“That’s not going to happen,” Kade answered.
“Then you will have to die.”
“If it is my destiny to die saving the one I love, then I will do it with honor.”
The Fallen shook his head and narrowed his eyes.
“Love,” he spat. “It makes one weak.”
“Oh, but you’re wrong. Its love which gives me strength,” Kade answered.
“Kade, don’t,” I begged.
“Do you have your dagger?” he asked, his eyes locked forward.
“Yes,” I answered.
“Then use it, and don’t be afraid,” he said turning back, his eyes softening as they met mine.
“Kade!” I screamed, pulling him out of the way of the Fallen who had charged toward him. His sword whizzed right past Kade’s head. He immediately turned and swung again, but Kade was ready, their swords clashing. Over and over the Fallen struck, but Kade countered, blocking his attacks, taking him further and further away from me.
Another Fallen rushed at me from behind. I automatically turned and ducked; his blade whizzing past my side, nearly missing its mark. As the momentum of his swing pulled him forward, I thrust my dagger upward, sinking it deep into his chest.
He dropped his weapon and fell to his knees, grasping for my neck. I leaned out of his reach, and yanked the blade free from his chest, using it to slice his neck.
He gasped, bringing his hand up over the gushing laceration.
I was in shock, watching him die from a wound I’d just delivered. Blood seeped through his fingers and down his chest. The sounds of his gasping and gurgling through the blood filling his lungs, made my stomach churn.
A scream from behind threw me back into the moment. I had to clear my head. We were in a battle. I twisted back and saw another Fallen charging at me. Without warning, I was thrust backward by an unseen force; my body slid under the advancing blade. I felt the breeze as it passed right over my face, slicing a few stray hairs.
I rolled to my hands and knees, scrambling to get to my feet. A bashing assault from behind knocked me flat. I rolled over as the Fallen’s blade came crashing down, right on my chest.
I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t scream. The pain was too agonizing.
“Emma!” Kade yelled.
I turned toward him. He tried to run, but was kicked in the gut and thrown further away.
The Fallen who dealt the blow bounded toward him, but Kade’s rage had him back on his feet. With a quick twist and perfect precision, he sliced right through the Fallen’s neck, severing the head from its owner.
Holding my breath, I glanced down to see if I’d been impaled. The suit kept the blade from piercing my chest and heart.
“Vestimentum Angelorum?” the Fallen who struck me asked in disbelief.
“Yeah, asshole. It’s my super suit,” I said, jumping up through the pain and thrusting my blade into his forehead. His eyes rolled back and he dropped to the ground. I quickly pulled the blade from his face and pushed it into his heart. It was easier than slicing off a head.
I dropped to my knees. The pain in my chest radiating.
Kade pulled his blade from the last one and ran over to me.
“Emma, are you okay?” He knelt down.
“Fine. I think he broke my ribs.” My words were short and labored.
“I need to get you out of here,” he said with urgency.
Two more Fallen landed and looked at their dead brothers. Their eyes locked onto us with burning revenge.
“Kade?” I turned toward him before someone grabbed me from behind, swooping me into the air.
“I’ve got you,” Ethon said, holding me tightly.
In mere seconds we were at his safe haven. He slowly landed near the lake, laying me in the soft grass under the tree.
“You’re safe,” he said, gently letting go. “Are you hurt?”
“You need to go back and help him. They’ll kill him,” I pleaded. Tears fell from my eyes – a combination of pain and knowing Kade was out there alone.
“That would make things a whole lot easier for us,” he smirked.
My stomach twisted at his disturbing response.
“If he dies out there, I—I will never forgive you,” I snapped, my emotions seemed to be dulling the bond.
“Easy. I was only joking,” he said rolling his eyes. “The other Guardians and your father were right behind me.”
“I don’t care. I need to make sure he’s safe.”
He sighed dramatically. “So you’re taking role of Guardian now? Which is which?”
“If you don’t go, I will.” Pushing myself up, I groaned and fell backward as a stabbing pain shot through my chest.
“You cannot leave this place without me. You’ll need wings. The exit is way up there,” he noted, pointing to the distortion in the sky thirty feet above us.