Page 15

H alf past four in the morning comes much quicker than I had expected.

I also hadn’t expected a mystic light to appear at my window, gently rapping on the glass. I jolt up in bed, silently slipping over to the pane, and tap in response. This appeases the mystic light, and it gently floats away.

I’ve never intentionally been up this early, but I can already say with certainty that Ridge is truly depraved for requiring that we start at such an ungodly hour.

My body is aching; I spent entirely too many hours in the training room yesterday. Ingrid was right though, I’m never going to improve if I continue to train with the same people day in and day out. Especially with the yearly competition, Star Sparr, coming up. With Novices challenging trained officers in hand-to-hand combat, I need to get stronger before someone crumples me on the mat.

Slipping out of our room and into the bathing chamber next door, I’m quick to brush my hair, weaving it into a tight braid. I wash up before heading back out to the hallway. I try and fail to muffle my shriek at the muscled frame standing sentry outside the door.

“What are you doing here?” I sputter, angling my head all the way up in order to see Ridge’s face. I try to brush off my elevated pulse from his silent approach.

“We have training.” Ridge scowls, looking at me like I’m the one who has lost it. His tanned skin appears even warmer in this lighting, accentuating the sharp, angular features of his face. His looks don’t matter though, because he’s also the aggravating reason I am up at four in the morning .

“Do we? I so enjoy waking in the middle of the night, I’d forgotten all about our morning training.” Ice drips from my words. “Just biding my time in the damned bathing chamber, waiting for a strange male to show up.”

Aledrya, where are your manners? Artemis scolds.

Why are you awake? I respond with a huff. No one likes a snoop.

How could I be snooping, or sleeping, for that matter? Your barriers don’t exist.

Ridge’s lips turn into a coy smile, but he surprises me when he starts walking off toward the mess hall, leaving me scrambling to catch up. “You can’t find the dining hall on your own, and you can’t keep track of your own schedule?” He clicks his tongue, looking down at me. “One could question how you manage to tie your own boots.”

My breath catches in my throat, and I can’t help the strangled noise I make. “I never said—” I stumble on my words, cursing internally at the redness creeping over my cheeks. Thank gods for the muted lighting in the hallway. “Never mind. Where are we going?”

His chuckle is lighter than I’d expected, like music. He turns his head to answer me, but I hold up my hand. That earns me a raised eyebrow. “You said last time I get two questions. I’m also curious, do you have a bird?”

We cross the threshold to the dining hall, but I stop and fold my arms, waiting.

He stands in front of me, the dim lighting hitting his features in a manner that makes him even more devastating to look at. “We’re eating breakfast first. Can’t have you training with us on an empty stomach.”

“Us?”

He looks pained by my inquisition. “That was three questions in the last five minutes. And yes, I do have a bird.” His gaze drops momentarily, and my entire body feels like it might be on fire. “Save that for training,” he adds, dipping his head toward the flames flickering at my fingers.

I blush, immediately releasing the flames I didn’t know I’d summoned, but he’s already headed toward the counter to grab a plate of food.

“Does your bird have a name? ”

He doesn’t bother turning in my direction as I appear at his side. “You’re giving me a headache.” He strides off, ignoring my question once more.

To my shock, Ridge claims a table to sit and eat breakfast with me. I slide my plate onto the table, selecting the seat across from him. The breath I force down is intentionally deep and slow, willing myself to obtain patience. I carefully consider my words. “It’s not necessary for you to train me, if I’m such a bother to you. I’m sure the Major can find someone else.”

He takes a deep drink of his coffee before looking at me. He leans back in his chair, tilting his chin up ever so slightly. “Most of the Novices would kill to have your spot.” I frown, making him smirk. “I’m training you. Don’t suggest otherwise again. And eat something.” He nods towards my untouched plate.

“Not sure why my eating habits matter.” I glare at him over my fork. With his eyes and pointed canines, I’d never have to wonder if this man was Fae. I had dreamed of his masculine features the last few nights.

“Will you always be so disagreeable in the mornings?” he gruffs into his coffee, glancing up behind me. “Oh, praise Above. Laz,” he drawls, waving his hand to the seat next to me.

