Page 144 of Wings of Ash & Flame
Thirty-Four
The world lurched beneath Alaire as wind whipped around them. Every beat of mighty wings sent agony radiating through her ribs, yet the cool air soothed her burning skin.
She was flying.
“How much further to the castle?” Dawson called out.
The pounding wind dulled, as if it’d been drowned out.
“She’s losing blood fast,” Dawson said, voice tight with panic.
Blood. That explained the sticky warmth. A burn spread from her throat outward, liquid fire in her veins. Poison.
Memories came in blurs of teeth and steel. She fought the pull of pain, the call of Umbra to the underworld.
“We thought you were trapped in the cave. Alaire ran in, trying to rescue Solflara. It was a trap.”
A harsh intake of breath came from above her.
“Where were you?”
A cool hand brushed across her forehead. She leaned into the touch.
“Why would the bond cut us both off from each other?”
Feathers as soft as satin grazed her brow.
“Thank Lysia you tracked us. I don’t know what I’d do if you both weren’t here.”
She wanted to ask about Solflara, but the words wouldn’t come. Her throat felt raw, voice trapped somewhere beyond reach.
“She’s stable for now, Solflara,” Dawson assured.
A familiar indignant screech needed no translation.
“Yes, she was also incredibly reckless,” Dawson muttered. “But she saved me.”
Relief surged through her. Solflara was safe. Alive.
“I don’t know how the bloodravagers got past the perimeter wards.” A pause. “But I’ll find out.”
The familiar scent of frosted evergreen and salted wind wrapped around her.
She curled closer to Dawson.
“We’re almost there. Hold on, baby.” His words, raw with desperation, sounded as if he didn’t quite believe them himself.
Darkness consumed her again.
“What the fuck happened?”
“The Consortium is already interested in her. Cut the cord now while you still can.”
“Caius, Ican’t,” he bit out. “You know why.”
“I know. The Consortium will want a full report.”
Alaire surfaced slowly, recognizing the voices, though her eyes still wouldn’t obey. Caius and Dawson argued in hushed tones.
