I let out a sharp groan, irritation prickling beneath my skin as I pushed myself upright. My ribs still ached from the impact. Off to my right, Deric was already on his feet, brushing dust off his pants with an obnoxious grin plastered across his face.
"Damn, that was a hell of a punch," he laughed, rolling his shoulder like he'd just finished a friendly sparring match and not a scuffle that nearly broke bones.
My gaze slid past him, landing coldly on the bastard responsible.
Earth.
He stood there, arms crossed, his expression full of amusement.
"You're pretty weak for a man," he said with a cocky smirk that seemed more targeted toward me than Deric.
I couldn't believe it. This was the guy who killed Ephera and Shayna? It wasn't even anger I felt anymore—it was embarrassment. Not for me. For them. That someone like him could end them….
Did he just need attention that badly?
