He roared and, seizing me by my waist, threw me to the ground.
I screamed as the rocks jabbed into my side, but I kept my hold on the
Soul Knife.
A crazed grin cut his face, and he lifted his arm and pointed at me.
Run, Savy. Get out of here, my wolf shouted in my mind.
The panic in her voice sent a fresh wave of alarm through me. I rolled
onto my knees, but as I was climbing to my feet, his magic slammed me back
against the wall. Piercing pain shot through my wrist, and the Soul Knife flew
from my grasp. It clattered against the ground, and Kahanov laughed, delight
clear in his voice, as he raced toward it.
Get out of here. NOW! My wolf pressed against my ribs.
No. This had to end.
As Kahanov bent down to scoop up the knife, I launched forward,
crashing into his back. The force knocked him off balance, and together, we
hurtled to the ground.
He grunted and cursed, then swung his elbow back, catching me square in
the cheekbone. My adrenaline and fear dulled the pain, though, and I grabbed
a fistful of his hair and slammed his face into the dirt. "Die, you psycho
prick!"
He roared and swung his arm around. I didn't see the blade until it sank
into my thigh. Searing pain shot through my leg, and my vision doubled.
As Kahanov pulled the knife free, I slammed my hand into him and
released an uncontrolled burst of magic. He flew back as I scrambled
backward across the floor of the cave. My chest heaved, and I shook my
head, trying to quiet the tortuous noises in my mind.
I can still summon—
Before I had time to act, pain shot through me as the bones in my body
began snapping. A scream tore from my throat, and I couldn't be sure who it
belonged to, me or my wolf.
When the agony subsided, I looked up at Kahanov through wolf’s eyes.