Derek's fists were bloodied. His breath came in short bursts. His legs burned with every step, but he kept moving.
The spirit came at him again. She swung with deadly precision, her hands like blades. Derek blocked the first strike with his forearm and ducked under the second. He stepped in close and drove his knee into her gut.
She staggered, but only for a second.
The spirit hissed and lashed out with a backhand. Derek took the hit and rolled away, landing hard on his side. He spit blood and got back up.
He glanced at the glowing necklace in his hand. Its light was fading.
"Not yet," Derek muttered. "I need more time."
The spirit ran toward him again. She threw a flurry of punches. Derek blocked some, dodged others, and took a few straight to his ribs. The pain was sharp, but he didn't stop.
And when he saw an opening. He grabbed her arm and twisted it behind her back. He slammed her into the ground.
"Where is she?" he growled.
