Page 95 of Zayrik

I’m coming.

29

Nyla

THE SECOND THEY DRAGGEDme away I started counting my steps.

One.

Each step stretched the bond, but it remained steady.

Two.

His rage still crackled in my blood like a live wire.

Three—

I struck.

My elbow snapped back, catching the nearest guard in the throat. A sudden, choking gasp. I twisted, ripping the blade from my boot, striking before he had a chance to react. The body dropped.

Through our connection, I felt Zayrik’s fierce pride, his approval of my violence.

Zep shrieked, launching from my shoulder, small claws sinking deep, tearing into flesh. My loyal companion, fighting like he knew what was at stake.

The second guard lunged.

I was ready. I grabbed his wrist, twisting hard. He hit the floor with a sickening crack. Every move precise, deadly. Everything Zayrik had taught me merging with everything I already knew.

I breathed hard, bracing against the wall. Outnumbered. Outgunned. But for a second, I thought I had a chance.

Then the shift.

The air changed.

Turned cold with familiar menace.

And Vask was already waiting for me.

Like he’d known exactly what I would do.

I froze.

Through our connection, Zayrik’s fury exploded. He felt my fear, recognized who caused it. The intensity of his rage almost overwhelmed me.

Zep hissed at my feet, tail lashing. Nav buzzed a warning, too late.

Both of them knowing what was coming.

Both as helpless to stop it as I was.

Vask stepped forward, slow, casual. Like he wasn’t even surprised.

Like this was all part of his plan.

The sight of him made our bond pulse with shared hatred. Mine cold, Zayrik’s burning.

Vask sighed. Shook his head. Mock disappointment.

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