Page 241 of Red Ruin

---

I flap to keep myself aloft, testing my control.

Far below, the pit yawns.

It’s cold up here, alone.

I don’t like it.

I never liked it.

My life was signed away before I had a choice.

Kevan’s heartlessness was better than the malice at home, but I’vealwaysbeen on my own, either shunned, used, or too afraid to connect.

Until now.

I’m still afraid.

The fear that numbs my fingertips flutters through my new wings, scattering sparkles from their tips.

I might even bemoreafraid.

There’s so much more I can lose.

But so much more I can gain.

Vhex.

Remy.

They’re twisted, but so am I.

We twist the same way.

I fold my wings and dive.

Faster and faster and faster I fall, scrunching my eyes against the screaming wind.

I blur past the surface, plunging back into the dark. My flaming wings light the way down.

My chest feels tight. It’s hard to breathe through the strange, choking feeling.

My head whirls.

My pulse flickers.

Faster.

Faster.

Faster.

I have to save them.

CHAPTER56

VHEX

So hot.

---