Page 211 of Red Ruin

“They’re not death knights,” I say without looking, even though I can hear the scrape of their heavy armor and feel the spectral energy dancing against my skin.

Vhex lights up—literally and figuratively. “They don’t have to exist.”

“Save your strength.” I take his hand and turn to Remy. “Will you take us down?” I refuse to do hundreds of stairs in end-of-the-world conditions.

I may die, but my calves don’t have to.

Remy winks us all to the courtyard. Cherise is waiting, all blood-spattered and ash-streaked.

She rushes over with an axe in each hand. “The kobold mages are chanting for the second wave.”

“Did we lose anyone?” I touch my badges, dreading the answer.

Cherise’s grip tightens on her axe poles. “Two Guides dead, three Sentinels missing.”

My gut rolls with guilt.

Vhex tugs my back against his chest. His warm palm settles on my stomach.

I stiffen, then slowly relax under the gentle rub of his fingers.

Guides and Sentinels cling to each other all over the courtyard, both for comfort and healing. It’s a totally normal thing, but I’ve never been the one who’s comforted.

I don’t know if I can get used to the treatment, but…I need it right now.

As the last Farguard and Deathguard captains hustle over, Cherise runs me through the number of injured, our supplies, and potential tactics for the coming siege. I mostly nod, only chipping in strategies for handling possessed Sentinels.

She’s the logistical leader.

I’m only wearing these badges because I can herd Vhex and Remy and look everyone in the eye when I promise to stand with them until the end.

I don’t want to lose anyone else.

With a sigh, I find Tiago. The Deathguard’s leaders stand clustered to my left, not mingling with the Farguard. “Any casualties?”

“A handful of minor injuries.” He hesitates, but finally pushes back his shoulders and gathers the courage to ask, “Is the duke alive?”

“I don’t know.” Based on everyone’s grim looks, I don’t have to say what we’re all thinking.

Whether or not Kevan’s soul can escape, the lich king just recruited an S-class body that comes built-in with his bloodline and the fully leveled necromancer skill pack.

No one asks about Luca.

“Godsdamnit.” Cherise grinds the butt of her axe into the flagstones. “We have to clear a path through these bodies.”

“How many monsters are out there?” I ask.

She laughs wryly. “Tens if not hundreds of thousands.”

Great.

Cool.

Fun.

I lean back, letting my head bump Vhex’s chest. Cradled half in his arms as a shadow strokes my cheek, I swallow a belly full of regret.

It’s my fault for calling Kevan.

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