Iora's heart stopped for a moment as Karl collapsed outside, struck hard and fast by a blow she hadn't seen coming. His body hit the ground with a dull thud, and before she could reach him, rough hands snatched him and dragged him into the shadows of the underbelly's twisted alleyways.
"Karl!" she screamed, her voice cracking with panic. She shoved past a fallen attacker, slipping slightly on a smear of blood beneath her boots. Her breath came fast, her thoughts scattered, but her focus stayed on him. She couldn't lose him. They couldn't lose him.
Just as she reached the edge of the street, a massive figure stepped into her path. The man towered over her, his muscles bulging beneath a grimy shirt, his eyes glittering with cruel intent.
Without a word, he swung a thick arm, and the impact knocked her to the ground.
"Fuck…"
The breath tore from her lungs as pain radiated through her side.
