When Belanger goes in for the next boot to the same place, I whip around, wrap his ankle in chains, and roll, taking him with me. I’m risking one of those bolts in my leg, but I can’t afford another hit to my back. I expect to pull him off his feet, to see his body crash to the ground. What I don’t expect is my move to swing him and smash him into the silver bars on the other side of me.

Metal clangs. His crossbow flies from his grip and clunks across the ground. Belanger curses. When he raises his face from the sprawled slump he’s in, the shock in his gray eyes mirrors my own.

Turns out my heightened senses aren’t the only upgrade. I’m a damn sight stronger too.

I’m about to take full advantage, twisting around to plant both feet into Belanger’s face, but cold metal against my temple freezes my move. The skinny bloke has his crossbow pressed to my head.

“That’s it. Keep going, you little bitch,” Belanger hisses, pulling himself up to a sitting position. “I’m not against putting a hole in Flanagan’s pet project. Can’t help damaging the goods if it tries to escape.”

“How can I escape in chains, you prat?”

I really don’t like the smile he gives me. “Keep the bow on him, Collins.”

Belanger tugs at the foot I still have wrapped in a hold, and for a moment, I consider resisting his release, but he eyes me with a killing glint, and I let him go. Better to choose my fights.

He uses the bars to pull himself up to a stand. His face twists with a sneer as he steps forward to sink another kick into my side. I roll over, folding inwards to protect my torso with arms and knees, and his steel-capped boot slams into my exposed forearm instead. It’s better than taking another strike to my back, but the blow lands hard enough to almost break bone. “That’s for the bruise on my arse,” he declares. He hunkers down and, gripping my ankle in a meaty hand, unlocks the cuff.

I watch with narrowed eyes as he unfastens both manacles, slides them away across the stone, then starts on the wrist locks.

“Um, whatcha doin’, Sarge?” the man with the crossbow pressed against my forehead asks.

Belanger expels an ugly laugh. “Making sure this blood whore gets what’s coming to him.” When he’s finished freeing me from my restraints, he says, “Get up.”

I leap to my feet, more confident without the chains. I’m still in serious danger, but at least I have a chance to fight. I step back into open space, watching for any coming attack.

“Open the cage and unlock the doors,” Belanger orders.