Page 24 of Fallen Star

It startles, but I’m faster, my hands closing around it before it can take flight.

Its heart hammers against my palms, wings fluttering frantically as I keep my hold on it.

That was easier than I thought it would be.

“Do you plan on coming back, or are you too busy making new friends?” Riven asks, and I look over at where he’s cradling my unconscious body in his arms.

As always, it’s unnerving to see myself lying there limply, looking dead.

No wonder he was so freaked out the first time he saw it happen.

“I’m bringing it over.” I walk slowly toward him, and he shifts his grip on my body, placing it gently on the ground as I approach.

When I’m close enough, I hand him the dove. His fingers brush mine as he takes it, and his gaze flickers, like he’s searching for something in my eyes—well, in myprojectedeyes.

“I have it,” he says, slow and steady. “You can let go now.”

Let go,I repeat in my mind, and I snap back into my body, my heart pounding as I regain my senses.

“Nice catch,” Riven says, watching me intensely as I sit up and adjust myself.

As if he’s making sure I’mactuallyalive.

“Now what?” I ask, even though I know exactly what comes next.

It’s the part I’ve been dreading.

The part I’ve been desperately trying to not think about.

“Now,” he says, glancing at his hands, where the dove is miraculously starting to relax. “You do the hard part.”

I’m frozen, unable to tear my gaze away from the bird.

I don’t want to do this.

But Ihaveto do this.

For Zoey.

“Your dagger, Sapphire,” Riven reminds me, gentler than ever. “You need to use your dagger.”

I take it out, the blade feeling heavier than it should.

The dove coos softly, unaware of its fate.

“How do I…” I force myself to look away from the dove, meeting Riven’s gaze instead.

“Quick and clean,” he says. “Don’t hesitate, and it won’t feel a thing.”

I nod, gripping the blade tighter, and position myself beside the bird.

“Ready?” he asks, his voice steady.

I swallow hard. “Ready.”

And then, with one swift motion, I do it.

The scent of blood hits me like a storm.

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