A broad-shouldered man slides into the chair next to me, crowding this entire side of the table. His long, wavy blonde hair rests on his shoulders, vibrant blue eyes fixed on Ridge.

“You could have waited on me,” Laz grumbles, not even bothering to look my way. His light features are so at odds with his brusque voice—the same tone I’d heard chastising Lamond outside the corridor.

Then he slides his attention to me, scowling deeply. “Just what are you looking at?”

My breakfast gets hung in my throat, making me cough. I set down my fork, angling my body toward his. “It’s hard to believe such a small male would reside within such an oversized body.”

Ridge tips his head back and roars with laughter.

Surprisingly, the corners of the man’s mouth turn up, his eyes softening. He has those crystal eyes, a blue that’s almost gray. “Fair enough.” He snatches a piece of bread from Ridge’s plate. “I’m Laz. Ridge’s brother.” He jerks his thumb at Ridge, who rolls his eyes.

“You two look nothing alike.” I look between them, trying to find any similarities. Ridge’s features make him difficult to compare to anyone else.

“We’re not at all related by blood.” Ridge’s voice is detached once more, rising from his chair and rolling his shoulders back. “It would do you good to never listen to anything the Captain has to say.”

Captain Laz sneers at Ridge in response. Scooping up my tray, we trail Ridge to the edge of the dining hall to leave our plates for clearing.

A dark figure appears in the dining hall from the corridor—I instantly recognize that fluid and measured gait. Pushing aside any lingering resentment towards him, I force a smile. “Hi, Lamond,” I chirp as he approaches, his forehead creased and eyes dark. He crosses his thick arms, muscles tightening when he spots Laz and Ridge.

“Where is it that you’re going?”

I look over my shoulder, making eye contact with Ridge and waiting for him to answer. Several seconds pass and he merely stares back at me, so I relent, turning back to face Lamond.

“We are going to train. Apparently Ridge is going to teach me to summon properly.”

“I’ll join you,” he says gruffly, beginning to close the space between us.

“ No .” The word comes out louder and sharper than I originally intended, but I don’t correct myself.

Lamond’s face goes slack with shock, the warm lighting in the dining hall illuminating the hurt etched on his face. He stands straighter, his black hair loose at his shoulders shifting with the movement. “You’re telling me I cannot join you? ”

There’s a rumble from Laz. “She said no, and she doesn’t need a reason for it, either.”

I whip my head in his direction, shocked by his abrupt defensive tone.

Heavy boots stroll up to stand on my other side. I glance over to Ridge, who ignores me completely and looks forward to Lamond. “I mentioned to Aledrya it would be easier to train without an audience. Hence why we’re here so early.” He gestures around the empty hall. “Why is it that you are up so early, Lamond?”

The only time I see Lamond flustered is when Ridge is around. “Just heading for a run,” he grumbles, his dark features locked on Ridge.

“Training hall is the other way.” Ridge turns and continues on, down the hall that leads to the Mountain Pass. Laz sneers in Lamond’s direction before trailing after Ridge. I pivot and follow suit before Lamond can ask more questions, exiting the hall that takes us to the frigid mountainside.

“What was that about?” I ask Laz, catching up to his hasty pace.

When he looks at me, his icy blue eyes flare with agitation. “I don’t like pushy males.” He shrugs a shoulder, his anger fading. “You said no. End of conversation.”

With that, Laz strides off, leaving me standing near Ridge. I turn my attention to the dark mountains.

I’d only ever flown past this area. There are numerous points of access out of the Caves, but I’m still unfamiliar with most of them. The cliff we’re standing on offers no protection from the harsh and cold mountain wind. Snow flurries pelt my face; even the trees grow at a harsh angle here. Hundreds of feet below is the sprawling Mountain Pass, stretching for miles in either direction.

The sun hasn’t crested the mountain yet, and the darkness makes the cold feel bone deep. A shudder passes through me from the temperature as I face Ridge. “Now what?”

