Into the Fading Twilight (Starlight Grove, #2) (119)

The teacher had given tips about going for the groin and eyes most often, but she was referring to male assailants. And Cora didn’t have balls that would feel the brunt of a knee, even if I could whirl around.

But she did have one tender spot I was very aware of. The wound on her stomach. Whether she’d given it to herself or gotten it in an actual fight, I wasn’t sure. But if I could get to that, I might have a shot.

I remembered the self-defense teacher instructing us in how to execute a combination. A foot coming down on the other and then your elbow slamming back. Cora was wearing sneakers, and though I was only wearing slippers, maybe if I brought my foot down as my elbow went back, it would work.

Anxiety swept through me as Cora went on about all the people she wanted to end. Roger for not standing by his friend. Dex for killing him. Brae for not leaving me to rot. Her knife was still at my throat, but in her diatribe, she’d moved it slightly. Away and then back. Not in huge motions, but enough that maybe I wouldn’t get sliced if I timed things right.

There was a rhythm she didn’t recognize. But I did.

My gaze locked with Kol’s. At least I’d be able to see his face one last time if this didn’t go well. But I had to try.

I love you, I mouthed.

Kol’s entire frame tensed.

Be ready, I added.

I just had to hope he’d take the shot when he could get it. I had to hope that what we were fighting for would carry us through. Because I wanted a big, beautiful life with Kol and Skylar. I wanted ridiculous breakfast creations and over-the-top tea parties. I wanted evenings in the twilight with Kol and movie nights on the couch as a family. I wanted to live.

With that last thought, I felt the blade move slightly away. My foot came down as my elbow went back.

Cora let out a garbled sound of shock as she doubled over. I whirled, fisting my fingers and punching her square in the jaw.

Disbelief bloomed in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by fury. She slashed out with her knife in an uncoordinated move. I tried to move out of her path, to jerk backward, but my foot caught on the edge of the rug, and I stumbled. Cora lunged forward, and the tip of her blade slid across my belly, but it wasn’t nearly as deep as the other wounds.

Then she launched herself at me. It was pure hysterical rage. No thought, simply reaction.

Cora hit me full force, taking me to the floor. We rolled as I tried to keep her knife-wielding arm away from me. She was stronger than me. There was no denying it.

I still hadn’t regained all the strength I’d lost while I was held captive, but I had adrenaline on my side. And I had the knowledge of all I was fighting for.

I brought my head up in one swift move, trying to connect with her nose.

It wasn’t a direct hit, but Cora still cursed. “Just die already, you stupid fucking bitch.”

The knife moved precariously closer as we rolled again, moving too quickly for Kol to get off a shot. I was trying desperately to slow us down. To still Cora long enough that Kol could fire.

Another roll, and I brought my legs up in a curl, ready to kick her off me. Long enough to give Kol what he needed.

But as my knees came up, my hold on Cora’s wrist faltered. It slipped.

The knife slammed into my side. White-hot pain lanced through me as I kicked my feet out. And for a moment, Cora was airborne.

As she flew, two shots rang out in quick succession. Shock played out over her face. And it was as if time were suspended. Her and me. In some ways, we’d both become prisoners of the monster she’d created. But I’d gotten free.

And even as Cora disappeared from view and my pain engulfed me, I felt that freedom. Because I’d fought for my life. And I’d never stop fighting.





CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX


Kol




THE BLOWS WERE VICIOUS. ONE AFTER ANOTHER AS EACH woman battled for the upper hand. I tried to focus solely on the task in front of me. Trying to get Cora in my sights. A clear shot with no risk to Nova.

My phoenix.

I couldn’t let myself think about everything she’d been through. All she was still going through. I could only think about ending this.

Nova’s knees came up, and as she let out a pained sound, Cora flew into the air. I didn’t wait. Two shots. Center mass.

She crumpled to the floor, but I was already moving, my gun trained on her. She let out a series of wheezing breaths. A stuttered cough. Then nothing at all. Cora’s green eyes were wide and unblinking.

A brutal sort of pain, the kind that came from the heaviest responsibility, crashed through me as I bent to press two fingers to her neck. No pulse.

Nova let out an agonized noise, and I whirled as sirens sounded in the distance. And that’s when I saw it. Cora’s knife, protruding from Nova’s side.

Everything in me ran cold, as if my blood itself were slowing.

“Kol,” she croaked, her face unnaturally pale.

I sank to my knees, taking her hand in one of mine as I tried to assess her wounds with the other. “I’m right here. I’ve got you.”

“Take it out,” Nova rasped. “Please.”

It wasn’t pain and responsibility swirling now; it was pure agony. “I can’t. I’m so sorry, but that could make it worse. We have to wait.”

“Oh … kay …” Her breaths were more labored now. Her eyelids fluttering. But the way she gave me her trust, even when I was causing her pain? It sliced me open.