Page 41 of Red Ruin

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Power comes too easily.

I summon shadows that spike from the ground.

My head throbs.

My throat ignites.

I wrap the beasts in living blades. They’re only scouts.

No mages.

No challenge.

I separate their heads from their bodies before my feet touch ground.

The Sentinels scatter.

Thirst drags me to the closest corpse. Its blood pools a brackish brown. It smells damp. Rotting.

But thethirst?—

My magic twists.

Static.

Darkness.

Pain.

I grip my head.

When does this end?

“She’s our new commander?” A distant voice finds me through the shadows.

I cock my throbbing head to listen.

“I’m so fucking ruined,” another male mutters. “How am I supposed to go back to B-class guiding afterthat?”

“Iris said—” The Sentinel chokes.

I don’t remember moving.

I’m standing in front of him.

Shadows grip his neck.

“M-m-m-major Azrid.” Two Sentinels stutter and salute.

A sweet scent clings to their hands.

I grab their wrists.

Passion fruit punch.

I drag my nose along a Sentinel’s finger.

Inhale.

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