Ice Queen (Part Four)

Kai

I stand, despite the pain, locking eyes with Mr. Eyepatch. The look he gives me is chilling—like he's already mapped out exactly how I'm going to die.

"I SAID NEXT!" I shout, louder this time. It's a bluff, obviously, but I can't afford to let them see how shaken I am. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Luna struggling to stand, using the car for support, her groans cutting through the cold air. I can't leave her.

Mr. Eyepatch raises a hand, making a quick signal toward me. The massive guy behind him—a bald, dark-skinned giant in a mechanic's suit—steps forward. He starts running, though "running" might be too generous. He's slow, lumbering toward me like a freight train.

I could totally land a few hits on this guy. But before he can reach me, the twins dart ahead, moving way faster than him.

"Too scared to fight me one-on-one, fatty?" I shout, trying to get under his skin.

The big guy halts, his heavy footsteps thudding against the icy street. He turns toward the twins, and in a voice so deep it feels like it's vibrating my bones, growls, "Wait for your turn, Virgil."

"But—" one of the twins starts to protest.

"No buts," the giant cuts him off sharply. "Wait for your turn if you don't want to die."

The twins exchange uneasy glances and retreat. Great. Now it's just me and the human wrecking ball. Like that's supposed to make things better. My whole body aches; even standing feels like a challenge. There's no way I can fight this guy—not like this.

I brace myself, taking the stance Caden taught me. The giant looms closer, his massive frame blocking out everything else. This is going to hurt.

Suddenly, a flash of light blinds me. A deafening crack of thunder follows, and before anyone has time to react, a lightning bolt slams into the giant's back. In an instant, the bolt transforms into a person—Caden.

A very naked Caden.

Before the giant can recover, Caden launches himself into the air, high-kicking the giant with enough force to send him crashing into the side of a nearby building. The wall cracks and crumbles on impact as the giant slumps to the ground, motionless.

Caden lands gracefully, the energy from his attack still crackling faintly around him. He scans the rest of the enemies, completely unfazed by their stunned expressions—or his lack of clothes.

"Which one of you is next?" Caden says coldly, his voice sharp enough to cut through the freezing air.

"How are you doing, Caden?" Mr. Eyepatch says casually, planting his katana into the ground like a walking stick. "Lost some weight?"

"Slick." Caden's voice drips with disgust, his jaw tightening as he stares down his old enemy. For a moment, the air feels heavy, charged with tension. Then he exhales sharply and turns to me.

"Kai, leave—"

"No! I can help, please," I blurt out, desperation leaking into my voice.

Caden glares at me, his expression softening slightly. "How about you let me finish? Take this and leave. Find Vlad. Find the defekt. I'll handle these rats."

Before I can protest, he tosses me a small glass vial no bigger than my finger. I catch it instinctively, staring at the scarlet-red liquid inside. Then he tosses another vial to Luna.

"What is this?" I ask, baffled.

"Drink it. It'll heal your injuries," he says curtly, not even glancing at me. "Luna will catch up with you once she's fully healed."

I grip the vial tightly. I'm finally part of the team.

"Hey, Caden. Take this!" I shout, tossing him my hoodie. Underneath, I'm left in just a black T-shirt. "Good luck, to both of you." Without hesitation, I uncork the vial and drink its contents. The taste surprises me—it's like… coffee. Strong, bitter, and oddly comforting.

"Thanks," Luna mutters weakly as she drinks hers.

Caden pulls the hoodie over his head, rolling his shoulders as if testing its fit. "Alright! Come at me!" he barks, his voice brimming with confidence.

The Blues hesitate, their eyes flicking toward Slick, waiting for a signal.

"No!" Caden snaps, cutting Slick off before he can speak. "All at once!"

As much as I want to stay and watch Caden dismantle them, I know I've got a job to do. Turning on my heels, I sprint at full speed, the cold air biting into my skin. I have to find Vlad.

A shiver runs through me. I should've thought twice about giving Caden my hoodie—it's freezing out here.