Solan and his six surviving vampires stormedup the dock, their boots striking the wood with force. He was livid. Somehow, that damn woman had slipped through their grasp in thethick, unnatural fog. Only by sheer luck—or rather, by slamming their boat into the dock—had they managed to escape the infernal swamp themselves. Now, they were an hourbehind, and that infuriated him more thananything.
As he stomped onto the mainland, he clenched his fists, picturing her face. He was going tomake her suffer for this. For every blasted obstacle she had thrown in his way.
They trudged past a decrepit house surrounded by free-roaming chickens, their claws scratching at the dirt as they clucked in mild agitation at the group of vampires passing by. The scene only added to his irritation. But just ahead, beyond the rundown property, stood a welcome sight—A biker bar with the sigil of the Unseelie stamped above the doorway. Solan smirked. “Finally! We just might get something useful out of all this!” He growled. He turned to his men, his voice a low growl. “Wait here.” Then, he approached and stepped inside.
As he entered he entered, the atmosphere shifted. The heavy scent of alcohol, sweat, and old wood mingled with something more primal—Fae magic. The club was packed with both humans and Fae, but it was the latter that mattered most. Normally, vampires had no issue walking into Unseelie establishments. There was often an unspoken understanding between them—two dark forces in a world dominated by Seelie and mortals alike.
Solan stepped towards the bar, his posture straight and a sneer on his face. But as he did he realised something was not right.
The humans barely spared him a glance, but the Fae? Their gazes were sharp and watchful . He could already feel their eyes on him. The hair on the back of his neck rose.
At the bar, a female werewolf busied herself pouring drinks for the customers. Her current, for a human patron. Solan signalled her with an impatient flick of his fingers. He saw her glance his way then turn her attention back to the human. He scowled at the blatant disregard shown him. She finished what she was doing before turning to him, her expression unreadable. “What’ll it be?” she asked, her tone sounding almost bored. Solan narrowed his eyes. “Careful, wolf,” he sneered. “You know what this uniform represents. I am Lord Vaelen’s familiar. I would watch your tone.”
Before the words had fully left his lips, he felt the weight of a powerful presence behind him. Solan stiffened and turned slowly, his instincts screaming at him to tread carefully.
An Alpha.
And not just any Alpha. A beast of a man loomed over him, arms crossed over his broad chest. The Wolf was a towering figure with dark brown hair and beard impeccably styled in a way that resembled a Viking warrior. In one ear he wore a golden earring and tribal tattoos ran up and down his forearms. The Alpha’s piercing grey eyes gazed down at him with barely concealed menace. The sheer force of his presence sent a ripple of dominance through the air.
“If I were you, leech,” the Alpha rumbled, his Louisiana drawl thick and slow, “I’d apologise to my mate.”
Solan gulped. Mate. Of course. He forced himself to keep his face impassive as the werewolf continued.
“You might be somebody out there—” Frank jerked his thumb toward the door “—but here in New Orleans? You ain’t shit. We got different rules here, and you best be abiding by ‘em.”
The tension was thick, pressing in on Solan from all sides. He clenched his jaw and turned back to the female. “Apologies madam.” The words was bitter on his tongue, and her smirk as she returned to pouring drinks only made it worse.
Frank remained in place, watching him with the patience of a predator.
“These lands weren’t marked as claimed,” Solan said carefully, though there was an edge of accusation in his tone.
Frank merely arched a brow. “Why you here?”
“I’m tracking a thief,” Solan said, choosing his words with care. This Alpha was dangerous, and he could feel the entire club watching. His usual tactics wouldn’t work here.
Frank gave a slow, exaggerated look around. “Ain’t no thieves here.” Then he growled. “I don’t appreciate folk coming down here claiming such, neither!”
Solan tensed. He wasn’t sure if the Alpha knew who he was looking for or if the bitch really hadn’t come this way. How could one female have such good luck? Either she had somehow avoided the club entirely, which he doubted, or she had offered something very valuable to the Wolf to keep quiet! That, he found even less likely! What he did know was that he wasn’t getting anywhere. So Solan tried one last time. “She may have passed through recently,” Solan pushed, feigning casual inquiry. “Female, not affiliated with you, of course!”
