Chapter Twenty Three-Jed

I heaved Haden over my shoulder and ran as quickly as I could. The smell of magic was everywhere and I knew the spell that was being cast; as soon as they disappeared there would be a small spark that would ignite the magic and cause an explosion.

There was a deafening blast a moment before light flared up behind us, throwing us forward as flames engulfed the entire house in seconds. Metal and wood was scattered everywhere, injuring cattle and horses many fields over.

Looking down I saw a metal rod sticking out of my shoulder. I held my breath and braced myself and with a cry of pain pulled it out, grimacing as it fell to the floor. I looked over to find Haden laying on his back. After doing a quick check to make sure he wasn't harmed beyond the barrier attack, I moved to check his pulse, alarmed to find how weak it'd become, even for a vampire. I pressed my ear to his chest. His heartbeat had become so soft, so slow that it was almost inaudible.