I can see our breath tangling together in the frigid air, and despite my discomfort, the stars twinkling above are bewitching. I hadn’t yet taken the time to notice how idyllic the mountains were at night.

“It’s fucking freezing, build a fire.” Ridge gestures in front of us, the mostly barren Pass of the mountain below .

The cold seeps further into my pores, burrowing into my bones. “I don’t know how.”

“You released a ball of fire at my head when I arrived here.” His eyebrows raise, he waves a hand in front of himself and a small fire lights there. He allows it to fade away with the stiff breeze. “I won’t even defend myself if you’d like to throw another at me.”

“You can summon fire, too?”

“One of my powers is the ability to mirror other powers. I have the gift of manipulation.”

I hear throat clearing behind us. Laz leans against the side of the mountain, one foot resting on the wall behind him. He pulls a durry out of his pocket, smirking. “You could light this for me.” He reaches back into his pocket in his black pants, pulling out a box of matches. “Or shall I do it the less entertaining way?”

“I doubt I can light something that small. All I know how to do is light my hands on fire, and apparently, throw fireballs.”

Ridge turns to me, narrowing his eyes. I am very aware of how wildly dangerous he is; it’s my body that doesn’t seem to care. “Why do you doubt yourself so easily?”

A defensiveness settles low in my gut. “I’ve never purposefully summoned fire.”

Curiosity crosses Ridge’s face, his features relaxing as he arches up an eyebrow. “That sure sounds like you’ve summoned something of your own volition.”

“Only mystic lights, and I haven’t done it since I left the Human Realm. Although one showed up at my window this morning, I don’t recall summoning it.”

A flicker of mirth flashes over his face, but it’s gone in an instant. He nods, rubbing at his jaw. “Were the mystic lights linked to an emotion? ”

Chewing on my lip, I decide honesty will get me further than hiding behind shame. “I don’t care for the dark. I would use them when I’d get nervous at night.”

He casts his gaze over me, sizing me up. “Anger seems to trigger your fire, so try to draw on that. We’ll work on the ability to tap into your power without the emotion later.”

“I can’t just become angry.”

“Sorry, I seem to remember you launching a fireball at my head moments after meeting me,” he jabs, leaning into my space. “So quit being weak and afraid, build a fire.”

“I am neither of those things, you asshole,” I spit out, then immediately clamp my mouth shut. He doesn’t even flinch, still watching me with cool indifference.

He angles his head, a wicked smile forming on his lips. “You just told me you were afraid…” He gestures to the sky. “It’s dark out, is it not?”

His tactic works, even with my best efforts to not let it ruffle me. For him to throw my honesty back in my face, tips me over the edge. There’s a surge of warmth down my veins, feeding into my fingers. It stings like pins and needles. I focus on it and will it to escape through my fingertips. All of my thoughts narrow into letting this renewed energy out.

I lift my hands, deep red flames dancing at my fingertips, as I’d hoped there would be.

“When I grasp ahold of my powers, it feels like a chain connected to my soul. Yours will look different,” Ridge rumbles, expression unreadable as he stares out over the mountains. “Find your version of that.”

I can’t quite grasp finding something connecting my power to my soul, but I can envision a string of power cascading from my index finger. Drawing a line through the air in front of my face, my hands tremble with exertion. A tendril of fire laced with my power dances in front of me, swaying with a mind of its own. It stings, but I hold on to it anyway .

I’m in awe of the way the fire defies the wind and frigid temperature; in awe of my power responding to my ire. I hone in on Laz’s unlit durry hanging from his lips. Willing my power to approach, I envision the fire snaking through the air to light it.

To my shock—and Laz’s—his durry lights without my power so much as moving in his direction. I startle backwards, and the flames at my hands dissipate, leaving me chilled. The only person without a reaction is Ridge.

“I didn’t say to drop the summoning. Do it again,” he barks, his voice booming with power and authority.

Before I can reply, I see something shooting across the sky from the corner of my vision. I squint, the sun now peeking over the edge of the smallest mountain, making it possible to see, but not necessarily easy.

This bird is obscenely massive, more so than the others in the valley, making him recognizable even from a distance. Damned Ganthral.

