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.