Page 189 of A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash

And then—the blade.

Inches away.

Ash struggled, but whatever dark magic bound him made him powerless, a marionette with his strings tangled by invisible hands. His eyes widened, locked onto the edge of the steel poised to silence him forever.

A blur.

Something struck Hagan hard, sending him reeling backwards. The spell broke.

Ash hit the ground, gasping for breath as his body surged into motion. At the same moment, Haven Blackburn lunged.

Her dagger—hidden beneath her skirts, a secret, a whisper of steel—found its mark.

The blade carved across Hagan’s face.

‘I will kill you!’ Hagan howled, blood pouring in thick, dark red rivulets down his jaw.

The magic returned and paralysis struck like an iron chain.

Hagan’s grip twisted into Haven’s short black hair, yanking her off the floor as if she weighed nothing. The witches—some of them, at least—watched with delight. But Ash’s gaze slid to Vera and Adara. They stepped forward, uneasy.

‘I don’t need you, do I?’ Hagan mused, almost thoughtful.

Her shadow moved.

A dark coil—Haven’s snake.

It slithered with deadly grace, wrapping itself around Hagan’s arm, its fangs seeking flesh.

And then—chaos.

Wren Wynter’s whistle split the air like lightning.

Two massive wolves stormed into the Grand Hall, their growls like rolling thunder. They descended upon the witches, tearing, shredding, ripping bodies like they were made of parchment.

Kage Blackburn entered like a specter, his calm, unbotheredexpression a stark contrast to the carnage.

The first witch that turned on him did not even have time to react. A flash of steel, a single, swift motion, and the spellcaster crumpled where they stood.

Then—the valkyrian named Freya appeared.

She rushed forward, lifting Bryn Wynter off the ground, dragging him away from the slaughter. She made for Haven, reaching—but Hagan still had her in his grip.

Ash took a step forward.

‘Let her go, Hagan,’ he demanded. His voice—unwavering. Cold as ice. ‘Your fight is with me.’

Hagan turned, blood still slick on his lips. And he smiled.

‘I am s-so s-scared.’ The warlock mocked him. Imitated his stutter. ‘B-but I’m n-not here to fight you, Ash Acheron.’ Hagan’s purple eyes gleamed, cruel and bright with something far worse than hatred. ‘I’m here to watch yousuffer.’

And before Ash could move, before anyone could stop him—

Hagan snapped Haven’s neck.

And let her body fall.

…

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