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The focus kept me from screaming when the gray Shade approached.

Unlike the skeletal appearance of the other undead, this Shade had reformed skin, giving their body a smooth silhouette. The gray skin covered their eyes and mouth, leaving no orifices. It curved over every joint, softening the body’s angles.

Worst of all, the way this one studied me, cocking its head… This Shade was smart.

“Brand me,” Zayne commanded again.

The Gray General loomed over me, the concave shape of his skull giving only the illusion of eyes. I clenched my fist, clutching the ring.

Nothing saved me. I drowned in the oblivion of those nonexistent eyes.

7 | Salvation

Zayne

Once again, I failed. Shades trapped me, forcing me into the role of an unwilling audience.

My entire body clenched as the Gray General approached Ayla. Trauma ricocheted through my bones. The pain echoed with Eleanor’s capture. It shook with the worst of my childhood memories: the Collapse.

We were only ten when it happened. Eleanor and I had escaped together, saved by our nursemaid. Sandra had been branded and slain in our escape.

Now Ayla faced the Brand.

I swallowed. Shook my head. I wouldn’t sink to despair. My power remained.

Collecting calm, I descended into the Underworld, surrendering my physical body to the Shades holding me down.

“Come to me,” I commanded the Gray General. They flinched, considering. They disobeyed.

And no wonder. Ayla’s brilliance was like a star to my flame. This close to such a light, the Gray General focused on her.

“Come,” I tried again.

This time, not even a flinch. He reached a hand toward her, hovering it over her heart, and her body grew slack. The branding was about to begin.

“Stop! I command you. You will not brand her.”

Another flinch. She was spared for a moment.

“You will listen to me.”

I nearly had it. Maybe.

Once more. “You want me instead.”

A ruby red light joined with the sound of a crackling flame. The scent of bonfire and cinnamon. Power surged from Ayla’s hand.

Too much. Too late.

The surge of power was brilliant, and the Gray General lunged, drawn to this even brighter prize.

In the Underworld, the Brand looked like a lump of coal. It left the General’s chest and raced down their arm. Out of their palm—the coal entered Ayla’s heart.

“No!”I screamed. “Hear my order, Gray General.”My next command would end my attempt to be branded. I’d have to try this again. So be it. “I command you to turn to ash.”

As I spoke, something burst from the ruby light.

I couldn’t see it, but I could sense it. Somethingnewboarded our ship.