Magics: Escape (Book 2)

Chapter Thirty-Four

Before Kai even had the chance to open his eyes, a strong hand locked on his throat, cutting off his air supply and trapping him in place. He opened his eyes in terror, reaching up to clutch at the hand that was holding him. To his surprise, Moon was holding him with her right hand, but her grip was much stronger than he had imagined. Her face was contorted with rage, but as she studied him, she tipped her chin up and resumed her smug demeanor. 

"Well, well, well," she tsked indifferently, almost delightedly. "Who do we have here? Look who it is, Shintaro. It's the little boy you've devoted yourself to." She scoffed harshly, her tilted lips pulling into a sharp frown. She tightened her grasp on Kai's throat, making him scrabble at her forearm in a desperate attempt for air. 

"Let him go!" Falte's voice cried, and Kai turned his eyes over to his father. Falte was just managing to hold himself in place, Kai could tell by the terrified, longing look in his eyes. His hands were clenched tightly at his sides, his teeth gritted in anger. Beside him, Komakii was growling lowly in his throat, but he kept tipping his head just slightly to look at Shintaro. 

Moon let out a cackling laugh, throwing back her head. "You think you can control me, you petty old man? Go ahead, give me another order to follow. I dare you." Her voice was harsh, dripping with malice and hatred. 

Falte closed his mouth and swallowed, his worried, creamy brown eyes turning toward Kai, who was beginning to feel lightheaded. 

Kai knew that he could try teleporting again, but what would it do against Moon? She could teleport with him, or just simply catch him by the neck again. Besides, teleportation wasn't as easy as it sounded. If he hadn't been that desperate, he would have had to make himself desperate. 

Before Kai could think of another option, Chase was there, leaning back, lifting his leg, and twisting his body at an angle. His heel slammed into Moon's jaw, sending her careening backwards with a loud cry. 

Kai crumpled forward, inhaling as much air as he could. He planted his hands in front of him, willing the dizziness to leave so he could stand. He forced himself to slow down, to breathe in and out slowly. 

As soon as he could breathe properly again, Kai was on his feet and barreling toward his father. Falte clenched his hands again as Kai approached, struggling not to flinch away as Kai skidded to a stop. 

"Are you alright??" Falte asked quickly, his words coming out in a panicked rush. "Where did you come from? Where's everyone else? Who is that guy? Where's the... the thing, whatever you call it?" 

"I'm fine," Kai answered breathlessly. He reached up and touched the Dark knife that was barely touching the skin on his father's neck. He willed it to leave, wondering, since it wasn't his magic he was commanding, if it would work. 

Thankfully, the blade made a fizzing sound, and disappeared with a small, muffled pop. Falte let out a shaky breath and touched his throat gently. "Thanks," he said quietly. He turned his attention to Chase and Zeke, who were blocking Moon's attacks and forcing her toward the wall of the house, where they could trap her. 

Kai knew that wouldn't work, but he had to get to Komakii, and then he would free Shintaro and do everything he could to help him. 

Komakii whined softly as Kai hurriedly knelt beside him, touching the knife and forcing it to vanish. The wolf shook his whole body, fixed his green eyes on Shintaro, and yelped almost merrily. He dashed toward the older man, who was, in astonishment and confusion, watching Moon, Chase, and Ezekiel grapple. 

He jerked in surprise when Komakii leapt up on his back legs and placed his front paws on Shintaro's shoulders, pushing his face against Shintaro's happily. He didn't lick his face, just rubbed his snout against Shintaro's neck, chin, and shoulders, his tail flying in a blur behind him.