Frank didn’t blink. “Nope.” Came his reply. Solan barely kept himself in check. The Unseelie were usually less loyal than their Seelie counterparts—more prone to making deals, playing both sides. He had counted on that. But this? This was getting to be a bit ridiculous. The club had gone quiet. He could feel the glares of the other Fae. It wasn’t just the Alpha—the entire establishment had closed ranks against him. He noticed the she Wolf smirking at him from the corner of his eye. Ah. So that is how it’s going to be. They did indeed know. The filth! Solan forced a smile on his face, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “I see. Well, then, I apologise for taking up your time.” “I’ll just see myself out then.” He turned, walking back toward the entrance with measured steps. Behind him, the Alpha’s voice rumbled one last time. “You do that.”
Solan stepped outside, his fury barely contained beneath his composed exterior. His men stood waiting, their sharp eyes watching for any trouble. He stalked toward them, voice low and seething. “Head back to the alley. Get Ross on the phone. Have him begin preparations to connect back to the site. We’ll transport to the rendezvous.” They exchanged glances. “So we’re moving to Plan B?” one of them asked. Solan’s lips curled back in a snarl. “Yes. We go with Plan B.” As they moved swiftly through the streets, his mind churned with rage. He should have just gone with Plan B from the beginning. This entire detour had been a waste of precious time. But, no matter. They had lost a day, yes—but they would reach Georgia hours before that damned woman. And then it would be her turn to suffer.
Marta paced back and forth in the office, her eyes glued to the phone, willing it to ring. She hadn't heard from Kai since late last night, before her friend had embarked on a journey to the treacherous Louisiana Bayou. The silence was deafening, and her anxiety was palpable. Her head of snakes slithered restlessly, sensing her agitation, and she had discarded her beanie on the desk, unable to keep it on with all their movements. Suddenly, the phone rang. Marta lunged for it, answering breathlessly, "Kai!" There was a pause on the other end. "Ugh..who?" came the voice of a client. Marta sighed in irritation but quickly composed herself, adopting a polite, professional tone. After hanging up, she slumped down, placing her head on the desk. The phone rang again almost immediately. Groaning, Marta picked up, her voice weary. "ADL, By Your Request, We Deliver."
"Mar? What's wrong?!" Kai's voice cut through the line. Marta sat up with a jolt. "Kai! Oh, thank the stars you're okay!" She cried with relief. "I… yes, I'm okay….Are… Are you ok?," Kai replied hesitantly. Marta sighed. "Yes! I was just worried! And when you didn't call this morning, I may have let my imagination run wild a bit."
Kai felt a pang of guilt. "I'm soo sorry, Mar! I was going to call earlier, but I decided to keep riding until I needed gas. I'm in South Fulton, Georgia now! I'm about two hours out! One if I speed!" Marta blinked in surprise. "Oh wow! So the pickup went well I take it?" Kai paused "Initially, yes. But I won't lie, Mar, I almost packed it in at one point. These vamps really don't want us to succeed! But I made it and I had help from the locals too!" Marta felt a fresh wave of worry, but she was glad Kai was safe and on her way back. “I’m glad! I can’t wait till…” Marta stopped mid sentence as she felt her snakes freeze. Marta paused, listening intently. Then they snakes began to hiss, their eyes fixated on the front door. Marta turned to the computer screens, showing the feed from her security cameras. Her breath hitched as she saw over a dozen figures approaching the front and back of the building . "Mar, can you hear me?" Kai's voice echoed through the phone, but Marta was too focused on the impending danger. "Kai! They’re here! " she yelled, her words nearly cutting out as the phone went dead; they'd cut the line. Marta sprang to her feet. Running to the front door, bolting it shut and shoving the desk against it. She then made haste to the back office, locking herself in and barricading the entrance with whatever she could find. She knew it wouldn’t hold for long and she was no match against vampires. She only had one advantage: surprise. As a Gorgon, she could petrify anyone, even vampires, but she had never had to use her power in such a dire situation and against soo many.