Is there an Odyssey flyover happening? I gasp down the tether.

What are you going on about? Ridge’s response sends me reeling.

I stiffen, staring at Ridge. “How do you keep doing that?”

He eyes me, a chunk of silver hair brushing against his forehead in the breeze. “Give me a reason to trust you, to think you’re worth sharing the information with.”

“Oh, bite me,” I snarl through clenched teeth.

Ridge smiles, those sharpened teeth flashing. “Don’t tempt me.”

My muscles clench, and heat floods through my system, making me weak in the knees. I ignore him and his sultry words.

This time when I reach internally, I mentally picture Artemis’s red and orange feathered face. How the Beneath did I speak with Ridge the same way we do? Is there a flyover happening?

Why don’t you ask said alluring male? Artemis croons. It’s too early for this drama. There is no flyover happening .

I’ve never linked my mind to anyone else before; when I reach for my tether with Artemis, there isn’t a pathway to Ridge at all. I push the thought aside for now.

Then why is Ganthral flying over while I practice summoning?

Perhaps an overprotective and concerned suitor, Artemis suggests. Maybe he’s nervous about you being out here in the dark with the aforementioned alluring man.

Heat ripples over my body, I can’t help throwing a casual glance toward Ridge.

“Can you really not summon in Lamond’s presence?” Ridge breaks me out of my thoughts.

I ground myself again, focusing on the icy wind stinging my eyes and whipping my hair free from my braid. My black leather jacket is already stiff from the cold. “It has less to do with Lamond, and more to do with me not knowing how to summon.”

He rolls his shoulders back, tracking something in the sky. “Have you really even tried, Aledrya? Because right now, it feels like you’re avoiding using your power.” He looks down at me, his upper lip pulling back. “It’s almost as if you’re frightened of it.”

The sun is finally cresting the edge, but the rays don’t offer warmth as I absorb the words. “What an absurd statement.”

Without a word, Laz turns and briskly walks along the side that runs with the Pass, away from us. I watch him for a moment before turning back to Ridge, who has gone silent and still.

“You really think so little of me.” Somehow my voice remains even, although my entire body quakes from exasperation and the cold. “Once again, it makes me wonder why you would even agree to training me, when being in my presence seems to chafe you.”

He watches me closely, as if assessing. His unreadable mask still locked in place. “At least you possess enough self awareness to recognize it. ”

That sentence flips a switch in me; his harsh words chipping away at my confidence bit-by-bit. Black clouds the edges of my vision, but I’m strangely not afraid of it. In my anger, I’m welcoming it.

“It’s not necessary to be such a boor to me at every chance you get.” My voice is distant as the inky blackness presses against me. It’s an effort to keep it contained to the corners of my vision. Maybe the darkness is clouding my perception, but I could swear fascination crosses Ridge’s face. His gaze rips from mine, looking above me.

“Ah, but being the cruel degenerate is so much more amusing than being the simpering fool.” Ridge’s demeanor remains unbothered, unhurried. “You don’t have to hold that back on my account.” He gestures above me, toward that encroaching bleakness.

I let go of the force I’d been holding back. The darkness crashes around me; the mountain now feels even colder—desolate. Not even the stars remain in the black hole I’ve created.

Fleeting relief comes with it.

Then my breathing becomes irregular, recalling how much I had frightened my friends; unnerved even Lamond. “You should go. Being out here with you isn’t helping me learn anything constructive.”

“Is that so?” Ridge replies smoothly. I can sense he’s closer now. “It seems to me that you’ve shown more of your power in the last hour than you have in all your time being here.”

“Maybe that’s true,” I admit, the darkness finally once more, making me panic. I loathe to be in the dark. Even my own darkness frightens me. “It doesn’t negate the fact that I don’t know how to let go of this particular power.”

I can hear the crunch of Ridge’s boots on the snow. “Are you afraid of the darkness around us?” The sound of crunching halts. “Or are you afraid that there might be a touch of darkness in you, too, Aledrya?” My name on his lips rolls down my spine like molasses.

