Page 109 of The Last One
“Olivia,” I snap, my heart pounding, “bring me my clothes.”
“I can’t.” Her brows crumple, and she whispers, “They’re outside, at our camp.”
My stomach drops. “Damn it, Olivia.”
Philia helps me shove my arms into the sleeves.
“Hurry, Phily,” Jadon urges, inching toward the door.
As she works, I notice symbols on the rings of chainmail.
“For divine protection,” Veril says, whispering as he touches my shoulders, my heart, and my head while Philia finishes the final clasps at the back.
I close my eyes, catching only a few words of his incantation.Mantle…light…shadowed abyss…beseech…unravel…triumph.
“They always roost in caves,” Jadon reminds me once Veril steps away. “Azzam Cavern in particular. It’s deep and dangerous and very safe for the battabies.”
“Why are they here?” Olivia cries, facing Veril.
The old man shakes his head. “Like I said, they’ve never come to my forest.”
“And how do you know all this?” Olivia asks, spinning to face her brother.
He flails his free arm in irritation. “Because I’m smart. Fuck. Can we stop asking questions and hurry the fuck up?”
“Calm down, Jadon,” I say, scolding him with my eyes. “She’s going as fast as she can.”
“What do they want?” Olivia asks.
“Food,” I say. “Tighter, Philia.”
Philia pulls the buckles of my borrowed armor tighter.
Olivia grips the windowsill. “What will make them go away?”
“Death,” I answer.
“If we don’t kill them,” Jadon says, “they’ll keep attacking until they kill us.”
“Tighter, Phily,” I demand.
Philia says, “But—”
“Do it,” I say, looking at her over my shoulder. “Please. Don’t worry about my ribs.”
Philia pulls the straps taut. “So you’re gonna follow them?”
Both Jadon and I nod and say, “Yes.”
“What if they lead you to Elyn?” Olivia whispers, her voice trembling.
Neither Jadon nor I answer that question. My throat is too tight to talk.
Bam!More wood splinters.
“They’re back.” Olivia’s eyes widen with terror.
My fingers burn, each thud against the cottage sending waves of heat through them. I squeeze Veril’s shoulder. “You do your enchantment thing but remember that we’ll need to be able to find you.” I push out one last shaky breath and rotate my shoulders. “Feels like I’m wearing every chain ever forged. But I’m ready.” I hold out my hand. “Fury, please.”
