Page 3 of Cursed Magic

Moans of pain came from the others, but the whistle stopped.

When I yanked the shadow back, it turned sideways and plowed its shoulder into my body, ramming me against the wall. I kicked at it just as sharp claws dug into my stomach. I whimpered, unable to hold in the noise as it continued to push its claws deeper.

I had to get out of this hold, or I’d die.

I wrapped an arm under its head, putting it in a choke hold, then dug in my fingers and touched the hard part of an Adam’s apple.

The shadow was definitely male.

Kendric and Xander surged toward us, but the shadow bent down and threw me over its head.

I landed hard on my back, pain exploding through me. My stomach convulsed in a way I’d never experienced before, but I didn’t have time to give up.

Both Kendric and Xander reached me at the same time Ryker and Gage stumbled toward me. Briar was huddled in the corner with her eyes closed, rocking back and forth.

I sat up just as the shadow opened the door. He was eager to get away rather than finish the job, and I wondered why.

Whatever the reason, it couldn’t be anything good.

My stomach dropped, and I pressed a hand to it as Iclimbed to my feet. I tensed, anticipating more shadows racing in, but my attacker merely slipped outside.

What the hell?

I groaned, my insides feeling like they were going to come out. By the time I was fully upright, both Ryker and Briar had reached me.

“Where’s the attacker?” Ryker asked, searching the room for a person he couldn’t see.

“He went outside.” I shook my head, trying to clear it of pain and confusion. I couldn’t fathom why he’d gone.

“He?” Briar panted. “Could you see his face?”

“When I choked him, I felt his Adam’s apple. I couldn’t see him fully—it was more like watching an iridescent sheen.” I shuffled to the door and looked for other shadows.

There were none.

Strange.

A shiver ran down my spine. We had to get out of here—staying would be the equivalent of a death sentence. “Let’s go. The coast is clear for now.”

Ryker’s forehead lined with worry, but he nodded.

Gage shook his entire body, his blond fur swaying as the group came together at the door.

I stepped out first, scanning the area one more time.

Still nothing.

“Let’s go,” I whispered, afraid to gesture too much with the way my stomach felt right now.

I led the group, continuing to scan for signs of shadows.

A few shifters lay dead on the ground with their throats ripped out, the scent of their blood thick in the air. Memories of my pack members flashed through my head as grief tried to take hold, but I pushed it away.

I couldn’t break down now. I had to get Briar to safety.

Our group walked across the grassy open area to thewoods at a near crawl. We needed to move faster, but between Gage, Ryker, and me, this was the best we could do. I remembered how Dad used to tell me,Slow and steady wins the race.

Once we reached the tree line, hope swelled in my chest. Maybe we would get away after all.

---