The color in Big’s cheeks is draining fast. He teeters back and forth, close to passing out, too. But first, he wraps his fingers around my neck and squeezes. No! I swing the scalpel at his throat, but he bats my arm away, nearly dislodging my already bruised shoulder.

Come on! As I buck and flail against his hold, he only tightens his grip. The stars behind my eyes are replaced by spiderwebs of black. This can’t be it. This can’t be the end. Here one second, poof, gone the next. I didn’t survive Vans’s torture just to be strangled on a mountain.

“You want my help, lass?”

I recognize that gravel-and-smoke voice, that seductive Irish accent. Killian is here! In an instant, joy consumes my fear.

“Lass?”

I can’t speak, can only nod.

It’s enough. He says, “You’ll want ta let her go, lad. Consider this your one and only opportunity to walk away. After this, you won’t even be crawling.”

I can make out his silhouette. He’s tall, but he’s not as tall as the brutes. With three against one, he could get seriously hurt. Or worse! I don’t want him hurt.

“You leave before too late, boy,” says one of the brutes.

“Wrong answer.”

Suddenly I’m free, Big ripped away from me. Gasping for breath, I scramble to my feet, ready to fend off Big before he’s able to pin me again, but I find him on the ground, his eyes closed, a pool of blood forming around him.

Killian is focused on the remaining brutes. Whatever he did to Big scares the other two greatly.

Bigger drops Bow to the ground. “She yours. Take, take.”

A small gasp leaves the girl. She blinks open her eyes as she struggles to sit up. One second...two...she proves unsuccessful, as if her body has turned to stone.

“Malfunction,” she manages to grit out.

Bigger and Biggest hold up their hands, palms out, and take a step back.

I race forward, but Killian beats me to Bow’s side. He raises his arm, his own dagger glinting in the sunlight, and angrily meets my gaze. “These men are Unsigned, which makes them your brethren. Is this really what you want for your life? Do you wish to spend eternity with them?” I expect him to throw the weapon at the brutes—but he says, “Show her who you really are, Archer,” before slamming the blade deep, deep into Bow’s chest.

TROIKA

From: A_P_5/23.43.2

To: L_N_3/19.1.1

Subject: Ten, Ten, Ten

Bow is toast. The inferior Shell malfunctioned, allowing the Unsigned to overpower me, and Killian to stab me.

Speaking of the worst spirit in the Everlife, Killian has the girl all to himself right now—and that’s the good news. She’s intrigued with him, just like—never mind. I can see it in her eyes, and I know any attempt to keep the two apart will only make the intrigue stronger. How would you like me to proceed? What have I been cleared to do?

Archer Prince

TROIKA

From: L_N_3/19.1.1

To: A_P_5/23.43.2

Subject: Your Capacity to Forgive Is Humbling

You need to let go of your anger with Mr. Flynn. Miss Lockwood was right. It wounds you. And if you aren’t careful, one day it will wound innocents.

I’ll send you another Shell. As generous as I am, I’ll even send one from your personal collection.

And yes, you’re right. Finally! Attempting to keep Miss Lockwood away from Mr. Flynn will do more harm than good, but try to remember that Mr. Flynn is his own worst enemy. He’ll destroy her intrigue all on his own. After all, pushy people get pushed, and Mr. Flynn’s actions will speak for him. Let yours speak for you.

Her grandmother has spoken with the Generals and, because Ten has admitted she needs help, you have permission to help her through any means necessary—unless, of course, the girl dismisses you. Unfortunately, we still can’t stay where we aren’t welcome.

Also, watch your six...or rather, your ten.

General Levi Nanne

TROIKA

From: A_P_5/23.43.2

To: L_N_3/19.1.1

Subject: Does Every Moment Have to Be a Teaching Moment?

It’s annoying.

Anyway. I’m getting through to Ten, I know I am. And yet she’s still drowning in a sea of doubts, unwilling to trust her own instincts. If she won’t grab hold of the life raft I’ve thrown at her, we ARE going to lose her.

I’ve grown to like her. I don’t want to lose her.

TROIKA

From: L_N_3/19.1.1

To: A_P_5/23.43.2

Subject: Prepare for Another Teaching Moment

I remember the day Miss Lockwood was born and the uproar it caused in the realms. She absorbed and released so much Light our monitors were blinded. You remember the day, too; you simply weren’t told why such a bright light cut through our realm. Myriadians claim she glowed so brightly because she was Fused with one of their Generals. Though they also claim to love the darkness, they want our light. They always have.

And I know, I know. Miss Lockwood isn’t exactly glowing right now. Darkness shrouds her. But we don’t give up, Mr. Prince. Ever. And while we have permission from the Generals to do what needs doing, Miss Lockwood’s will comes first. What she accepts from you, give. What she rejects, try again another way. If she won’t grab hold of your life raft, throw her a rope. If she won’t grab hold of your rope, throw her a branch.

TROIKA

From: A_P_5/23.43.2

To: L_N_3/19.1.1

Subject: I Really Hope...

I’m not this irritating to Ten.

Chapter eight

“Fear is the enemy at your back with a knife to your throat.”

—Troika

I’m numb with shock as much as cold. Killian—the boy who saved me from Vans and potential rapists—just stabbed Bow in the heart.

Killian just stabbed Bow in the heart!

Rage peeks through my numbness. Sorrow bulldozes through it.

One blow. One life—now gone?

After everyone Killian killed at the asylum, I should have seen this coming.

He spits on Bow before turning to the giants.

As I dive on top of the girl, hoping to protect her from further harm—can’t be too late, just can’t be—hoping there’s some way I can save her—too late, already too late—the mountain men realize Killian has just relinquished his only weapon.

“Stupid boy.” They all smile their hungry smiles, no longer afraid of repercussions.

“Come, try to take me down,” Killian says with a smile of his own. “Welcome your Firstdeath with open arms.”

They attack with a brutal clash of fists. A mistake. A pop, pop, pop sounds as Killian breaks their bones. He laughs as he punches, parries, then punches again and again, going for the nose, the throat and, as the men howl in pain, the kidneys and bowels. He reminds me of a bear playing with its food.

When Bigger abandons the fray to concentrate on me—planning to scoop me up and run?—Killian stops laughing, stops playing and delivers a lethal blow. A kick so powerful one side of the man’s head caves in and his eyeball pops out.

Horror claws at me, and fear eats the remains.

I shake so forcefully I probably look like I’m having a seizure. Killian has revealed his true nature. He’s a black-hearted snake, and he’s going to win this battle...he’s going to turn his attention to me. What will happen then?

I shouldn’t wait around to find out, but I can’t bring myself to leave Bow, even though she’s gone.