We started running immediately. The figures on the rooftops moved with us, keeping pace above. A second later, an arrow struck the ground right in front of us. The moment it hit, a dark, oily substance spread from the point of impact. It hissed as it expanded, crawling across the stone until it formed a solid wall that sealed off the end of the street.
I did not slow down. I tried to push through it, but I slammed into the surface like it was solid stone and fell back hard onto the ground.
I pushed myself up quickly and looked to the side. Ken was right next to me, his back pressed against the black barrier. I still had his dagger, and now he had drawn a short sword from his belt. He held it in front of him with both hands, trying to steady himself, though his posture gave away how nervous he was.
"What are we going to do, Ace…" he muttered, his voice tight. "We're screwed."
"We fight."
