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I rushed to the railing, heart racing, as I searched the dark water below — praying I hadn't just sent them to their deaths.

But I couldn't make out who resurfaced and who didn't …

"Hurry! They're here! Go!!!" Liam yelled, pulling my attention back to the deck.

My stomach sank as I spun to see guards pouring out of the stairwell.

There were so many!! And they carried crossbows!

Hells!We should have had more time …

The remaining prisoners began jumping haphazardly from the deck — flailing in their panic — making it more likely to hit the water wrong.

Screams echoed from the waters below.

Panic bit at me, fueled by the terrified looks and cries erupting from all around me as everyone surged for the railing.

"Kaiya," Liam shouted over the chaos as he ran to me. "If you aren't going with Tye, you need to escape with us."

I stared out over the people — dumbstruck — as he grabbed my arm and tugged me towards the railing, strong fingers wrapped like a vice around my wrist.

How had the guards arrived so fast?

They captured the prisoners all around us, restraining those who gave in and beating those who didn't.

Dozens with crossbows pushed past them, taking positions along the railing.

They immediately began firing at those in the water.

"NO!" I tore myself from Liam's grip and ran towards the nearest crossbowman, the image of the little girl and mother hopefully clinging to that life preserver flooding my mind.

They were so close to getting free!

Liam grabbed me with strong arms, pulling me into his chest as he attempted to pick me up. "We'll figure it out —" he hissed in my ear.

Fuck that!

I slammed my head back into his nose, and he released me with a grunt.

I had a responsibility to these people and would not fail them now.

I dashed towards the nearest guards, refusing to look over my shoulder to make sure Liam was okay.

"Kaiya!" he called after me.

I gritted my teeth and ran faster.

They were relying on me!

Body buzzing with a surprising strength, I dove into a guard with a crossbow. He fell to the deck, crossbow clattering beside him, and I followed him, slamming my elbow into his temple.

He slumped unconscious, and I turned my attention to the next guard.

"You!"

I spun to find Holden raising his club above me.

But before he could swing, a blue-eyed prisoner appeared behind him. He kicked Holden in the back of the knees, then punched him in the throat, stopping the large man in his tracks.