Focus, I schooled myself.
I could worry about Scarlet, Ruby, and Billy later; right now, I had a battle to win. Lifting my sword, I screamed as I charged back toward the field to slaughter the assholes who’d pushed us all to the edge of madness.
It was time for them to reap what they’d sown.
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
Ellery
Samael stood before the wall, his gaze fixed ahead. I couldn’t see a way out, but he must know of one as his hands roamed over the wall.
“What do we do if there’s someone on the other side?” Callan asked.
“Fight or die,” Samael replied. “We can’t remain here.” Then his hand stopped moving, and he shifted back toward us. “Get ready.”
Drawing on the lightning within me, I let it grow stronger as Ryker’s power helped intensify it. My lightning encircled my wrists and flowed up to my shoulders.
“We should go out first,” I said.
Ryker shot me a look. He didn’t have to say anything; I knew that though I’d said we, he’d be the one to leave here first. I didn’t like it, but I wasn’t going to argue it. We had enough problems without starting a fight over this.
Lightning crackled around Ryker’s shoulders and arms. Deep within me, I felt a tug as Ryker also used my power to help fuel his. I tried to funnel more into him, but I wasn’t sure if it worked.
I’d give him everything if it kept him safe out there.
Ryker lifted his hand and gestured for Samael to step aside. When he glanced back at me, both of his eyes had turned entirely black and lightning fired through them.
My breath sucked in at the wild beauty of those eyes. They’d stolen my breath the first time I saw them, and they did so again now.
He was so beautiful. We were supposed to have an eternity together, supposed to have a family and laughter and years of loving each other… but we might only have moments left together.
“I’m so glad I met you,” I told him.
“We’re not talking like that,” he said. “But I’m glad I met you too.”
Our fingers crackled when they briefly touched. Then he pulled me against his chest, rested his chin on my head, and held me close. I melted into his warm embrace, clinging to the familiar muscles and the sense of completeness that only he could bring to me.
I couldn’t let go as my fingers dug into his back, and a sob lodged in my throat. I couldn’t let go… but I did. I wanted to cry… but I didn’t.
When our gazes met again, I was sure my eyes either matched his or had gone entirely white as they did when I delved deeper into my power. Considering how terrified I was for him and my friends, I was pretty sure my eyes were pure white.
Samael confirmed it as he moved away from the door, his eyes latching onto mine. “Oh, shit,” he muttered. “I’m glad I’m on your side.”
I glared at him. “Are you?”
My hands fisted when he smirked at me. I truly hated his arrogant smugness. This man once destroyed my house on orders and out of spite.
I don’t think anyone would mind if I zapped off his nose or fired a bolt up his ass. When I smirked back at Samael, some of his arrogance vanished as wariness replaced it.
“Let’s get this over with,” Ryker said. “Open the door.”
Samael rested his hand on a stone as I moved closer to Ryker. He would be the first one out the door, but I’d be right behind him.
“This is the hallway closest to the dungeon,” Samael said. “If the duke went for Ryker or sent his men to do so, then they’ll be here or directly below us. Be prepared.”
When Samael pushed on the rock, a small click sounded and the door inched open. Ryker didn’t wait to see what was on the other side before shoving it open and entering the hall.
I didn’t hesitate to follow him.
