Page 238 of Red Ruin

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.

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