Page 147 of Walking in Darkness

I landed with anoomphon the back fender that covered one of the enormous metal tracks.

I didn’t hesitate to throw myself on the bastard’s back, knife drawn and ready to drag it across his throat.

But he flailed. Motherfucker was stronger than I was prepared for. He pushed to standing, and he swung me left to right as he dug his nails into my forearms.

Adrenaline surged, aggression curling through me as I tried to hang on. To end this monster, another who would do anything to hurt the one person who meant everything to me.

The one who meant everything to humankind.

Everything depended on her survival.

And that love poured out with the hate. With the violence that thrashed inside me. “You piece of shit. I’m going to end you,” I growled in his ear.

“No, she’s mine. She’s mine.”

He roared, a sound that wasn’t human, a booming of the Kruen that reigned inside him. He clawed at me, and I fought, trying to tighten my hold, but he managed to rip my arms free.

With a bellow of rage, he tossed me off.

I flew backward.

I fought to regain my balance on the small metal platform when I landed, but the momentum was too great, and I tumbled over the backside. I barely caught myself before I fully hit the ground, elbows hooked on the metal frame of the tractor and my feet dragging on the pavement behind me.

I fought it.

Fought with all the strength I possessed, reminding myself of my purpose.

Of the one thing I’d been sure of when I’d first sought Aria out.

I’d accepted it from the beginning.

My fate already sealed.

I would gladly give my life if it meant she got to live.

If there was a chance for peace and harmony.

Something better than this horror that had become our lives.

Something better than the horror that had become this world.

Muscles straining with the effort, I clawed my way back up. No doubt, the driver had believed me long gone and was back to focusing his ill intent on plowing through the cars and people in his way.

And I could see them just up ahead.

The ring that surrounded Aria.

At least a hundred Laven, who had gathered around her to create a barrier of protection.

Gratitude squeezed my chest in a fist. A sudden overwhelming thanksgiving that almost made me want to weep.

I could feel their goodness radiating against the evil that encircled them.

As they moved below the cover of foulness that churned and swelled over them.

The ones who walked in darkness.

Willing to sacrifice everything.