Page 114 of A Thief to Die For

Again, he smirks. ‘Choose which one lives, and which should die.’

Agatha moans, and the crossbow jumps to aim at her. Marian fights against her ropes.

‘You can’t be serious,’ I shout. ‘They’re your daughters.’

He makes a sound of disgust. ‘They’re treacherous witches. Now choose. Take too long, and I’ll shoot them both.’

I can’t do that. The choice alone would destroy me, no matter who I chose.

And yet – Marian. I have to save her.

Our eyes meet, and to my horror I find permission to do the unthinkable. Rescue Agatha.

I shake my head. Not if it means sacrificing her.

Not in a million lifetimes.

Guilt chokes me, and I deserve it. Because how could I not choose to save my wife?

‘Magic or love? Which one will win?’ Atlas taunts.

I glance around helplessly, begging for someone to arrive. Even if I chose to save one, he’d probably start by shooting the other. ‘You’re a sick, evil bastard.’

‘Yes.’ Atlas looks pleased as he points at me. ‘That’s what I want to see – the agony of having to choose.’

An odd sensation enters my head. It’s a mix of pressure and something like the spark of a new idea. My brows pinch, until I realise it’s the connection trying to work. Agatha has sent me a memory.

Except I can’t see what it is. We’re still strangers, working with broken and underdeveloped wings.

She nods, then glances to a spot on the ground.

I see it – a sword lying in the grass, not far from Atlas.

‘Should I count down?’ Atlas asks. ‘Let’s start at seven … six …’

I swallow hard as my blood thrashes in my veins. If I charge him, he fires. Same deal if I go for the weapon.

‘Five … Four.’

‘Wait!’ I shout. A shadow moves behind him.

Atlas cups his ear like he’s listening. ‘Which one?’

‘Please,’ I beg. ‘Don’t do this.’

He gives a crazed smile. ‘Request denied. Three, two, one.’

I break into a sprint as he aims at Marian’s chest. The shadow – Rufus – moves, launching at Atlas. But he’s not fast enough to knock the crossbow away before Atlas pulls the trigger.

A cry rips from my throat.

Atlas immediately turns and lands a kick to Rufus’s stomach. Then he races to load another bolt.

I’m almost there.

Atlas is faster. Time slows as he raises his crossbow, this time pointing it at me.

There’s a loud click as he pulls the trigger. For a flash, I see the bolt in the air. It strikes like lightning. Pain explodes in my stomach. I stumble to my knees. No no no. My hand finds the wooden shaft and even touching it, it doesn’t feel real.