Chapter 257

• Carmen wrenched the blade free. Blood sprayed in a hot arc, the scent of iron thick in the damp night air. Harper's body convulsed violently, her knees buckling as she sagged toward the grimy ground, nearly losing consciousness.
• With a grip like steel, Carmen fisted Harper's hair and dragged her step by deliberate step into the shadowed depths of the alley. The darkness there was heavy-like tar, swallowing the pale sliver of moonlight whole.
• Harper's entire frame trembled as though she'd been plunged into ice water. The arrogance and gloating she'd worn moments earlier had evaporated, leaving only raw fear.