ability to compel with their voice and those that did hid it because people feared what they couldn’t control. However, any confusion at this time would be blamed on the new intoxibombs being dropped.
As the giant alternated between kicking Roth and punching his own temples to combat his newest bout of confusion, he flung Roth several feet away. As the warrior came to his feet, he dodged a bomb but took a fist to the skull.
I freed the horn from the gorgon, then yanked one of the vampire’s fangs free. His venom would stun the giant long enough for me to render a killing blow.
Roth was severely battered and tiring fast, while the giant was still going strong. I wasn’t faring much better than my friend, my energy levels depleted, my wings broken in multiple places. Even still, I flew up, up, rising behind the giant as Roth launched a campaign to distract him.
Every flap of my wings taught me a new lesson in agony.
When the giant clutched Roth around the waist and lifted him, no doubt intending to rip him apart, I struck, sinking the fang into the gooey center of his severed horn.
With a roar, he toppled. His massive body jerked as he struggled to move his limbs. As Roth rolled from his loosened grip, I tightened my hold on the horn and just started hacking, crimson pulp flying in every direction until his head detached from his body.
By the holy skies, three down. Only one combatant to go. The one who planned to die.
Urgency drove me toward Roth, who staggered to his feet. So close to victory, to tending Ashleigh. I wouldn’t waste a second; I would catch my breath after.
He offered the barest nod, permission to do whatever proved necessary to sell our one-on-one battle. Which I did, knowing Everly would heal him the second the battle ended. I threw a hard punch, nailing him in the jaw. He careened to the side and fell, spitting blood and teeth he would regrow in minutes with his own magic. On the ground, he twitched and struggled to rise. Exaggerated, I knew, but still guilt flared.
I dropped to my knees, my legs braced on both sides of his body. I unsheathed the dagger and slowly lifted it, letting the crowd spy the glint of metal.
As the audience twittered with excitement, I struck, slamming the retractable blade against Roth’s chest, right over his heart. He jerked, then sagged into the dirt and held his breath.
Trembling, panting, I sheathed the dagger, ensuring no one could study it, then lumbered to my feet. Four opponents down. I’d done it. I’d won the battle heat, carnage all around me. I would advance to the semifinals.
The crowd erupted with thunderous applause.
“The tenth and final battle heat has a winner!” the master of ceremonies called. “Congratulations, Crown Prince Saxon Skylair. Take a bow.” To the audience, he said, “Along with our other nine battle heat winners, Saxon will advance to our second week and compete in the semifinals, which will have two parts, doubling your fun.” The cheers rose and quieted, and he continued on. “Be sure to come back at dawn to witness the next volunteer competition. It’s a test of speed, and the winner gets to ask a boon of our great king.”
I stumbled toward the stands, my vision blurring as blood dripped into my eyes. I wiped the droplets away with a shaky hand. No matter how badly I hurt, I would spread my wings and fly to Ashleigh.
Before I mustered the strength to take off, a door to the combatant quarters opened up underneath the stands, brighter rays of torchlight spilling onto the field. Two rows of guards marched out.
If they tried to stop me, they would die.
When the two rows parted, a smiling Ashleigh and a frowning Dior were revealed. My attention remained on Ashleigh, who wore a mourning gown.
Relief spiked within me. Ashleigh was well, and finally within my reach. There were no tears in her eyes. Though a bruise had already formed on her throat, she never lost her smile.
I didn’t understand. She’d been choked. A man under my command had attacked her. She should be raging at me. I’d failed her. When she’d needed me most, I’d failed her. The guilt...
“I’m so proud of you,” she said, rushing over to examine my injuries. “But you needed a better dagger. There’s something wrong with the one you—”
“Ashleigh,” I said. I should have known she’d notice the faulty