Page 181 of Wings of Ash & Flame
“Despite your assumption that I only live to infuriate you, I’m doing what’s in the best interest of all of us making it out alive. Would you not give Kaia the best chance of surviving this trial? Part of being in a team is making choices that protect everyone, not just yourself.”
Alaire let out a long sigh. She’d been prepared to dig in her heels. She truly believed she and Kaia would’ve made aformidable pair. But she couldn’t guarantee her friend’s safety the way Caius could—not without magic.
“Fine.” Her shoulders slumped.
Kaia raised her brows, but Alaire gave a slight nod before moving to Dawson’s side.
“You made the right decision.”
“It wasn’t for you.”
“I know,” Dawson replied, something like pride underlining his words. When she turned to look at him, he was already studying the inscription again.
Kaia moved beside Caius. Their heads bent close, whispering urgently. Alaire pretended to survey the horizon, shamelessly trying to eavesdrop. She leaned slightly closer but couldn’t catch their words. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Caius’s cheeks flush deeper.Interesting.
Dawson turned back to the group, all business. “It’s settled. Alaire will come with me—we’ll head west toward the winterflame. If flames are involved, Solflara gives us the best chance. Caius and Kaia will head east to retrieve the frostfire. Once we reunite the items, the task is complete.Unite the items, the way is clear. Only then will the door appear.”
“Where do we meet?” Kaia asked.
“Here, where the inscription is. It’s the only landmark I trust that the topography of this area on the trial map won’t change.”
His eyes swept over the group. “We should head out. Time is of the essence.”
Kaia wrapped Alaire in a tight hug. “I wish we didn’t have to separate. Be safe. Cut Dawson some slack—he’s just trying to do what he thinks will keep us alive.”
Alaire squeezed her back. A suddenthuddrew her attention. Out of thin air, several packs appeared near the rock, neatly arranged.
She crouched, unbuckling one. Relief surged as she rifled through: thick, fur-lined coats, insulated pants, thermal underlayers, boots built for icy terrain, gloves, and winter hats lined with soft fleece.
She dug deeper—dried fruit and nuts, preserved food, chunks of bread, canteens of water.
“Looks like we’ve been given everything we need. None of us will freeze or starve out there,” Dawson remarked over her shoulder.
Her fingers brushed against something familiar. She drew out her twin daggers, heart swelling at the weight of them in her palms. She slid them into their sheaths at her sides, comforted by the familiar steel.
But a twinge of worry niggled at the back of her mind about what they’d need their weapons for.
Kaia and Caius sorted through their packs, finding similar supplies. Caius pulled out a bow and arrows, Kaia pulled out a mace, eyes lighting with excitement. Dawson’s broadsword was fastened to the straps under his pack.
Kaia stepped forward, picked up the gloves, and slid them onto her hands. She sighed in relief. “This is simply divine.” A grateful smile spread across her face.
Solflara lifted her head, flames already looking brighter. “You and Kaia should change into warmer clothing.I can shield you both.”
“Thanks,Solf.”
“Ky, want to change out of our leathers? Solflara offered to shield us and lend some of her warmth.”
“Hells yes.” Kaia threw a saucy grin over her shoulder at the boys, winking. “No peeking, or you might find yourselves incinerated into piles of ash—and while that would be extremely entertaining, it would also be rather inconvenient.”
Behind Solflara’s wings, they shed one layer before quickly replacing it with warmer, insulated gear.
While Kaia was balanced on one leg, hopping into her leggings, she whispered, “Do you think you and Dawson will finally finish your conversation?”
“This is our only time alone, and that’s what you want to discuss?”
“Yes.” She nodded vigorously as she finished tugging her leggings up.
“I’m sure we’ll be eager to spill our deepest and darkest secrets when it feels too cold to utter words.”