“Both.” The truth claws its way out of my mouth without hesitation .

A dim, floating light appears in front of me, illuminating Ridge’s face. It swirls and dances between us. “And now?”

I take stock of his softened features, the way he effortlessly holds out a light for me. My breath comes easier now. “How did you do that?”

Ridge looks at me with an intensity that fills me with heat despite the chill. “Feel the snow beneath your boots, ground yourself in it. Drop the darkness when you are ready.”

The tension eases ever so slowly. I drag the toe of my boot, feeling the powdered ground. “I don’t know how.”

“You don’t need to know, you need to feel . The power is you, it’s reacting to your emotion. Find where it’s coming from and pull the plug on it.”

The fog in my mind lifts once I start searching for a feeling .

I bring my hands up and swiftly sweep them down. The darkness moves with my motion, clinging to my sleeves, dissipating piece by piece. Pride swells deep within me as it evaporates entirely, even as my body sags with exhaustion from the effort.

“The darkness must be more draining for your body to summon.” Ridge is now close enough I could reach out and touch his cheek. His gaze is still raging with intensity, but the stoniness of his expression has fallen away.

“I’m not sure—” I stop talking instantly. Ridge stiffens the same moment I do. A strange sensation grips my senses, muddying my mind and driving my power insane. “What is that?”

He looks in the direction of the rising sun, squinting. “Lower your voice.” His command sends a shiver up my spine.

Artemis. Even my words down the tether come out shaky. Do you feel that?

I am already on my way.

Laz appears behind us, assessing the rocky mountain edge. “Small group at the base of the mountain.” He stiffens as he looks to Ridge, waiting for orders.

“Alert the others, get the birds up the Pass immediately.”

A sharp dip of his head, and Laz retreats the way he came once more .

I hear flapping, a harsh wind picking up behind me. The ground shakes, snow billowing through the air at the abrupt and close landing the Odyssey is making. I spot Artemis and dash toward her. I don’t need details to know something serious is happening in the Pass. A heavy veil of vile power has settled around us.

Ridge strides to the edge as an all-white Phoenix drops in, talons slicing through the iced over ground as if it’s butter. The bird’s pristine feathers blend seamlessly into the snow, his thick and muscled body relaxing once he sets his yellow eyes on Ridge. I can’t take my eyes off the pair.

This Phoenix matches Ridge in more than just coloring; he’s elegant, unyielding. When Ridge swings his leg over to mount, it’s like watching a god take his rightful throne.

Ridge shouts orders as the Ravels soldiers stream out from hidden alcoves I didn’t know existed. They mount their birds swiftly and dive further into the Pass. I feel out of place, like I’m in the way.

You’re not. I blink. Ridge’s voice fills my mind again. You can go inside, but you need to go now. The alcoves will be locked down in a matter of seconds. We’re under attack.

I freeze. I’m not leaving Ridge and Laz out here. I’m staying. How do I help?

Stay out of the way and try to avoid being stabbed. He still manages to speak in a drawl as he and his Phoenix launch from the side of the mountain and drop into the Pass below. As if on cue, the alcove openings slam shut with a boom .

I scramble onto Artemis’s back, praying to any of the gods that will listen to protect me from this monumentally foolish decision I’ve made.

What is happening? I send the question down my tether with Artemis and then whatever connects me to Ridge.

The group that attacked you and the others weeks ago brought very displeased friends, Ridge responds first. I’m headed to the Pass to deal with the soldiers there.

Artemis launches from the side of the mountain, following the same flight path Ridge took. Do you want to be this close to the action? Artemis sounds apprehensive for once .

I do if you do.

It’s what we were made for. She opens her wings wide, gliding high above alongside Laz and Ridge. Laz’s dominating orange Phoenix lifts a few feet higher, then banks to circle around behind us.

I’m anticipating arrows, or a horde of foot soldiers below. Instead, something that looks like a fucking snake with wings comes barreling out of the clouds up ahead. It has the head and size of a dragon, grand multicolored wings that would be magnificent if they weren’t so damned terrifying, and a long slender body tipped at the tail with feathers.

