Page 698 of Coal Hearts

Two guards came at me.

I managed to kick one and stab the other. Not a fatal wound but still a decent cut as he cried out and snatched his bicep where blood seeped.

Someone struck me from behind. I whirled on them and threw a wild punch.

Eight guards had entered the Temple with us. One bled out by the altar while the remaining seven swarmed me, tripping over the two dead Masters on the floor.

They corralled me back toward the stone table where Ily lay bound. “Get her out of here, Peter!” I glanced over my shoulder, my stomach freefalling as I noticed he’d already unbuckled her ankles and worked on unhooking her cuffed wrists.

If he could get her out.

If they could swim away.

At least, I would die for something worthwhile.

I snarled and threw myself against the guards crushing me.

Fists pummelled my ribs. Knuckles crunched against my face.

Someone struck my nose, leaving me blind for a moment with excruciating pain. A gush of blood covered my chin and throat.

Staggering to the side, I snatched off my mask and shook my head. Doing my best to stop the flashing lights and light-headedness, I twisted the dagger in my fist. The blade dripped with sweat and scarlet.

Grasping it tighter, I attacked the panting guard who approached me. I sank the knife into his chest just as another whacked the butt of his gun against my temple.

I dropped to one knee.

Another guard punched me for good measure.

Another kicked my calf, trying to topple me.

Pushing upward, I leapt to the side and threw a look at Ily and Peter.

He’d gotten her off the altar, but they stood surrounded by Masters in black velvet robes. “Run!” I growled before launching at the barricade of guards again.

Peter roared and threw himself into the fight.

Ily screamed and followed.

They were swallowed up by the Masters.

Another element of blackness fell over my eyes.

I let loose a guttural groan and ploughed my way through the guards.

Punching, slashing, choking on cries of pain as they beat me, kicked me, broke me. My heart skipped as fists thumped against my back and shoulders. My vision flickered as two struck me in the head.

Agony swelled like the tide crashing against the cave, making everything sluggish and hard.

But I kept fighting.

Kept pushing.

I had to get to Victor.

If I could kill him, the jewels would be safe.

If I killed him, this all ended.