Kai sat on her bike at a truck stop staring down had the burner. Her eyes wide at the last words she heard from Marta before the phone cut out. She tried dialling her back. It went straight to voice mail. She had a very bad feeling that this wasn't just a dropped call. She'd had no issues in Louisiana, so there shouldn't be a problem now. She tried Marta's cell, but it too went to voicemail. Not good. Something was wrong; she could feel it. Marta’s last words had been “Kai! They’re here! “ Had the vamps found a way to get there before her? Was that why she hadn’t seen or felt anyone pursuing her? The only way the could have was through some sort of magical transport like in Tennga. But she was no where near there. She had two more hours of riding! There was no way she’d make it in time! Kai placed her head in her hands. How could she get there? If only she could bridge the gap some other way! Kai sat up suddenly! Bridge the gap? Why did that sound familiar? Ugh think Kai! She pulled on her hair trying to remember. Eyes widened as it clicked! The trolls had the ability to travel from bridge to bridge! She just had to find the bridge that Paul lived under! He had promised her safe passage! She yanked her helmet back on and threw the bike into drive roaring onto the road. Her heading, Downtown Atlanta. She wasn’t far from the Beltline bridge, Paul’s domain. The bike accelerated, and Kai put her full concentration on the road and surrounding vehicles. She just had to get to the bridge!
Kai veered the bike through the city streets, twisting and turning in and out of traffic, sometimes taking alleyways and sometimes just out right gunning it down the side walk. The fact that she didn’t get pulled over was devine intervention!
It took her 15 minutes but she finally pulled up to the bridge. The sun was way on its way to setting and Kai could only hope the Troll would help.
“Paul!” She called as she jumped off the bike, the engine still running. “Paul! Can you hear me! It’s Kai, from ADL!” At first there was nothing, then a grinding sound could be heard coming from the right wall and out of the brickwork emerged the massive form of her one time customer, the troll named Paul. “Ah… Little Package Carrier! It has been awhile! Though I was not expecting a package today.” Said the troll in greeting and curiosity. His voice rumbled with the sound of stones falling. Kai shook her head.“I’m not here with a package. I’m here to ask for your help!” She called up to him. “My friend is in danger and I’m too far away to get to her in time! You once told me, if I ever needed safe passage you would grant it. Does that promise still hold true?!”
Paul fully emerged from the wall and knelt in front of the small female. He looked down at her, reading the worry in her eyes. He was glad to see her again and happy that he could now fulfil his promise.
He nodded. “Yes my small friend, it does. Though I will need to know the destination. If there is a bridge there, then I can send you!” Kai sighed in relief. “Thank you! And there is!” Paul stood back up. “Very well. You had best stay mounted on that vehicle. It will be much safer for you.” He said as he placed his large hands against the opposite wall. “Now what bridge am I to Deliver you to, friend Kai?” Paul said emphasising the word Deliver with a grinding chuckle. Kai huffed a laugh. “Do you know the Georgia/Tennessee state line bridge?” Paul smiled “Ah yes! The Old Steel Bridge! I know it well!! Much better material than that accursed Iron that the humans tend to like!” He shook his head. “Nasty stuff that iron! But I digress. Let us get you to your destination!” With that said the troll began to humm in a deep resounding tone that made the ground shake and Kai’s teeth chatter at the vibrations. The wall beneath his hands rippled at the sound and morphed into a tunnel of multicoloured light. Stepping back Paul turned to Kai, who had placed her helmet back on and sat ready revving the engine of her bike. Paul, his voice raised over the amplified sound lifted his hand in farewell. “Drive through the tunnel and follow it to its end! Do Not Stop when you see the end! It will let you through! Safe travels my friend! And good luck!” He called. Kai raised her hand in goodbye and gave a thumbs up. Then without further ado, she raced into the tunnel leaving the friendly troll behind.
