The creak overhead became a groan.

Dust rained down, and before Raven could register movement, a man dropped from the broken balcony like a shadow peeling off the ceiling.

Jaxon moved faster than thought, shoving her behind him just as the man swung a steel pipe toward his head.

The sound of metal meeting flesh was replaced by the sharp clang of Jaxon’s forearm blocking the hit.

“Run,” he ordered.

“Not leaving her!” Raven shouted, already darting toward Elena.

But the room ...