glared at me without saying a word before sprinting off. Not willing to waste any more time, I ran into the deserted hall.
“Alina!” I shouted.
The screams and sounds of multiple voices, crying, begging, pushed me deeper into the room.
“Alina!”
I kicked open the next door, immediately spotting multiple wounded and dead. And in the midst of the chaos, I saw a splash of bright red hair.
“Alina!” I shouted.
She stood up, turning toward me, and all I could see were the effects of the unspeakable horror in her brown eyes.
She was here. She was safe. I took a step toward her, feeling the weight of enormous relief replacing the unbearable tightness in my chest.
Alina looked to the floor, then back at me, and when my gaze followed hers, my heart stopped. Beside her was Victor who held on to the body of a woman in a light brown flying suit. Her head was covered in blood, the material was torn, exposing her skin. Frid was lying with her eyes still open, her limp hand convulsed touching the floor. Victor touched her cheeks with his fingertips, pleading with her. He did not seem aware of his surroundings.
“No!” I exhaled, taking another step forward.
Alina darted toward me and I caught her in my arms. Her body was so cold, she was shaking with sobs when she wrapped her arms around me. Carefully, I cupped her face, making her meet my gaze.
“I’m sorry I left you. I am so sorry.” I kissed her hair.
“Frid,” she cried.
I looked back at Victor who picked the girl up and cradled her in his arms, moving slightly from side to side. His face turned into a mask, only his eyes were filled with madness.
More screams followed, and an undead dragon burst into the room. Before anyone could react, he arched his back, and expanded its chest. A stream of flames showered the people nearest the exit. Victor just looked at it, without moving.Only a moment had passed, but I could not see him anymore, he had disappeared into the wall of flames.
In one motion, I covered Alina and turned my back, absorbing the blast.
She whimpered against me.
“I love you,” I whispered, feeling the agonizing heat as the leather of my suit melted and melded into my flesh.
“Ty!” Alina screamed, and everything disappeared.
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
TYNAN
Ijolted awake, staring at the bright morning sun. The room I was in appeared empty, a second narrow bed was clearly visible on the other side. I looked around, having no recollection of where I was or how I ended up here. I reached up to check the back of my neck and shoulders. My skin had burned so agonizingly hot that I could still remember the excruciating pain that came after the blast. But nothing was there. Nothing.
I looked down, noticing the simple brown shirt and a pair of matching pants. My flying suit, still in perfect condition, was thrown on the back of a chair. All my knives, including the hunting blade, were displayed on the side table.
“Alina!” I shouted, already knowing that no one would respond.
