Silas's hands squeezed harder around Luthra's throat. Everything was going dark.
'Not him. I'm not letting that thing out.'
The serpent tattoo on his arm felt like it was waiting for him to activate it. He could feel it stirring, whispering promises of an easy way out. He pushed the feeling down hard.
'I already did that to Rebecca. Never again.'
His lungs burned. He could barely see anything now.
'Okay, think. What would a smart person do?'
He couldn't break free. Silas was just too strong. But his legs could still move. His chain lay on the ground a few feet away.
His right foot shot out and hooked the end link.
"Trying for your toy? Too late."
Luthra whipped his leg back. The chain flew up through the air. Silas saw it coming and shifted, ready to block, but Luthra wasn't aiming for his body. The chain wrapped around both of Silas's ankles and pulled tight.
Silas had to choose between holding onto Luthra's throat or keeping his balance.
He let go.
