AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The shooting flames continue, and although the fire is blocked, the air is getting very hot. Sweat trickles down my temple, and I wonder how long the blanket can hold up. It’s a good shield for now, but it won’t last forever. The blue is already becoming duller, turning to gray as it succumbs to Zarid’s torching.
Kai winces. Some heat is coming through the layers. It’s probably not hot enough to hurt normal skin, but with how raw his back is, any extra aggravation is going to cause him pain.
“We don’t have the time to argue about this,” I state.
“Agreed.” Instead of scolding me more, Kai moves onto the plan. “When I say go, you go. Get out of this room.”
“Without you?”
“Yes. Run. Go to the library like we planned. I’ll catch up.” His tone is final and firm.
I don’t have a chance to protest, because the flames are starting to pitter out. Zarid is losing steam.
When the blast finally stops, Kai forcefully barks, “Go!”
I dash toward the door. At the same time, Kai chucks the charred blanket at Zarid. It cloaks the sadistic king like a net, burning him.
Although Zarid is immune to his own fire, he can be harmed by the objects he’s heated, and his agonized howls follow me down the hallway as I obey Kai’s instructions.
I sprint past the nursery and a few other rooms.
I don’t look back as I get to the main stairwell.
Quickly going down, I hold my skirt up so I don’t trip and fall. The slippers on my feet are bad enough. Such flimsy shoes aren’t meant for running for your life.
As I’m passing the third floor, audible footsteps approach me from behind.
It could be Kai, Zarid, or some other enemy. At this point, anything is possible.
I go faster.
Bad idea. I’m already at top speed, and I end up stumbling on a step. My arms fly out and I feel my body losing balance.
A strong hand grips my elbow, keeping me upright, and I yelp from the sudden contact.
“It’s just me,” Kai says, rushing beside me.
“Did you kill him?” I ask with hope.
“No, I couldn’t get close enough, but I threw a spear at him. Got him through the shoulder and pinned him to the wooden frame of one of the many paintings of himself. It’s really lodged in there, so I think I’ve bought us some time.”
“Good.”
“Listen, we need to have a talk. Are you paying attention?”
“Yes?” It comes out more like a question, because right now isn’t exactly a good time for a conversation. I don’t know what could be so important that it can’t wait until we’ve stopped running for our lives.
“You will not sacrifice yourself like that. Ever again. Not for me. Not for anyone. You put yourself first always.” Kai’s practically yelling, and I’m surprised by the anger he’s projecting.
“I-I’m sorry.”
My apology is automatic, but I don’t mean it. Apologizing for things I don’t regret is a bad habit, and I want to take it back.
I just faced my biggest enemy. My worst nightmare. The man who made my life hell for over two thousand years.
I’m glad I said what I said to Zarid. I saved Kai’s ass, and while I was at it, I got to get some shit off my chest.
Most people would praise me for my courage, but Kai is intent on chastising me.
