A horse within one of the stalls went crazy as it spun in circles, screaming and kicking the walls as it tried to break free.Its eyes rolled as the scent of fear heightened its natural aroma.
The horse’s aroma, as well as that of hay and straw, couldn’t diminish the stench of blood.It hung heavily in the air, clogged my nostrils, and was so thick I could taste it.
Through the wind and debris, Scarlet emerged as she twisted her hand to keep the tornado in place.Her other hand rested on Ianto’s back as he knelt on the ground with his hand against his chest.
I dodged a broken piece of pitchfork as Callan came into view.He was lying on the ground with only his feet visible, and the other half of him was in a portal.
I didn’t have time to figure out what was happening; Ellery was gone, and Callan’s toes dug into the ground as he fought against being dragged inside.Sprinting forward, I didn’t hesitate before plunging into the portal.
Darkness encompassed me, but I could see Callan lying down with arms outstretched as he clung to Ellery’s ankle.I followed her ankle and up her leg to the blood soaking the waistband of her pants and shirt.
What the fuck!
Her blue-green eyes stood out starkly against her pale skin and the blood streaking her delicate features.The arm locked around her neck caused a choked sound to issue from her.
Then the arm uncoiled from her neck like a snake slithering into the shadows.Gaius’s panicked eyes rolled before he turned and vanished into the portal.
Gaius!
I should have known that piece of dog shit would make an appearance.I should have known he’d come for her, and now that he had, I would tear him to pieces.
He’d done this to her.He wastouchingher.
My muscles tensed as I prepared to follow him, but his unexpected release of her, and Callan still tugging on her ankle, caused Ellery to tip backward.Her chains rattled when I caught her flailing hand, pulling her to me far harder than I should have given her condition.
Chains!What the fuck is she doing in chains again?
Pulling her against me, I cradled her as Callan released her ankle and scuttled backward out of the portal.I had to get her out of here before Gaius closed it.
I couldn’t open another one and didn’t think Ellery could do so as she trembled in my hold.Bending, I swept her into my arms and lifted her.
I held Ellery as I ran toward the opening.When her head fell to my shoulder, weakness emanated from her as her blood soaked my hands.
What did that prick do to her?
I didn’t ask as we emerged to the roar of the tornado and whipping wind.When she saw us, Scarlet drew her hands together, snuffing out the funnel.
In the ensuing silence, the horse continued spinning around his stall, but he was slowing either from exhaustion or the realization he wasn’t in imminent danger.Now that we were out of the portal and the whipping wind wasn’t battering my eardrums, the unsettling rattle of Ellery’s breath filled my ears.
I was about to say it was time to go when I spotted Mr.Fletcher lying in a pool of blood only five feet away.Scarlet scrambled over to him and rested her hand against his face as she knelt beside him.
Ruby and Billy crept closer, and though he was pale and still bleeding, Ianto climbed back to his feet.Callan hurried over to help him, and the giant draped his arm around the musician’s shoulders.
“He’s breathing,” Scarlet whispered.
I didn’t know what had happened here, but that could come later; we had to leave before more enemies arrived.
“Someone open a portal,” I commanded.“We have to get out of here.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO
Ryker
Ellery wincedwhen I knelt to set her on the ground.I’d tear out Gaius’s intestines and hang him with them when I finally got my hands on him.
Somehow that fucker had managed to get her back in chains, and he’d wounded her badly.She trembled so much the chains rattled as her teeth chattered and blood continued flowing from her side.
“Bring us bandages, water, and ointments!”Tucker yelled.
