Chapter 10 · Show-off

She planted one boot against the creature's knee and shoved. Bone snapped. It fell, but its hand closed around her coat.

Riven crossed the distance in two steps. He seized the thing by the back of its neck and drove it face-first into the tile.

Once.

Twice.

The third strike broke the floor beneath it.

"Show-off," Mara gasped.

"You were taking too long."

The other two came from opposite sides.

Mara tossed him her spare knife. "Left."

"I don't take orders from you."

"Then die on the right."

He caught the knife without looking and turned left.

They moved together because the curse gave them no choice. Every time Mara stepped, Riven adjusted. Every time he struck, she filled the gap. Their shoulders brushed. His hand caught hers once, redirecting her blade. Her elbow slammed into his ribs a second later.

"That was my wound," he growled.

"It was in my way."

The last ash-walker raised both hands. Gray fire gathered between its palms.

Riven saw it first. He grabbed Mara and pulled her against him.

"Down."

They hit the floor as the fire tore through the room. Shelves exploded. Paper filled the air.