Chapter 30: Time and Man Alone

"We can all get out of this alive," said Zechariah. "Clearly, you two know what you want, but I'm sure we can work out some sort of-"

"Shut up."

Zechariah's hand was under his robe, and his face was scrunched up in a weird expression.

Justin could feel his every heartbeat as his blood pumped against the blade at his throat. Twenty minutes ago, he had been looking down at the Ancients' walls. Five minutes ago, he'd been admiring the forest. One minute ago, he'd been trying to make a stone glow. And now, he was trying not to crap his pants.

Justin tried to pull away, but his arm was wrenched more tightly against his back. He yelped as tendons in his shoulder stretched nearly to the breaking point.

"Don't be a fool, boy," the man whispered in his ear. "There's no need for you to die, but that's never stopped me before. We just want the girl."