CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN - TRAGIC DEATH

John reacted on pure instinct. He flung himself forward, tackling Zaya just as the rifle barked, its bullets kicking up clouds of dirt and rock where she'd been standing moments before. Chaos erupted in the aftermath of the gunshots. Lady Becky raised her staff, an invisible shockwave rippling outward and slamming into Jurgen, flinging him backwards. Nancy snarled and unleashed a torrent of eldritch energy at her mother, only to have Gwen interpose herself, absorbing the blast with a pained roar. John helped Zaya to her feet as Karina rushed to their side, terror etched on her features. "We need to get you both out of here!" Karina shouted over the din of battle. But Zaya shook her head vehemently. "No! I won't abandon my family again!" She fixed John with a pleading look. "Please, keep Karina safe. I have to try and reason with Nancy one last time." Before John could protest, Zaya broke away and sprinted towards the melee, her form blurring and shifting as she tapped into her