Page 243 of A Dawn of Gods & Fury

“She is strong. But not strong enough.” The glint in Malachi’s eyes is the only warning I have before he launches a veil of fire that gusts toward the city wall.

80

Romeria

“Shadows, ready!” Solange bellows in the quiet moments after Sofie’s assault as adrenaline strums through my veins. The sleek figures hop up onto the rampart walls, their cloaks fluttering in the breeze.

A roar rises from below, racing my blood. The Saur’goths ache for war.

The dragons respond with screeches that reverberate through the sky.

The air itself seems seconds away from igniting.

And that’s when a giant wall of fire rushes toward us.

“Fates,” Zander gasps.

With a battle cry, I throw out everything simmering in my well at it.

81

Atticus

From the tower, I watch as a brilliant white light shoots down from Lyndel’s wall, into the army. Romeria, no doubt.

Another returns, exploding in a flash over a hard surface. Malachi’s key caster, returning fire.

“That is the one power in its purest form,” Tuella notes, her black eyes shining with fascination. “A show of strength.”

My jaw drops as a burst of flame erupts. If there was any doubt that the Fate of Fire stood before us on this plane, we now have proof. A moment later, a deafening boom cracks as a radiant light collides with the fire, and the two sides surge against each other.

The dragons launch into the sky.

The battle has officially begun.

“Advance!” I command, pointing my sword tip at Kazimir.

He lifts the war horn to his lips, and a deep croon carries.

The ground rumbles.

82

Sofie

Malachi finally relents, his fire extinguishing in an instant.

My mouth gapes at the pristine wall and the line of soldiers still standing. “She stopped it.” I don’t know that I could, even with all my affinities combined. The power that radiates off him feels impossible to contain.

“Those blasted nymphs,” he hisses through gritted teeth. “They meddle where they should not, aiding her cause beyond what is deemed appropriate.”

The casters cloaked in all black stand on the wall like grim reapers, their eyes glowing. But they haven’t attacked us yet. It must be because of Romeria’s parents. Malachi was right—that weak mortal fool cannot bring herself to do what must be done.

Chaos rises behind us as the dragons char lines of fire through the ranks, deftly avoiding the bolts flying toward them. But I note the faint sound of clashing blades. “I think there is a second assault—”

“Forget about them! Our battle is here,” Malachi snaps, his fury seeping through his pores. He assumed he would be victorious already. He did not expect for the little thief to put up a viable fight.

“Tell me what you wish me to do, Your Highness.”

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