“Where’s Magenta?” Max asked softly. “Is she okay?”

His hearing picked up on a great whirring outside.

He peered out the door—to the snow and dust blowing about.

Maya’s head snapped back, her black eyes searching the upper floors.

She backed toward the shadows.

A surprised smile flickered across Dominic’s face. “Anyone call for a chopper?”

They walkedout of the building, squinting in gusts of dust-choked wind, to find a military helicopter landing in the lot, air assault soldiers inside.

One hopped out and walked this way, squinting beneath the brim of his forest green combat helmet. “Dallas Bright?” the man shouted. Louder he said,“Are you Dallas Bright?”

“Yeah!” Her response was barely audible over the noise. A few feathers ripped free of her wings and spun like snowflakes through the air.

“Your father sent for you! We’re getting you out of here.”

“Wait,” Dallas said, grabbing Max by the hand. “My friends—I’m not leaving without my friends!”

“Then round them up and let’s go!”

Max gave Dal’s hand a light squeeze. “Be right back,” he told her before hurrying back inside.

Just in time to see Maya limping through the building, her arm wrapped around Magenta’s waist. Supporting most of her weight, just like yesterday. There was a nasty gash in her thigh, but it was the only visible injury. One she would recover from quickly, thanks to her hellseher healing properties.

He stepped aside to let them through, beyond grateful that she had listened to him when he’d begged her to come with. The moment that helicopter showed up, he’d known exactly why they were here.

But Maya froze when she saw the soldiers.

“It’s okay,” Max said. He tried to speak softly, but having to shout over all the noise wasn’t helping. “We can trust them. They aren’t here for you—they’re trying to help us. They just want to get us out of the city—that’s all. I swear.”

She took a step forward. Back.

Max checked his watch. They still had time to get out, but only if they left now.

“Maya,” Max urged. Her eyes—glowing like embers again—flashed to his face. “I’m your big brother. I’m Max—remember me?” He smiled and poked himself in the chest. “I won’t let anything bad happen to you, okay? I promise.”

She stared out at the helicopter. Dallas was already inside with Blue, headset on. Dominic was climbing in, wings tucked in tight.

“We have to go,” Max urged. “If we don’t get out now, we won’t have another chance.” When she still didn’t move, he took a step toward her.

She stiffened, but didn’t back away.

“Maya, I want you to pretend like we’re kids again. I want you to pretend like these past few years never happened. And I want you to trust me. I would never ask you to do anything that would end up hurting you. We’ve both changed, I can admit that. But I haven’t changed in that regard. I’m still your brother, and I still want what’s best for you.”

The edge in her eyes softened.

“Please trust me on this. If they” —He pointed at the air assault soldiers— “Hurt or scare you in any way, I will step in. I swear.”

Maya took a deep breath, her glowing eyes dimming, and tightened her hold on Magenta’s waist.

Max thanked the gods as he walked with his long-lost sister across the lot, following the soldiers’ instructions as they got in the helicopter and strapped themselves in.

He took Dallas’s hand into his, lacing their fingers, and held back a sob of relief as the aircraft took flight.

They had made it.

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