Artemis plummets in height without warning, and I grip onto her, grateful for all the weight training I’ve been doing. The flying winged snake darts past us, high above. It never turns its head our way, locked in on Laz.

Amphithere , Artemis huffs breathlessly, either from the drop in altitude or terror. They died out long ago. This can’t be possible.

I scan our surroundings, looking for Ridge. Even after whipping around to check every direction, I still can’t locate him. He and his colorless Phoenix blend into the clouded sky perfectly.

I don’t have a clue where he went, and the other officers are occupied in the Pass fighting what looks like men on horseback. Artemis circles back in the direction Laz went, and I urge her to climb in altitude. We can’t leave Laz and his bird alone.

Never, she promises, beating her mighty wings and picking up speed.

Laz is up ahead; he and his bird are nose diving to get distance from the Amphithere. I gasp at the speed they’ve picked up; the giant winged snake’s slender body makes it aerodynamic and sickeningly fast.

I have an idea how to help but we need to get closer, I command Artemis, already closing the gap between us and the Amphithere.

Hmph, this plan is well thought out, isn’t it? she gripes before beating her wings at a speed I’ve never experienced. The Amphithere spies us approaching, pulling up and hovering in midair. The mannerism is nauseating and unnatural.

Time to end that serpent, Artemis hisses .

Sending up one last prayer, I let my power rumble through my veins. It hasn’t stopped feeling like needles through my blood since I summoned it an hour ago. I release the feeling, allowing myself to let go of Artemis long enough to send my hands up and throw my power toward the Amphithere.

To my shock, a fireball flings from my fingers and hurdles for the floating snake. It strikes at the top of its feathered spine. The monster watches the flames peter out along the plumage, before letting out an ear-shattering roar in our direction.

Fly fly fly! I screech down our tether. Artemis folds her wings, and I pin my legs to her sides as we free fall.

The force of our descent causes my head to spin and my eyes to sting. I desperately rack my brain for how I managed to throw the darkness earlier, but I can’t think straight at this speed and with the Amphithere on our tail.

Hold on, Artemis commands. The ground is approaching rapidly, fear readying its vice grip; we may not have enough time to pull up at this rate. She banks so hard my equilibrium feels like it’s been flung into the dirt. We’re maintaining flight mere feet above the ground now.

A solid, jarring boom behind us sends a shockwave that almost knocks me from my seat. I look back to find Laz and his Phoenix descending on the Amphithere crumpled to the earth.

We have to go hel—

My words are cut off by Laz's maniacal laughter as he leaps from his radiant orange Phoenix and gets into a fighting stance. He sneers at the monster, curling his index finger in a taunt. The Amphithere shrieks at him, spit flying from its maw as it staggers to its feet, but Laz doesn’t react. When it rears back and launches, Laz holds his ground.

The Amphithere is mere inches from Laz’s face, when the arrogant male blows fire directly into the creature's mouth.

Scales, feathers, and teeth become ash within seconds.

That’s enough action for you today. Climb in altitude. Now, Ridge booms through my mind. I don’t second guess his tone, I simply relay the message to Artemis, and she beats her wings to gain height. Throwing one last look over my shoulder, I see Laz already unsheathing a sword to fight off a foot soldier.

I scan the Pass for Ridge, eyeing the battle at the edge of the trees for his white hair. I spot him amidst the sea of armor and swords. His bird is nowhere to be seen.

Phoenixes do not engage in hand-to-hand combat, Artemis warns me. We monitor the skies and strategize; fending off aerial attacks.

I’d never considered it until now. Where is Ridge’s bird?

Orion flies above monitoring. The group below has iron.

Orion. At least I finally know the snow-white bird’s name. We circle high above, out of danger from the locked combat below.

And iron is detrimental to Phoenixes, I say, mostly for confirmation.

And to you.

I furrow my brow, even though she can’t see me. What are you talking about?

The bluff comes into better view, and I can see the Major on the edge we were this morning, monitoring below. There’s still an occasional swish from swinging swords, drawing my attention back to the Pass. Only a handful of the attackers remain, Ravels sentries outnumbering them greatly. I look away when I see Ridge raise his sword to end a male he’s been locked in combat with.

