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Pain exploded in her skull when her head cracked against thetable’s corner.

Her vision blurred, darkening as she held the back of her skull and felt warm liquid pool on her hands. She groaned, trying to grip the table to stand, but her legs collapsed under her.

The man clutched his bloody ribs, turning to face her. He growled, baring jagged, yellow teeth.

He lifted the scythe above his head, about to slice her in half.

She futilely held up her forearm to block the hit, praying her death would be quick and painless.

But the man’s entire body went taut, blood oozing from the corners of his mouth. He toppled forward, and she hastily scrambled back as his large body hit the floor with a resounding crash. Her eyes widened at the knife protruding from his back.

Takeshi stood behind him, his throwing arm still outstretched.

The other stranger lay dead on the ground, his throat split wide open.

She tried to stand and faltered.

Takeshi prowled forward, kicking the dead man out of the way. He crouched, cupping her face, searching her eyes.

“You okay, Kanes?”

She nodded, shakily rising to her feet. Khalani took a step forward and stumbled, her head feeling like it was underwater.

She was abruptly lifted into strong arms, and Takeshi strode to the door, ignoring her protests.

“Issss… fineeeee,” she slurred, touching the sharp pain on the side of her head. Khalani was somehow surprised when she pulled her hand away and still found blood there.

Takeshi’s piercing gaze sharpened at the sight.

He glanced back at the bodies, as if a part of him wanted to set her down, turn back, and mutilate the two dead men in a vengeful slaughter. But instead, he walked to the front door, though he didn’t open it.

He turned, placing his back against the wood, and slid down to the floor, clutching her tightly to his chest.

“What are we doing?” she asked softly.

“We’re waiting until I’m sure it’s safe outside.”

“Oh.”

The sound of coarse yells and fighting still registered, but they were growing fainter. She tentatively laid her head in the crook of his neck and took a deep breath. She may have imagined him holding her closer.

Khalani didn’t know how long they waited there.

Minutes, hours even.

Before her vision went black, she sent a silent prayer to the heavens, begging that if God was out there and listening, He would keep her family safe.

***

Liquid. Cool liquid seeping down her throat.

A hand cupping the side of her head.

Another touching her leg.

She jolted awake, sputtering against the glass cup held to her lips.

Ari jumped back, her cheeks drained of color, the opposite of the bloodstains splattered all over her blue dress. Her blonde hair, usually neat and tidy, was tangled and knotted, with strands coming loose from her ponytail.