Static Reflections: Book 1 of The Mortal Guard Series

Chapter 57 - Tyler and Adam: Blood for Blood

Chapter 57 - Tyler and Adam: "Blood for Blood"

When Adam came to, he felt the chill of the cold pond water and arms go around his waist, pulling him. At the same time, he felt something hard gripped within his right hand. Knowing it was a weapon somehow, the otter held it tighter. The arms pulled him to the surface of the water, and he heard the voice of Tyler.

"Bluh . . . come on!" Tyler sputtered. "Land is behind us!"

Adam quickly brought the knife out of the water, turning around and penetrating it right into Tyler's cheek before he could even register what was happening.

The canine was in utter shock as it happened, pain searing his face. He yelped and pushed the body of Adam away, the otter taking the knife with it. "What the fuck is wrong with you?! " he yelled.

The water splashed violently as he turned around, quickly rushing to the edge of the pond, pursued by Adam. He crawled out, soaked from head to toe, fumbling his hands on the ground to grab the gun, bullets, and car keys (which he shoved in his pocket) while the otter followed. Tyler ran off into the woods, and Adam pursued him with the knife.

Warmth and the taste of iron filled Tyler's maw as blood ran from the hole in his cheek on both sides and dribbled down his chin. He panted heavily and ran as fast as he could. "Leave me the fuck alone!" The stuff in his mouth slid down his tongue and into his throat with each word.

Tyler thought about turning around and using the gun for defense, but he couldn't risk hurting Boris. If it really came down to it, then maybe.

"I'm sorry, Tyler!" Adam yelled. "But I have to!"

The German shepherd stumbled, and he yelped as he tried to make his way back to the car, dripping with water. "Why the fuck are you doing this, dude?! Is Absalom making you?!"

"It's nothing personal! This is my only chance to see Neil again!"

"What?! Are you crazy?!" Tyler yelled, looking down at the ground. He scanned quickly and then picked up a sizable rock as he moved, turning around and stopping. Adam kept running as Tyler chucked the stone right at his head, knocking him onto his back.

Tyler spent the time he bought himself on continuing his retreat to the car, pain burning the entire right side of his face. His heart was pounding, and his muscles were on fire. The German shepherd looked back and found the otter was no longer there, having disappeared just like in the picture.

The canine had no time to think as the crunching of his wet shoes on the ground filled his ears, the wind ripping past them. The wind made the entire flight more chilling.

The trees and foliage around him became one big blur as he focused on his destination. Why is Adam trying to kill me all of a sudden?! It has to be Absalom! But I can't fight him! That's still Boris in—

Tyler cried out as his foot descended upon a misshapen stone, and the nerves there sent hot electricity up his leg. The dog was sent tumbling to the ground, dirt and pine needles becoming stuck to his fur. The pistol and box of bullets flew into the air and landed in the dirt somewhere. He wriggled on the ground, groaning as the numbness in his right foot took over, causing extreme discomfort. "FUCK! Fuck! Rghh . . ." He winced and hissed as he grabbed his leg.

Tyler tossed his head around as blood continued to pour from his cheek wound and mouth. There was still no sight of Adam. The German shepherd twisted his body and began crawling along the ground quickly as he willed the nerves in his foot to snap out of it.

Hearing a slight ringing in his ears, Tyler crawled for only a few minutes before getting up and sprinting out of the woods. He quickly dug into his pocket and unlocked the doors to the almost black-looking car in the darkness. The lights flashed red in the black, lingering with him a little bit after.