Page 92

I claimed Zayne’s final breath.

His strength entered my lungs, and my spine straightened. Energy waved and writhed. Something opened. Something unhinged.

It began small, a pulse at my tailbone. Then it expanded, becoming an explosion, racing up my spine.

Empowered, my taproot plunged.

First a crack, then a fracture, the barrier fell. Iron broke. Magic welled within me, radiating up my spine. My lungs heaved, my heart thudded, and my shoulders were driven back.

Beyond the shattered ceiling, I faced the sky. Gloom blocked my vision, but I saw beyond. I saw stars.

They glinted. They sparkled and sang, “Hello.”

They pulsed in beat with my heart.

I drifted down. Ninti spoke beside me. “Are you okay, Princess?” she asked.

I practiced breathing, struggling in my strange body.

Zayne remained lifeless.

Thiswas magic. My magic, power I didn’t know how to wield. My mind and body were exhausted. It would be crazy to use my newfound strength, except…

All I saw was Zayne. All I felt was power.

39 | Her Song

Zayne

“Ooh.”

I heard it from far away.

The distance as long as death.

Ayla?I opened my Underworld eyes.

Surprise, I wasn’t dead.

Not quite yet.

I lingered near the end.

This was the death I had prepared for.

I surrendered a long time ago.

An urge… to fall back to sleep…

“Ooh, ahh.”

She woke me up.

My soul trembled.

Ayla.Cherry and spice.

I didn’t see her.