Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2608

Valerie caught up to her, furious. "Anything you can do, I can do too. Don't you dare look so smug."

Luna shot back with a cold smirk, "I know you can. But I was first, and that just kills you, doesn't it?"

Valerie was left sputtering. "G-Go to hell!"

The wind whistled loudly in their ears as they raced on.

…

Andrew stopped his headlong rush and slowly turned, scanning his surroundings. Onyx and Ivory stood nearby, swords in hand, flanking him on either side.

Further out, figures were moving to encircle him.

Andrew let out a cold laugh. "Go on then. Make your move."

Onyx stepped forward. "Where's the Godslayer? Hand it over, and you might just walk away alive."

Andrew sneered. "Hand it over and live? Then what are all those people out there for?"

Ivory's tone was flat. "They're not from Swordhaven Keep. You can ask them why they're here."

Andrew shook his head. "Why should I ask? I can give up the Godslayer, but I've got one condition."

Both Onyx and Ivory's voices hardened. "You've got too many conditions. Keep pushing, and you'll die ugly."

Andrew gave a mocking smile. "Go ahead, try it. If Mr. Topsfield Senior doesn't want the Godslayer, then you're free to attack."

The two went silent.

From behind, a gritted voice broke the tension. "Andrew, you really are a pain in the ass, aren't you? Today, you're handing over that sword. And if you want to walk out of the Eastern Regions in one piece, you'll pay a little price for it. Like, say… your manhood."

He emphasized the last word with hatred.

Andrew turned, and a crooked smile spread across his face. "Jericho! Look at you, back from the dead?"

Andrew chuckled darkly. "Go ahead, send them. I'll die here in Swordhaven Keep then. And when that happens, your father can forget about ever getting his hands on the Godslayer."

Jericho's brow furrowed. His hand, hidden behind his back, clenched and loosened again and again, the urge to kill nearly overwhelming him.

Andrew knew he could not stall any longer. He had already bought Luna and the others some time, but not enough. Swordhaven's people were not stupid.

"Alright," he said at last, "the Godslayer's hidden at…"

At once, Onyx, Ivory, and Jericho's brothers all leaned forward, ears straining for the rest.

However, Andrew did not finish.

Jericho's face twisted with fury. "Say it, damn you! Still trying to play games?"

Andrew grinned. "Relax, man. Can't take a joke? Come here, I'll tell you… Just you."