I heard footfalls behind me. I was yanked around from him with an iron grip. A shotgun exploded to my left. Mr. Kline flew backward into the storage room then smashed into the shelf that swung open. He lay sprawled across the tunnel floor. His magic slipped from me.

"Beloved? Are you okay?" Liam asked. His arm was wrapped around my waist as he held me against his chest.

I sagged against him as Mr. Kline's magic loosened. "Thanks for coming."

Mr. Kline groaned. He started ...