Page 182 of Terror at the Gates

I don’t think I’d ever flailed so hard in my life as I tried to prevent these fuckers from pinning me to the ground.

“Zahariev!” I screamed.

Where thefuckwas he?

A second later, the man at my feet gave a soft groan and then went limp, knocked unconscious by Cassius, who then pointed his gun at the one holding my arms.

Zahariev sounded cold and threatening as he spoke. His voice filtered in from behind me.

“Let her go, or I’ll blow your fucking head off.”

The man was off me instantly, and I scrambled to my feet, putting distance between myself and my attackers, though one lay unconscious on the ground.

“You all right, little love?” Zahariev asked.

I nodded, trying to catch my breath. I was a little shaken, crashing from the rush of adrenaline, but otherwise fine.

The man who’d grabbed my hair had his hands up and faced Zahariev.

He was young, probably in his early twenties. His hair was blond, short, but long enough to be parted on the side. He wore all black tactical gear, and so did his partner.

“I’m here on behalf of Archbishop Lisk,” said the man.

“If you think that’s going to keep me from shooting you in the fucking face, you’re wrong,” said Zahariev. “You have five seconds to explain what you’re doing in my territory, and don’t waste time telling me it’s classified.”

When the man didn’t speak, Zahariev began counting down.

“Four…three…”

“We’ve been hunting this witch for a few days,” he said in a rush, nodding to where Saira sat, dead beneath the tree.

My chest felt tight. I wondered if he had been present during the raid on her house.

“She has been plotting against the church. We wereordered to kill her on sight and bring her accomplice to the sanctuary at First Temple.”

“Why kill one and take the other?” Zahariev asked.

“We were told she might have a lead on the dagger stolen from the church two weeks ago,” the man said, eyes sliding to me. “Of course, I didn’t expectyouto be the one who showed up.”

“I’m full of surprises,” I said. “How did you know about the meeting?”

“I just took the orders,” he said. “I don’t know where they got the information. My guess is she had loose lips, probably blabbed to someone within earshot of an enforcer. Wouldn’t be the first time.”

Zahariev and I exchanged a look. We both knew this was an opportunity. Arriving at First Temple with the enforcers would give me access to Lisk and maybe his three blades.

“Interesting,” Cassius said.

Everyone looked at him. He was holding up an old flip phone. I assumed he’d found it while searching the man who remained unconscious at his feet.

“It looks like your partner here has been updating someone about your mission in real time, and they areveryimpatient to know how it’s going. Should I reply, boss?”

I answered instead. “Tell him target acquired.”

“Lilith.” Zahariev’s tone was a reprimand.

I met his gaze. “Thinkabout what we were just discussing.”

His jaw tightened.