Kai made it to Blue Ridge in 32 minutes. How, she'd never understand. It was all thanks to Paul and she would have to thank somehow.
Kai slowed as she entered the town, the sun setting and businesses closing for the day. She drove steadily to the office, not sure what to expect.
The sign with their insignia was still lit and the parking lot empty. She drove past, observing the building and surrounding shadows. That's when she noticed the front door—it was on the ground. Her blood ran cold. She pulled over at a neighboring lot, fortunately belonging to a restaurant, and parked beside a large Jeep using it as cover. Quickly, she dismounted and opened her duffel, rummaging inside. She grabbed the box with the elixir and placed it amongst the roots of a gnarled tree behind the Jeep, covering it with fallen leaves and branches. Returning to bike, she grabbed the duffel, and swung it over her shoulder. She was already wearing her weapons and clicked the safeties off her pistols.
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Kai made her way through the shadows around the restaurant and snuck over to their lot. Keeping low to the ground she saw the security light was busted, making it easier for her to go unnoticed. As she approached the front she heard the sound of a fist a smack and male voices. She couldn't be sure, but she needed to get inside. Retracing her steps, she approached the rear of the building and up to the back door, which hung on one hinge at an angle. Creeping through the door in a crouch, she held a gun in her left hand and a large blade coated in silver in her right. Iron and silver were known to harm Fae. Vampires, unlike werewolves, couldn't be killed by silver, but it did cause them immense pain. She'd been doing her research and planned accordingly.
Making it to the copy room, she paused. Still no one insight. Kai reached into the duffel and pulled out a small block of putty like substance with a receiver and wires attached. She stuck it to the baseboard just inside the door. Kai had never thought she would ever have to use these, but right now, Marta's life was at stake, and she wasn't going into this without backup.
Four blocks of explosives later, she crept up to the door that would lead her to the front office. She'd already checked the back office. There she’d found, to her shock, the petrified forms of three vampires, frozen mid-attack. She felt a mix of pride and fear for her friend. They’re definitely not playing around! She thought as she peeked through a crack in the door and felt dread. There were nearly a dozen vampires in there. She pulled out two of the last three explosives, and placed them on each side of the door, arming them. She could see Marta, thankfully alive, tied to an office chair while unconscious with her eyes covered. Kai's blood boiled as she saw Marta's bloody lip and bruised face. The vampire in charge seemed to be the one standing closest to her friend. She couldn’t go in there half cocked! She’d have to time it right. So she waited, watching and listening for her moment to strike.
Solan was not as pleased as he thought he would be. The damn Gorgon had killed three of his men and somehow petrified his right hand. He couldn't move it at all; it just hung at his side, uselessly weighing him down. He turned to the now restrained and blindfolded woman. Her snakes didn't bother him; their venom wouldn't harm him, and they could only petrify him if her eyes were free. He grabbed her chin with his remaining hand. "Where is your partner now?" Marta tried to pull away, and he squeezed. "Answer me, filth!" She gritted her teeth. "I don't know! And even if I did, I wouldn't tell you!" Marta spat. She wished she could have fully petrified him! Next thing she knew, a palm smacked her across the face. She clenched her jaw, trying not to cry out. She tasted blood, and her lip throbbed. This was the second time he'd struck her. She spat in his general direction and heard a splat. She was pretty sure she got him in the face. That made her feel good. But then he struck her again, this time with a fist, and she blacked out.
Solan wiped his face in disgust. His men stood by, waiting for orders. He was getting tired of waiting. Deciding to change tactics, he tapped the Gorgon's face roughly until she came to. "WAKEY WAKEY!" he sneered. Marta groaned as she came to. "Bastard!" she growled. He flicked her in the forehead. "Manners, Gorgon!" But then, from behind him, the door kicked open, and two shots rang out. He spun around in shock.
There stood Kai, holding a handgun in each hand with two of his vampires sprawled on the ground, blood pouring from the back of their heads.
