Page 211 of Savage Throne
He was fighting so hard, too hard, and yet Leo stood above him watching with that twisted grin.
I am going to kill you. Even if Lei does it. I will revive you and do it again.
In front of me, Banks leaned in close to Jo whispering something too low for me to hear.
Whatever he said, my sister didn’t hesitate to act.
Seconds later, Jo stood abruptly and slipped down the aisle heading toward my ladies-in-waiting.
Duck caught that and eyed Banks.
Chen continued to watch Lei.
My stomach clenched in confusion, but I put my focus back on Lei.
On the branch, his body swayed, his hands moving slower now as if the poison were stealing every ounce of energy he had left.
No. No. This isn’t alright. I can’t just sit back and watch this.
I thrashed against Duck’s grip. “Let me go! He’s dying!”
They didn’t let up.
Ignoring me, Duck yelled. “Lei, watch out!!”
I checked back to the tree.
Leo kicked Lei hard in the chest, and Lei fell.
Oh my God.
Lei’s body tumbled from the branch and he tried to grab hold of another, but his hands slipped. I watched, helplessly as he plummeted.
“No!” The word ripped from my throat, raw and broken.
It wasn’t just my voice either.
Aunt Suzi screamed too.
When Lei hit the ground, I thought my heart stopped. For a moment, everything in the arena blurred—the roar of the crowd, the shouts of Aunt Min and Suzi, even the tight grip of Duck and Chen on my arms. It all faded into a dull hum as my focus tunneled on him, crumpled and unmoving on the blood-streaked ground.
Baby, we’re supposed to have our happily ever after.
Terror laced Duck’s voice. “Get up, Lei! He’s climbing down!”
My eyes darted to the tree.
The monster slowly descended.
Sweat dripped from Leo’s face. He looked wild and unhinged. His grin stretching wide. His teeth bared in a twisted expression of triumph.
Two big crows darted at him. Their sharp cries pierced the air. They attacked with relentless fury, delaying him a little.
Leo swung his blade in wide, vicious arcs, but his strikes were slower now.
His first swing of the sword missed them entirely.
The crows were relentless, pecking at his shoulders and clawing at his head. One of them managed to rake its talons across his cheek, leaving a fresh gash that oozed blood.
