I start to fall down into the darkness.
Then the prickle in my backwhooshesinto a brilliant roar.
Hellfire wings unfurl.
As they slow my fall, I feel the lich king’s magic pulsing far, far below.
Those bastards sent me away.
Vhex’s magic coils inside me, hot and itchy as it welds new circuits to my spine.
I can’t control the wings. They flap themselves as if Vhex is steering, casting pink sparks that light the walls below.
“Stop. Send me down. Godsdamnit!”
I windmill my arms and kick, fighting a sick wave of pain when my knee extends. No matter how I struggle, the wings won’t listen.
They carry me up, heading toward the surface.
Gritting my teeth, I force myself to relax. I can feel the magic knitting into me. All I can do is save my energy. When it finishes, I should be able to take control.
While the wings do all the work, I hang limp and glare into the pit. Warring magics pulse below.
Vhex and Remy can’t win without me.
They need my touch.
And I?—
Stars.
I needthem.
Vhex and Remy are already mine.
They didn’t abandon me.
I won’t abandon them.
CHAPTER54
REMY
The darkness claws.
It’s cold.
Empty.
Iris clears the fog for a beat. My shadows taste her skin.
One last time.
I wink her away while I can.
High above, her heartbeat soars.
She’s rising. Out of my reach.