Chapter 19 · Hollowborn - Chapter 19: Blood at the Door

Cole's eyes were still flickering between silver and black when the first hunter kicked the door in.

I didn't have time to think. My shoulder screamed as I shoved Cole behind me, the locket still hot against my burned palm. Six hunters in Marcus's squad colors fanned out across the doorway, seals already glowing on their wrists.

"Stand down, apprentice." The lead hunter—tall guy, scar across his jaw—had his hand raised like he was calming a spooked dog. "Vice Commander's orders. You're both coming topside."

"Like hell we are." My voice came out steadier than I felt. Blood was still dripping down my arm, pooling on the stone floor. The air tasted like copper and burnt ozone.

Cole's hand landed on my uninjured shoulder. His grip was weak. "Ivy. Don't."

"Shut up." I didn't look back at him. Couldn't. If I saw how pale he was, how his legs were shaking, I'd lose it. "You can barely stand."

"Neither can you."

Fair point. My knees felt like water. The locket was a dead weight in my fist, still pulsing with whatever I'd shoved into it when I locked Cole's soul outside his body. Stupid plan. Desperate plan.