Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2580

The water surged violently.

Outside, the long strands of waterweed began to twitch and stretch, as if something alive was about to emerge. Then, all at once, they shot inward toward the two people standing at the center.

Andrew twisted his body, barely dodging a deadly strike. However, Shiloh, still gripping her sword with one hand, was not as lucky. Caught off guard, she was lashed hard across the chest by a strand of waterweed.

She gasped and spat out a mouthful of blood.

Andrew's heart jumped, knowing these things were not normal. They were clearly being controlled by some unseen force. Even that one hit had the power of a cannon blast.

"Drop the damn sword! We need to get to the surface!" he shouted, reaching for her hand.

Even in that critical moment, the stubborn woman refused to let go of her sword. She shook off his grip, crossing both hands over the hilt and shouting, "Come on… open!"

Shiloh braced herself on the stone platform, her legs digging into the ground.

Andrew's eyes widened when the sword actually budged. It came out a few inches, but no more.

A powerful force suddenly burst from the blade, repelling everything around it.

Shiloh coughed up blood again and was thrown out, drifting toward the edge of the bubble. She was about to plunge into the water where countless strands of weed waited to entangle her.

Once that happened, she would not stand a chance.

Andrew roared, "Shiloh! Don't be afraid!"

In midair, Shiloh felt her whole body coming apart. When she heard his voice, she turned her head and saw him rushing toward her, dodging strike after strike from the writhing weed.

That man really had not changed much at all, at least not in how he threw himself into danger for her. She opened her mouth to tell him not to bother, but before she could, she saw one of the waterweed split open like a monster's mouth and shoot toward his blind spot.

"Move!" she screamed.

For that instant, she forgot her coldness toward him. All she felt was pure panic.

A sharp hiss split through the water. Andrew's right arm was pierced clean through, blood spilling out in a crimson cloud. Yet, his face barely flinched. He ducked under two more incoming strikes, lunged forward, and caught Shiloh in his arms.

Shiloh was even worse off. Her frail body slammed into his, clinging to him tightly as she trembled. He could feel her blood running down his shoulder, hot and sticky in the freezing water.

His vision started to go red. If this went on, they would both die down here, and it would not be pretty. He kicked off the stone and shot upward, but he did not get more than six feet before the writhing grass wrapped around them again.

He had no choice but to drop back onto the platform.

A sharp strand spun like a drill, heading straight for Shiloh's back.

Without thinking, Andrew twisted around, pulling her close and shielding her with his own body.

Shiloh was safe, but his side was not. The blade-like grass speared straight through his waist.

The world spun as his strength drained away. He thought, 'Damn it… This might really be it.'

As his consciousness began to fade, he saw Shiloh's wide eyes staring at him through the water. "Are you insane? Why would you risk your life for me?"