Kai had waited until the vampire was facing Marta completely with his back to her and with the two vampires by the door also facing in that direction. She knew she had a pretty good chance of taking them down. Silver might not kill a vampire, but silver-coated bullets at point-blank range were a sure bet. She'd have to fake the rest. So, with that thought, Kai kicked the door open hard and aimed pulling the triggers. Two down, eight to go! She stood there, pointing the guns at the vampires while doing her best to seem unaffected by their numbers.
What she didn't realise was that her aura, which had been completely hidden before, had flooded the room. Like back in the biker club, engulfing the immediate area.
Solan gaped at her. How had she snuck up on them?! He hadn't sensed her at all. But now, there was no denying that she was indeed there! Her presence was overpowering! He thought she was just some low-totem Fae of the Seelie, but now he knew better. This power was even more than his Master's!
"You were saying something about manners…" came the terrifyingly cold, and calm voice. He shivered. This is bad! She was something dangerous! No wonder she'd been so hard to track! She was something, Other!
Marta didn't know all that was going on, but she knew her friend's voice. And she'd never heard it so cold before. She could feel the power wafting off her in waves! At that moment, Kai was terrifying! And yet, she felt completely safe. Her friend had come for her and, from what she had heard, taken down two vampires easily. Marta chuckled aloud. "You're in trouble!" she sang out, feeling a little petty.
Solan realised he was way in over his head.
"Untie her!" Kai said coldly. She wasn't sure why they weren't attacking; maybe they feared her guns. But she was going to take whatever she could get!
Solan cut the ropes holding the Gorgon, freeing her. Then he yanked her to her feet and held her close, his sharp, claw-like nails poised at her throat. "Careful now. Wouldn't want me to slip!" he said, feeling desperate. Kai paused. Dammit, what a slime ball! she thought. He began to circle to the left, and she moved right, guns raised as the other vampires moved with him. They didn't want to get caught in her crosshairs. They would rather wait for a signal to attack. Every single one of them hoped to survive this monster. But they didn't know what she was. All they knew was that her power was suffocating!
Solan now stood with his men behind him, facing the front of the office and Kai her back to the front doorway. "Let her go now," Her tone deadly.
Solan was trying desperately to think. Maybe they could get out of this without dying. Then he decided. "I tell you what! Let's make a deal. You hand me the package, and I'll give you your friend. Win-win!" he said with false bravado. Kai felt her heart jackhammer. Oh no, she thought. She'd left it hidden at the tree! Dammit! Then she had a thought. There was another box, in her duffel, she had originally been planning on switching the blood potion to and using the original as a decoy. But maybe she could convince the vampire it really was the package! So, with a shrug, she said, "I don't have it!" Solan's eyes glared. "Don't lie to me! It's in that bag, isn't it!" Kai answered, "Why would I carry something like that on my person?!" Solan growled, then pressed his claws against Marta's jugular. "Are you sure about that?!" he said menacingly. The other vampires grinned, thinking they'd caught her in the lie. Kai widened her eyes. “Stop! Okay?!" "You're right, I have it!" "Just don't… don't do that!" Kai put some pleading in her voice. Solan chuckled darkly. "Well now, that's entirely up to you! Isn't it?" "Your friend for the package!" He growled. "Fine!" Kai said in a cold, clipped voice. "I'm sorry, Mar." She said, less coldly, to her friend. "I know," Marta replied. Solan rolled his eyes. "Yes, yes, how touching!" "Hurry up!" Kai glowered at him, the energy in the room surging slightly. Solan shut up. He did not want to press his luck! He watched as Kai holstered one of her guns, keeping the one in her right hand aimed. Then she lifted the duffel off her person and placed it by her feet. Kneeling down, she unzipped it and began rifling through it. Solan watched her. Then, slowly, she pulled out a wooden box with two latches. Glaring at him and still aiming her weapon, she stood with the box. Solan eyed the box with glee! "Give it here!" he demanded. Kai scowled. "Not before you release her!" Solan growled. "At the same time then!" She nodded. "On three then." He shifted, and she rearranged her hold on the box as if to toss it to him. "One…" He said. "Two…" Then, on three, he shoved his prisoner hard, throwing her forward, and the box came sailing into his hands. Kai caught Marta in her arms before she could hit the floor and pulled her against her side, Marta ripping the blindfold off. The vampires all took a step back. The Gorgon had been a lot of trouble subduing. Solan smirked in triumph! "You've been a pain in my ass for far too long! Now I think we'll kill you both for the trouble!" He grinned gleefully, and the other vampires did too. Now they had the potion. They didn't have to play fair. He looked down at the box and reached for the latches to check that nothing had broken.
