Spike was struggling to get his balance back after embedding his horns in the labyrinthine’s hide. Before he could free himself, Torment gave a wild shake, like a dog climbing out of a pond, and the dinosaur was suddenly flying through the air to crash upside down into one of the statues. The black wolf was on him in a moment, pouncing almost playfully, and he struck at Spike’s exposed belly. The dinosaur was armored all over with thick plating, but Torment’s claw went through it as if it were butter. Alice doubled over in pain as her creature died, feeling as if someone had driven a knife into her stomach. Through blinding tears, she could see Isaac staggering against a statue, similarly affected.

“Sister Alice! Brother Isaac!” Dex spun, turning her back on the wolves, and charged Torment. Alice wanted to cry out, but her lungs had seized up, and for the moment she could only whimper. Torment gave Dex a pitying look, but a moment later his eyes crossed in pain as she buried one of her swords in his nose. The huge wolf gave an irritated grunt and actually retreated a step, but not before the other silver blade opened a cut on his forepaw, leaking thick, black blood.

Torment growled, a low rumbling sound like a truck engine. He snapped at Dex, who dodged lithely aside, leaving another cut on the wolf’s cheek. But Torment kept coming, ignoring his wounds, and Dex was forced to give ground.

Alice found enough air to shout a warning. “Dex! Behind you!”

It came a moment too late. A shaggy brown wolf, creeping out from behind a statue, had positioned itself square in Dex’s path. As she backed toward it, it lunged, jaws closing on her ankle. The caryatid’s armor kept its teeth from her skin, but it still managed to pull her leg out from under her, leaving her unbalanced. As she fought to steady herself, Torment swiped at her with a paw, sending her flying backward. She landed on the ground with a crunch and a clatter of armor, silver swords skittering across the stone.

Torment’s tongue came out again, licking the cut on his nose. His eyes narrowed, and he padded toward Dex’s fallen form.

I have to stop him. Alice struggled to her feet, breathing hard. I have to . . .

Run. The Dragon’s voice echoed through her skull.

No! These are my—my friends. I’m not going to leave them!

You misunderstand. Get Torment’s attention, and then run. He will follow.

Alice blinked. What if he doesn’t?

He will. He is my brother, but he is still part wolf, and it is in his nature to chase the prey that flees.