Iron is a material that acts as a Block to your power, should you be hit with it, s he replies, and we circle the Pass once more, monitoring for any other attackers or Amphitheres. It can kill even the strongest Fae.

Orion finally breaks from the clouds he was using as cover. I’m temporarily mesmerized by the beauty of his fluid movements, dropping below the pillowy clouds makes him appear angelic. A sharp ting jars me back to the live battle below. One of the men has broken from the group, armed with a crossbow and arrows.

Stay in this area, I order Artemis, who screeches and snaps her beak in confirmation.

I concentrate on the man below, thinking of Ridge and hoping the communication in my mind is still working.

One is breaking from the group and has a crossbow that he is aiming toward Orion. I try to keep my voice calm as the man hoists the bow to his shoulder, aiming at the great white Phoenix.

My patience runs out as the man lines up perfectly to the bird. “Orion, below!” I bellow, willing to sacrifice my voice to get his attention.

Orion angles his head, spying the man with the weapon pointed at his belly. He nosedives quickly, descending and moving away from the archer simultaneously. The man fires a desperate shot regardless, mercifully missing Orion. The height the massive, thick arrow makes it to is appalling, reaching eye level with Artemis before dropping back to the earth.

He's next, Ridge growls into my mind, startling me.

Artemis falls in formation behind Orion and the rest of the Odyssey. Ridge whistles, signaling the group to go back as he sheathes his bloodied sword and takes off toward the man with the oversized crossbow. The man spies him, raising up his bow once more.

I gasp for air, unable to peel my eyes from the unfolding scene. My skin itches as the man notches a bolt.

Do not distract him, Artemis growls as Orion screeches in front of us. Orion will rip you apart if you do.

I obey her order, but internally I release blood-curdling screams.

What if he— my thoughts are cut off by Ridge lifting a hand from several feet away, and in unison, the attacker lifts off the ground without Ridge needing to come any closer. The crossbow falls to the dirt in front of him, iron arrows scattering. The man thrashes, kicking for purchase he won’t find so high in the air. He claws at his throat, as if Ridge’s hand rests there. My stomach turns as I watch the life slowly draining from the attacker.

This is part of battle and war, Aledrya. I ignore her chastising me as she falls out of formation, banking around the escarpment.

Where are we going? I’m not ready to leave the rest of the Odyssey and the officers .

Artemis drops lower, avoiding a tree jutting out from the side of the mountain. Back to the Caves.

I know the bank toward the Overhang is coming, and my legs instinctually grip harder as she drops altitude and pulls up to make it onto the ledge. I’m shocked to see Deah’s long braid blowing in the wind, standing in front of Adonis, peering over the edge. Adonis screeches in our direction, causing Deah to whip around.

She moves to the side, allowing Artemis room to land. My eyes don’t leave Deah as I slide off Artemis’s back.

“Lotog,” she calls toward the training room. “Over here.”

Lotog approaches the large opening, holding his hand out to take down the Block, rushing out once the barrier disappears.

“Where the Beneath were you?” His irate tone ripples through me, making me slink back.

Deah’s eyes go wide, her slender frame stepping between Lotog and me. “Ease up, she would not have gone off without reason, right Aledrya?” I can hear the note of hope in her voice.

“You both think I just gallivanted off?”

Deah looks between Lotog and I. “Well you didn’t tell anyone where you were going…”

“We were freaking out, Aledrya, we couldn’t find you,” Lotog explodes, Hans ruffling his feathers from the corner of the Overhang. “You told us you were training with Ridge, yet you weren’t anywhere near the training hall.”

Artemis clacks her beak in his direction, now crowding my back. Tell the scrawny one he loses an eye if he makes one move toward you.

His words have already cut me deep. “I didn’t simply disappear,” I argue, breathing through the power threatening to seep out. “I told Deah I would be training this morning. I didn’t know we’d be outdoors.”

