Chapter 20 · Untitled Chapter

"Get away from her!" Cade's voice cracked behind Mika, still hoarse from the purge.

The Arbiter's hand came down like he was swatting a bug. Black threads burst from Mika's wrist, wrapping her forearm in tight, living cords. His palm-light struck them—and stopped.

The blast bounced off the black and smashed into the wall behind her.

"That's new," the Arbiter said.

"Stay down, Cade." Mika didn't look back. If she took her eyes off the Arbiter, he'd finish her.

The Arbiter tilted his head. "Or what? You'll heal me to death?"

He lunged again.

Mika threw up her arm. The black cord met his light head-on. This time, it didn't bounce. It bit.

She felt it chew through her skin on the way out, tearing into him and her at the same time. The power didn't care whose side it was on. It only wanted something broken.

"Ah." The Arbiter staggered back, his hand smoking. "There it is."

Mika's arm caught fire. Her veins darkened beneath the skin, crawling past her elbow. Acid seemed to pour straight into the bone.

"Mika." Cade caught her under the other arm. "Look at your arm. You're burning up.