Kai glanced down at Marta and murmured, "Get ready to run." Marta, who had been glaring at the vampires, trying to bring her petrification power back into play, looked up. Kai looked down pointedly at her own hand. Marta looked and her eyes went wide. In her hand, Kai held a detonator. Then she snapped her eyes to the vampire just as he opened the box. All she saw was his face go from glee to ashen in horror, and then strong arms were lifting her, and she was being propelled out the front entrance just as the world around them erupted .
Kai had secretly shoved the last block of C4 into the box as she’d pretended to search for it. She prayed that she could get herself and Marta clear enough of the explosion. Her only worry, was if the vampires would catch on to her plan. Fortunately it had worked amazingly well! Perhaps a little too well, even.
She had grabbed her friend and thrown herself through the front door while pressing down on the detonator just as the concussive blast and fireball that roared behind her blew the building to bits. The blast had thrown them over the railing of the raised porch and yards across the gravel parking lot. She had tucked her friend close into her, covering her head and curling her own body around Marta in an effort to protect her extremities. Luckily, she had been the one to break their fall and slid across the gravel on her back, still clutching her friend close. Her leather jacket protecting her. Then when they’d come to a jarring halt, she rolled them over, covering the smaller woman as pieces of the building rained down around them. She grunted as she felt a sharp pain in her side and could feel the debris as she was struck again and again, but Kai never moved from on top of her friend. A few more sounds of falling beams and then it all stopped. Her ears were ringing and her body ached all over. When she lifted her head to look, there was a field of debris surrounding them. She pushed up slowly, dust and pieces of broken beams fell off her as she sat back on her knees, and gazed dazedly around them. In hindsight, that may have been a bit too much C4? She thought.
Everything was muted, and she felt like she was underwater, as she watched the smoke and sparks from the flames lick the sky and blow all around her. Until she felt someone shaking her. She turned her head sluggishly and made an effort to focus. Marta was kneeling in front of her, looking disheveled but alright. Her snakes were waving back and forth. She was saying something. Kai frowned, then concentrated. Sound came crashing back, and Kai felt a monster of a migraine. “….ight?!” "Kai, can you hear me?!" came Marta's voice as she gazed worriedly at her friend. Kai blinked, then seemed to focus on her finally. "Yeah, Mar.” She coughed from the dust. “Sorry… I think I'm concussed?" She said, fighting a wave of dizziness. Marta felt relief at hearing Kai’s voice. They were surrounded by what looked like the aftermath of a war zone! Their office was completely gone, and she could see the restaurant's occupants in the next lot over, streaming into theirs. They had to get out of there!
She reached forward and helped her friend stagger to her feet throwing her arm over a shoulder as she braced her like a crutch . Kai groaned. "We need to get to my bike. It's next door." Marta nodded and helped Kai through the wreckage. Luckily, they weren't seen, as people were more concerned with the flaming remains of the building itself. They never even noticed them. Marta found the bike hidden beside a large black Jeep. She helped Kai slide on. "Wait… the tree… box at roots… under leaves," Kai murmured. Marta paused, confused, but went to the pointed-out tree. And lo and behold, a rune-protected box sat nestled at its base. Shaking her head at Kai's audacity, she grabbed it and placed it in the bike's saddlebag. Then she placed the helmet on and climbed on in front. Kai leaned against her.
