She belatedly realised that she was still clutching the resurrection key, forgotten in her agony.

She looked back at the entrance. To either side of the bridge was a sheer drop to infinity. If she threw the key over the edge, Gadreel would have no way to revive his people.

She drew back her arm as far as she could. No choice but to endure the pain as the movement twisted her impaled leg. Line up, and – throw!

The key arced through the opening. Even in her weakened state, she had lobbed it far enough to clear the ledge. It dropped towards the void—

Gadreel released Macy and swung his own arm at lightning speed. The trikan flashed from its grip, spinning across the bridge . . .

And swerving in mid-air.

It swooped out from the crossing to intercept the falling key. A clang as metal struck metal – and the key was knocked back onto the ledge. The trikan returned to its owner, clanking into the handguard.

Nina stared in disbelief at the ancient weapon’s impossible manoeuvre. Macy had been right all along. The trikan really could be controlled by someone capable of channelling earth energy, steered by the unseen force levitating it. She owed her daughter an apology . . .

If she survived long enough to offer it.

The door was now almost halfway closed, the gas still rolling down towards it. In less than a minute, Nina would be entombed – and suffocated. But even with the key, Gadreel could not stop the process himself.

Which meant he had to use her instead. And with Macy as his hostage, she would have no choice but to obey.

Chapter 46

46

Gadreel hurried across the bridge towards the crystal chamber. He dropped the trikan and unshouldered his spear, then retrieved the key and released Macy. Key in one hand, baraka in the other, he went to the foot of the metal walkway and shouted. Zan responded, dazed; Nina had forgotten the translator was there. The Nephilim impatiently pulled the Chinese man with him under the slowly descending door. He noted the gas with concern, then stood before Nina, weapon aimed up at her as he spoke.

Still unsteady, Zan translated for him. ‘Lord Gadreel orders you to use the resurrection key to wake his people.’

‘Tell Lord Gadreel that he can go fuck himself,’ Nina growled back.

Zan didn’t need to relay her words; her attitude was enough for Gadreel to understand. He scowled, then tossed the key beside Nina and aimed his spear through the doorway at the terrified Macy. Again, Zan’s translation skills were unnecessary.

‘You son of a bitch,’ Nina spat.

The Nephilim leader spoke: a single sharp word at a time. A countdown.

Zan hurriedly caught up. ‘He will kill her in three, two—’

She snatched up the key. The action made her moan in pain, but it was not merely physical. She had gambled and lost, and now she was out of options.

Except . . .