The rogue's claws raked across Dante's ribs. Blood soaked through his shirt.
He was losing. Badly.
Ten rogues surrounded him and Kera in the forest clearing. They'd been tracking shadow wolves when the rogues found them first.
Dante swung his sword but missed. His movements were getting sloppy. Too much rage and not enough focus.
A rogue lunged at Kera. She dodged but barely.
"Dante!" she called out. "We need to run!"
"No." He blocked another attack. "We fight."
But they were outnumbered five to one. And Dante's mind wasn't on the battle. All he could think about was Laura.
Was she hurt? Was she scared? Was she even still alive?
A rogue's fist connected with his jaw. Stars exploded behind his eyes.
Dante stumbled. His knee hit the ground.
This was how it would end. Dying in the dirt while Laura needed him.
Then the pain hit.
It slammed into his chest like a bolt of lightning. Not his pain. Laura's pain.
Agony ripped through every nerve in his body. He could feel her terror. Her helple
