Chapter 81: Shotgun

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 climbing to his feet.

Liam leveled his shotgun at him. "Stay down, or I'll fill you full of another round."

"Try it, Ogre."

"He's an orc," I corrected.

Mr. Kline waved his hand. My body strained against Liam's grip. He released me, thinking it was me controlling my body. I stepped in front of the shotgun.

"What are you doing, Beloved?" He asked.

I tried to shake my head. I tried to say something, but my body wouldn't respond. It was being jerked around by the puppet master. My mouth clamped shut. Even my eyes