Page 417 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

“I can’t… but you can all help me.” They might not be able to take the power from King, but with our bond, they should be able to take some fromme.

I focus on each of their connections as they move closer to me. I feel Rion’s strong presence behind me. “How? Tell us. We’ll do anything.”

“Connect with me. I’m going to try to filter some of the power between us instead of absorbing it all.” I know they can handle it. Iknowthey’re strong enough and I won’t give them too much. Just enough to take the edge off the pain… just enough that I don’t end up dead this time.

“Do it,” Kai demands.

I quickly connect to our bond and push some power between us. It flows effortlessly into each of them, taking the brunt of the pain away.

Even though I still feel full, it also feels like I can now take a deep breath.

“Damn, that feels weird.”

“It’s like I drank ten energy drinks all at once.”

Their voices float around me as I connect to my power and feel King’s life force in the dark mass. It’s as small as an ember now, slowly ebbing away.

Just before it dims completely, I pull back my shadows. They dissolve, revealing his slumped form.

I sense his energy, but there’s barely anything left. He’s less than a human now and that’s how he’ll die.

My body sways, the adrenaline rush leaving me quickly. But I don’t mind, I can rest now that King will soon be gone.

The world tilts and slowly turns dark.

“I’ve got you.” Kai wraps his arms around me as my eyes shut on their own.

“It’s over…” My body grows heavy as sleep settles over me.

I feel Kai’s lips against the side of my head. “It is… now rest.”

And then there’s nothing but peaceful darkness.

* * *

KAI

We all lookat Kiarra as she sleeps in my arms, a look of peace on her face.

“She’s okay. She’s just exhausted,” I tell the others, but the worry doesn’t leave their eyes. And until she wakes, it won’t.

King is on the ground, his chest not moving.

Rion kneels down and feels his pulse. “He’s still alive, but barely. I don’t sense any energy from him. He’s basically human now.”

I nod, glancing back at Kiarra. “Good. Let’s take him with us.”

Luka frowns. “Doesn’t he still need to be brought back to the Underworld to be absorbed?”

“And he will, but not until we’re done with him.” A fiery rage burns through my veins, the need for revenge too great as I look at each of my brothers.

Savage smirks stare back at me, each one of them just as ready to make sure he pays for what he’s done.

It’s about time King finds out what happens when you hurt our girl.

CHAPTER 28

KIARRA

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