Page 60 of Hunt Me

“My brother! She killed my brother!”

The accusations multiplied one after another as the crowd became more volatile. Ezra stepped away from Matilda’s side to consult with Luka.

“This will not end well. Conclude the announcement.”

“She must answer for her crimes!”

A chorus of agreement followed.

“Try her!”

“Imprison her!”

“She deserves death!”

“HANG THE HUNTRESS!”

Matilda stood rooted in fear as the square exploded with demands that she suffer the ultimate punishment.

“HANG HER!”

“HANG HER!”

“HANG HER!”

“There will be no hanging!” Luka interrupted. “Matilda Helsing stands beneath the protection of your king!”

“You are no king of mine!” someone protested.

The declaration ignited the crowd.

A vampire lunged for one of the guards stationed behind the barrier, seizing him by the breastplate and dragging him into the mob. Another vaulted over the wooden barricade before he was tackled to the ground.

Order collapsed as vampires surged forward. Dozens of bodies pushed against the barriers as guards fought to hold the line. Fists flew, and a soldier disappeared beneath a swarm of furious vampires while humans fled for safety.

The royal guards descended upon the mutinous gathering, but they were outnumbered.

“HANG THE HUNTRESS!”

“KING ALESI IS A TRAITOR!”

“DEATH TO THE HELSING!”

The chants became deafening as vampires pushed toward the dais. Ezra’s eyes narrowed when his gaze settled on the old church overlooking the square. High within the bell tower, a dark figure moved behind the stone archway.

“Archers in the bell tower!” he shouted.

He followed the trajectory and moved as fast as he could, throwing himself in front of Matilda.

Matilda gasped when arrows ripped through Ezra’s back and chest. The bloodied barbed points were only an inch from piercing her flesh.

“D-don’t say I never did anything for you,” Ezra said, grimacing through a smile before collapsing against her.

23

Three Little Words

“For the love of the gods, will you please stop hovering?”