Page 66 of Curse of Darkness
“Get away from her,” says a cold voice behind us.
A voice I know.
A voice I never ever dreamed I’d hear again.
“Eris,” I sob, as I dart aside.
13
Eris stands between the lintel stones that shield the Hallow, her chest heaving as if she’s been running and blood slick on her dark skin. “Get up, Vi,” she says, but she doesn’t dare take her eyes off Malakhai.
“You.” Malakhai flashes her a hungry smile as he turns toward her.
“Sorry,” she says to me. “Something drove the ice wolves away, and I was trying to see what it was.”
“You’re here now.” That’s all that matters.
Their swords meet.
It’s like watching lightning dancing, but even I can see that Eris is being driven back. Malakhai forces her sword low, then punches her in the face.
“Eris!”
“E!” Finn launches off a rock, the Sword of Mourning whining as it cuts through the air.
Malakhai glances behind him, taking in Finn with an almost bored expression. His smile lights up as he spins to meet the Sword of Mourning. Far from being unnerved to find himself between two of the south’s best warriors, he actually looks like this is going to be enjoyable for him.
The two swords clash.
Light versus dark.
The shock of their impact slaps like a roll of thunder, and I clap my hands over my ears and sink to my knees as the impact slams into me. It’s like being in the middle of a lightning detonation.
When the world finally falls still and silent again, Finn’s on his knees, looking shocked as he scrambles to find his sword in the gravel.
“This blade was crafted by Death’s hand itself,” Malakhai says, flipping his sword from hand to hand as he circles him. “Not even Blaedwyn’s steel can match it.”
It’s impossible.
Nothing can stand against the Sword of Mourning.
Nothing can—
But those stories are seelie stories.
“You think you can stand against me?” Malakhai’s smirk turns dark. “Me?What a fucking insult.”
Finn pushes to his feet. Blood drips down his thigh, and he’s limping. He’s hurt.
“Eris,” Finn says, locking desperate eyes with her. “Get her out of here!”
And then he steps into Malakhai’s path, sword held low in both hands.
I know what he’s saying.
Leave him there. Leave him there to die….
And I can’t do it.
