—Move away from Knox.—Again, Bane projected his voice into her head.

She jolted, but she did not obey. He ground his teeth, fury giving his next forward ram more steam.

Hanks of ice began to fall from Zion’s prison, not his.

Urgency at an all time high, Bane settled the bulk of his weight on his heels and pushed up. Ram. Ram. Crrrrrrack. Finally, a huge chunk of ice toppled, freeing his upper half. Cool air kissed his face, a sensation as excruciating as it was euphoric. Oxygen filled his battered lungs as he inhaled; the sweet scent of honeysuckle stung his nostrils.

Hate honeysuckle! But, underneath the despised fragrance, he detected notes of lavender and jasmine, the luscious blend turning his blood to flame.

He punted the final barricade, his legs screaming in protest. As he took a step, then another and another, he marveled. He was walking. After being stationary for centuries, he had mobility.

A new man with an old purpose, he charged for Nolalee. She had paled, panic setting in, her starry gaze darting wildly.

When her gaze landed on Bane, she mouthed, “Help.”

Yes! But, just before he reached her, other combatants escaped captivity and leaped into action. Chaos erupted in every direction. Bloodthirsty warriors moved between Bane and his princess. Emberelle, Petra, Ronan, Slade and Ranger.

Swords swung, and daggers plunged. A glowing whip lashed out. An arrow soared past. Blood sprayed, grunts and groans ringing out.

His fury skyrocketed to new heights. The combatants endangered the princess!

Bane considered grabbing Nolalee and portaling to his mountain lair. Simply carrying her away would be foolish. There were too many warriors, with too many weapons able to injure her in the process. Plus, a portal would remain open for an entire minute, allowing others to follow them through. And, considering how much time had passed, someone could have found the lair and set traps.

There was only one solution. He had to exit the cavern through the only door. To exit through the door, he had to fight. To decrease the odds of Nolalee getting injured during the fight, he had to first thin the herd.

Very well. Mission accepted.

He told her, —Press yourself into the corner. The walls will guard your flank while I clear a path for us.—

She stood there, rooted in place, her arms wrapped around her middle, gaze still darting. Searching for him?

—Nolalee! You will obey me.—He quickened his pace, ducking when he needed to duck, blocking when he needed to block, but always moving forward. An enemy lunged into his path. With a war cry, Bane grabbed him by the throat, snapped his spine and tossed his limp body aside, maintaining a clear view of Knox, who had just shoved Vale into a corner.

The pale-haired female shouted, “Nola!” Just Nola, not Nolalee? Very well.