Adrik seizes Nix by the arm, pulling her to the front of the pack. He points his rifle right at her spine. “You lead the way,” he says. “And if you get any brilliant ideas about yelling out or trying to run off . . . I’ll cut the cord to your legs.” I shove my way between Adrik and Nix, standing between her and the gun. “Don’t touch her, and don’t fucking threaten her,” I snarl. Adrik stares at me like I’ve lost my mind.
