A week ago, Kieran would have reluctantly let the girl jump. Would have watched with detached indifference as the sea swallowed another nameless casualty of this wretched world.
But now?
Now all he saw was Autumn…Trapped. Terrified. Alone.
He exhaled sharply, forcing his gaze back to the girl scrambling towards the vent.
Pathetic.
The girl's bare feet slapped against the metal grating as she lunged for the vent. Kieran moved.
"No you don't," he snarled.
He crossed the distance in three strides, his hand closing around her ankle just as she flung herself forward. She shrieked, her fingers scrambling as he yanked her back, her body hitting the floor with a thud.
"Let me GO!" she almost screamed, thrashing like a wild thing. "I'd rather DROWN than let them…"
Kieran hauled her up by the collar, slamming her against the nearest crate. Her breath left her in a rush, her eyes widening as his claws pricked her throat.
