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For a moment, I wonder why he’s using such small flames…until I’m forced to squint to locate my opponent in the dark.

I’ve destroyed my night vision. And Leesa’s and Agnar’s as well. We can’t fight what we can’t see.

Just because I can’t fly doesn’t mean my wings are useless.

As I pull them out, my eyes change. My vision clears instantly, becoming sharp and alert.

Just a few feet in front of me, white teeth and claws shine in the light. The creature’s glossy black coat ripples over powerful muscles as a low growl rumbles its chest.

Black cave cats, rumored to be favored by the goddess of night.

Just like the statues at the dock and at the city gates. And cave cats prefer to attack from behind. If they manage to get a bite on my spine, I’ll be paralyzed but not dead when they start eating me alive.

Fear threatens to overwhelm me.

These creatures outnumber us.

Think, Lark. You have to think!

Spreading my wings wide and high to protect my head and neck, I concentrate on my magic. It hums inside me, begging for release. Not sure if it will work, I will flames to spread around the outlines of my wings.

A second passes. Then another.

Fire envelops but doesn’t burn me. The cat blocking my path backs away.

I glance at my wings, taking in the magnificent flames all around them.

It worked. It actually worked.

Gleaming eyes narrow against the sudden light and heat. Instead of backing down like any normal wild creature would, it lashes out with a clawed paw easily the size of my head.

I dodge, the black claws slicing air where my face was moments before. These animals…they know no mercy, no hesitation.

But neither do I.

With a flick of my wrist, I send flames racing over its fur.

With a yelp, it jumps away, slapping its paw against the ground before disappearing into the city.

Free, I rush toward my sister, who’s on her back with Blair crouched over her. He’s spun an air shield around them, which is the only thing preventing two huge cave cats from biting his arm off.

Agnar stands with his back to Bastian, each of them turning in a slow circle as three cats surround them and wait for an opening.

Meanwhile, Blair’s arm quivers with strain.

I need to do something before all their magic wanes.

Reflexively, I start to push the fire in my hand toward them. Then I stop. That won’t work. Blinding my friends will only cripple them.

Anxiety pours into my gut, weakening my resolve and slowing my reflexes. This was why Sterling insisted I didn’t come alone.

The cave cats now enclosing the other two catch my attention as their tails flick and thrash.

What can I do?

A sudden, horrible memory from my childhood surfaces. With a quick prayer to Nyc for her forgiveness, I focus on the cat attacking Blair.

And set its tail on fire.