Marta wasn't sure where to go. But then she had an idea. There was one place that had people they could trust! And so, securing Kai's arms around her, she turned on the engine. Peeling out of the parking lot, they disappeared into the night, just as a convoy of fire trucks and police arrived.
Kai leaned heavily against Marta as they sped down the highway on the Indian motorbike, her face pressed to her friend’s shoulder as she fought to stay conscious. Every so often, Marta would reach down and squeeze one of Kai’s arms, which were wrapped around her waist, checking to make sure she was still with her. Kai would respond with a weak squeeze of her own, though the effort was getting harder with each passing mile. They had been riding for nearly two hours now, and Kai’s body was beginning to betray her. The pain in her side had settled into a deep, relentless throbbing, and a creeping coldness was setting in. Her head pounded from the concussion, making it hard to focus. Marta’s snakes, sensing her distress, had started slipping free from beneath her helmet. Their cool, smooth bodies brushed against Kai’s forehead, their tongues flicking over her heated skin in gentle reassurance. One nudged her cheek, another bopped her nose, their own quiet way of keeping her awake. She managed a small, tired smile and pressed a few kisses against their scaly heads in gratitude. Marta, meanwhile, was tense. She could tell Kai was far worse off than she had let on. Her snakes had been sending her their impressions and the slight tremors she could feel running through her friend, the ragged edge to her breathing—it was bad. And then, just as they were about five miles from their destination, Marta felt Kai’s arms go limp. A spike of panic shot through her. “Kai!” She screamed, as Kai’s weight shifted suddenly, her body beginning to slide sideways. Marta reacted instantly, slamming on the brakes. The tires skidded, kicking up a cloud of dust and gravel, the bike jerked as she fought for control. As it came to a sudden stop, Kai toppled over. Marta barely caught her before she hit the ground. She jumped off the bike, lowering Kai to the dirt, propping her up as gently as she could. Kai’s head lolled to the side, her skin clammy and pale, sweat glistening on her brow. “Oh no, no, no—Kai! Wake up! You have to wake up!” Marta’s heart pounded as she pressed a hand against her friend’s cheek, feeling the feverish heat beneath her palm. And then—something wet. She glanced down and her stomach dropped. Kai’s left side was soaked through with blood. Marta yanked up the hem of her shirt, and horror clenched in her gut. A deep gash ran along Kai’s side, still sluggishly oozing, her jeans and shirt saturated with dark, sticky crimson. “Oh, hell—Kai, why didn’t you say anything?!” She moved quickly, tearing off her own overshirt and knotting it tightly around Kai’s waist as a makeshift bandage. It wasn’t great, but it would have to do. Kai stirred slightly at the pressure, her eyelids fluttering. “Mmm… s’rry… Marrra…” she slurred. Then she shivered, her body trembling. “Mmm… cold.”Marta cursed under her breath. She had to keep Kai upright, keep her from slipping away. Thinking fast, she pulled Kai up and back onto the bike. Pulling off her belt she climbed back on as well and looped the leather around Kai’s wrists securing them around Marta’s own waist. That way, even if Kai lost consciousness again, she wouldn’t fall.
With a spray of gravel, Marta revved the engine and took off, pushing the bike harder than before. The turnoff had to be close. Kai had once told her how to find it, but in the dark, it was nearly impossible to see. Her eyes darted along the roadside, searching desperately. Then, like a ghost in the night, it appeared. Marta yanked the handlebars left, the bike fishtailing as she shot onto the hidden road. The tires nearly loosing traction, the bike skidding dangerously toward the trees. She gasped, forcing her body to correct, gripping the handlebars with every ounce of strength she had. Then, with a sudden shift, they passed through. A tingling sensation swept over her skin as they crossed the barrier and the road changed beneath them, the air itself seeming to hum with something ancient and unseen. Marta didn’t hesitate. She gunned the throttle, barreling down the road toward the sleepy town of Tennga—towards safety.
Towards hope
