The blue iron shattered.
Kikaru's fourth strike broke through the center of the wall. Blue dust burst across Elias's face. The force behind her punch drove through the gap and slammed into his crossed forearms.
He slid across the tile and hit the reinforced glass behind him hard enough to rattle his teeth. Pain rolled through his ribs and stayed there.
Elias lowered his arms.
He let them hang at his sides, showing the torn shoulder, the bad angle of his ribs, and the fact that he had nothing ready in his hands. Dots was almost silent under his collarbone. The next construct might cost more than he could pay.
Kikaru stepped through the broken wall.
Blood from Warden Vance darkened the tape on her knuckles. The golden orb at her chest burned steady now, but her face held none of the satisfaction that should have come with survival.
She drew her fist back.
"I netted you because Vira would have executed you in the lobby, so look at them before you hit me," Elias said.
