Page 120 of Freed By the Witchbone Knife

Blackthorn sent another blast at him.

He flew backward, slamming into the cave wall. Rock cracked under the impact. His vision went white.

“Did you really think you could best me?” Blackthorn was on his feet, both hands glowing now. “I’ve studied magic my whole life. You’re just a beast.”

Axel forced himself up, shaking his head to clear it. His ribs screamed. Probably broken. Healing already, but slowly. Too slowly.

“Big words,” he managed, spitting blood. “From someone who needs magic to fight.”

“Magic is power.” Another wave of Blackthorn’s magic lashed out.

Axel dodged, faster this time. The magic carved a chunk out of the wall where he’d been standing. He needed to keep Blackthorn focused. Keep him distracted.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Rebecca moving. Slowly. Carefully. Toward the knife.

Good girl. Smart girl—his mate.

“Is that the best you’ve got?” Axel taunted, circling. “No wonder she left you. Can’t even fight like a man.”

“I am more than a man.” Blackthorn’s face twisted with rage. “I am a blood witch. Heir to⁠—“

“A coward’s legacy?” Axel lunged left, making Blackthorn turn. Away from Rebecca. “Hiding behind magic because you’re too weak without it.”

“Weak?” The word came out strangled. Blackthorn’s hands blazed brighter. “I’ll show you weak.”

The next spell caught Axel mid-dodge. It wrapped around him like chains, invisible but crushing. His bones creaked under the pressure. He dropped to one knee, snarling.

“Not so fast now, are you?” Blackthorn stalked closer. “Not so cocky.”

Axel’s vision tunneled. The pressure was immense, forcing the air from his lungs. But he could still smell her. Rebecca. Moving. Almost there.

“You wanted to protect her?” Blackthorn was right in front of him now, looking down with those glowing eyes. “You can watch me take her instead. Watch me drag her back to Walton. Marry her. Break her. And there’s nothing you can⁠—“

A sound cut through the chamber. A gasp.

Rebecca.

The scent of her blood hit him. Fresh. Sharp. Coppery and sweet.

Light exploded.

Blinding and impassable. He could see nothing for just that split second. Then, the pressure around him vanished. The magical chains dissolved.

He looked up in time to see it.

Rebecca, the witchbone knife in her hands. Blood running down her palm where she’d cut herself. And the energy—bloody hell. The energy pouring off her in waves. Gold and white and blinding.

A frantic laugh burst from his chest. She’d done it. She’d fucking done it!

And he’d never been more fucking proud in all his life⁠—

Blackthorn screamed, his body contorting as if in pain. Rebecca watched, lips parted in shock as the male witch convulsed. Then his body fell still.

For a moment, Blackthorn didn’t move. Then he pushed to his hands and knees, breathing hard. When he looked up, his eyes were filled with hate. “What the fuck did you do?” The words were hoarse. “What the fuck did you do, Rebecca?”

Axel growled, trying to stand up, ignoring the way his ribs screamed in agony.

“I didn’t…” Rebecca looked between her bloodied palm and Blackthorn.