Page 61 of Stealing Embers
When the air clears, Steel—in human form—lies unconscious on the dirt-caked asphalt. A growing puddle of red liquid stains the ground beneath his head.
The Forsaken stand above him, panting, crimson blood dripping from their claws and mouths.
No. Steel has to be faking.
The Forsaken are vicious, but Steel is trained. Steel is unbeatable.
Or at least I thought so.
Lying on the ground with his eyes closed, he looks painfully vulnerable.
“We’ll take this one, too.” Ronove reaches down and grabs Steel under the arms. “If for no other reason than he pissed me off. Get the girl, Lilith. It’s time to go.”
Terror churns in my gut, but when Ronove hefts Steel’s body over his shoulder, a wave of acute anger washes over me, leaving no room for fear.
Springing to my feet, I rush Ronove, completely ignoring the body blocking my way.
Razor sharp talons claw at my clothes and flesh, but I barely register the pain as I rip from their grasp.
I’m on Ronove in an instant, yanking Steel’s limp body away from him.
The unexpectedness of my actions is probably the only reason why I’m able to wrestle the unconscious Neph away from the Forsaken.
With my arms wrapped around his middle, I drag Steel to the mouth of the alley. Dropping him unceremoniously on the ground, I take up position in front of him, making my intentions clear.
“We’re not going anywhere.”
Ronove’s lips peel back in a snarl, giving me a nice good look at his red-stained fangs. Rage cyclones up from my gut and spreads throughout my body.
That’s Steel’s blood dripping from the monster’s mouth—and he is going to pay.
Chapter Eighteen
As if sharing one mind, the two monsters rush me simultaneously.
I’m ready for them. I’ve been training for this moment and I’m sure—
Oof.
Nope. I was wrong. So not ready yet.
I’m exactly where I was when I faced off against Lilith the first time: laying on the ground with the wind knocked out of me, staring at the spectrum world’s purple night sky.
“What a nuisance. Are you sure we can’t kill her?” Clumps of Lilith’s stringy hair cover half her chalky face.
Good. That means I only have to see half her ugly.
“You know we can’t. Now shut up and get her under control already. I’ve had enough of this night.” Ronove leans down to collect Steel.
“No,” I cough, pain stabbing my side. The sharp ache is familiar—must be a few broken or cracked ribs.
Flipping over, I shove to my hands and knees. I know I’ve already lost, but something deep inside refuses to relent.
“What is she doing?”
I ignore Ronove’s disgusted sneer and labor to my feet. Lilith watches me with a tilted head.
“I think she still wants to fight back.”