The scent of rotten iron and old coins filled Hayes's lungs as he looked from the bodies to Leon's face. "Leon, Leon, Leon."
He pulled his hands from his robe pockets, brushed his palm through his hair, and smiled.
The remaining Skywarden lords moved sideways, their faces pale as Hayes stepped forward. Gravel crunched beneath their boots with every stride Hayes took.
'Jade.' Leon's eyes blazed. He glared past Hayes toward the gate behind him. His dual heart plummeted against his ribs as Hayes blocked his line of sight.
Cunning laughter cut through the air like a death cry. Hayes brushed his palm over his face and frowned. "I have been an audience for a long time."
A blue glow pulsed under his skin like sprawling water. "But now, you will have to go through me first."
He drove his right boot into the ground and exhaled sharply. Gravel sprayed as he launched himself forward. In a blur, he closed the distance and drove his palm into Leon's chest.
