My hands curled into fists, and I whirled toward the asshole. Even though he was being a jackass right now,nobodymade fun of Ez. He was Ava’s brother, and my buddy on top of it, despite him acting really stupid at the moment.
“What did you just say?” I growled. “You thinkyoucan fight me? Come on, let’s go. Leave the kid out of this.”
The guy cracked his knuckles. “Hell yeah, I can beat you. I’ve been dying to get in the ring with you, Bandit.”
“Oh, so you’ve heard of me?” I snapped.
“Charlie, it’sBones,” Eddie said under his breath.
Great. This loser. “Aw, fuck,” I groaned. “I thought he was getting blood tested.”
“He must be finished,” Eddie said.
Alistair pushed past us. His cat meowed and followed dutifully behind him.
“If any of you pieces of shit want to fight someone, you’ve gotta go through me,” Alistair said. “So, what’s it gonna be? You gonna fight, or walk? I suggest you walk.”
“Holy mushrooms!” Eddie squeaked. “Alistair is quite bold.”
Bones laughed so loudly, I bet he could be heard all the way across the prison yard. His band of cronies chuckled alongside him. “You think I’m scared of you, munchkin? You’re like, three feet tall!”
“Four-foot-two, thank you very much,” Alistair said proudly. “Maybe get creative with your insults. I’ve heard the munchkin one before.”
“Oh, I’ve got plenty for you, you little—” Bones started, but he never got a chance to finish.
Ablast sounded throughout the prison yard, and I felt the electric sizzle of magic as something exploded through the air. Bones and his cronies screamed, their yells echoing through the yard as they were sent flying several feet away from where they’d just been.
“HEY!” The deep voices of several guards sounded across the yard.
My jaw dropped. “Did Alistair just—?”
“Attack with a battle orb?” Eddie finished for me. He sounded totally shocked— and a little starstruck. “That was so badass.”
“You’re gonnadie, you filthy motherfucker!” Bones roared.
Another blast sounded, and I could only guess Bones had conjured a battle orb of his own. I reacted before I could think about it, and I thrust my Air power outward. Bones’ magic smashed into mine, sizzling out. Oberi barked loudly, and the ground began to shake.
Noxite darts flew toward us, but my magic threw them off course. Guards shouted as they raced in our direction.
“You call that a battle orb?” Alistair teased Bones.
“We gotta run!” Ez said at the same time.
A little late, kid,Oberi grumbled.
“You’re all gonna die!” Bones screamed. “Get ‘em!”
Footsteps charged toward us, but we stood our ground. I didn’t know how many guys Bones had on his side, but there had to be nearly a half dozen of them. We were outnumbered.
I shoved Ez. “Go!”
He had to get out of here before he got hurt. I wasn’t giving him a choice. Ez scurried behind me toward the trees. I threw my arms upward, controlling the dirt in the prison yard. Chunks of gravel flew upward, knocking Bones’ men on their ass.
That’s the best you got?Oberi teased me. Bits of dirt sprayed across my face as Oberi tossed up more earth with his own magic. I could feel the ground move as he created miniature hills to slow the gang down.
Beside me, Eddie breathed heavily, like he was pissed. He grabbed my arm and yanked me backward, throwing himself in front of me like a shield. “Stand back, Charlie! I’ll protect you.”
Before I could protest, Eddie sprinted forward. I heard thethudas he slammed into Bones, tackling him to the ground.Thud! Thwack! Crack!The sounds of Eddie’s fist smashing in Bones’ face was both sickening and satisfying.