“We wanted to make sure you were okay. I woke up and you were gone, and word of an attack went out. It was chaos in there, Ale,” Deah offers in a placating tone .

The ground trembles beneath my feet, and I spin around to find Orion landing. Ridge dismounts with ease, checking the bird over thoroughly.

“Ridge, would you please fill us in?” Lotog’s tone is haughty, his stance now wide.

Ridge checks Orion’s talons before moving to his face and stroking gently. He finally acknowledges our presence as Orion pivots to launch off the Overhang. He looks between the three of us with a harsh gaze, finally settling on Lotog. “I will do no such thing.” His voice is even, clipped.

Lotog bristles. “Why not?”

Ridge strolls closer, until he’s standing in front of Lotog but facing the opening that leads to the training room.

“One, I don’t answer to you, or anyone else for that matter.” His teeth flash. “Two, Aledrya can speak for herself. She doesn’t need me to speak for her.” He looks Lotog up and down before scoffing. “For the record, she doesn’t answer to you, either.” He strides off without so much as a glance in my direction.

My skin prickles with delicious heat. Fieriness that has nothing to do with the power trying so desperately to escape.

Deah turns to me, eyes wide. Lotog remains still as a statue, watching Ridge’s retreating back.

Deah breaks the silence first. “Well, that was certainly peculiar.” She fans herself despite the frigid temperature.

“That guy is absolutely terrifying,” Lotog says finally, bringing his gaze to mine. “I have a temper when I’m worried, for that I apologize.”

I look at him for a moment, shuffling through a carousel of emotion. “It’s all right. You should know that I would never needlessly put myself in danger.”

Debatable, Artemis croons, arching her neck forward to peek over my shoulder.

Narrowing my eyes at her only causes her to clack her beak, before meandering toward the ledge for takeoff.

Lotog drags his hands over his face. “I really am sorry, Aledrya. We only wanted to make sure you were safe. ”

Deah bobs her head assertively. “It’s true. We were both worried sick. Some of us just handled it more gracefully.” She shoots a glance at Lotog, who hangs his head.

“I forgive you,” I tell Lotog, eyeing the still open Block that leads to the training hall. “I’ll fill you in over dinner, but I need to go do something else first.”

They look at me quizzically, but step to the side to let me pass through the Block leading into the training room.

I can’t explain the pull I feel toward Ridge. It’s as if my entire body is fixated on finding him—on being near him. I jog down the hallway in the direction I saw him going. I only keep the pace for a short distance before slowing to a walk. He’s likely already made it to a briefing room with the officers.

I take the next turn, following the dimly lit hallway toward my and Deah’s room. Taking the last turn before I reach our corridor, I see Ridge striding towards me, halting when he sees me. My heart rate elevates again, unable to remain steady in his presence.

His gold eyes find mine, and I notice how worn out he looks. I close the distance between us, observing the blood caked on his hands and clothes, a long scratch down his face.

My breath catches, my hand rises of its own autonomy toward Ridge’s jaw. I slam my hand back down to my side, chastising myself for nearly being so careless. “Are you all right?”

He looks taken aback. “You’re asking if I’m fine?” He blinks, shaking his head. “I was coming back to check on you .”

“Were you waiting at my door?” I ask, pointing over his shoulder, down the hall.

He squints at me, jaw ticking. “Yes, before I realized you might not be coming back here yet.”

My lips burn as I fight off a smile. “I knew there had to be a polite version of you hidden deep in there somewhere.”

He tilts his head back slightly. “Make no mistake, Aledrya, there is nothing polite or kind about me; so don’t bother with your quest to find it.”

Part of me is inclined to believe him, but everyone has a gentle side, no matter how buried. “You’re hurt.” I gesture to the cut on his temple, already beginning to heal itself.

“I’m fine. A mere scratch is nothing.” He cocks his head to the side, wholly focused on me like nothing else exists. “You summoned power out there.”

Even now, I can feel the power simmering in my veins. “I think panic makes me fiery.” A renewed awareness washes over me in my brief pause. “You don’t have to go debrief with the other officers?”

His intense gaze never leaves my face. “I have a feeling they’ll wait for me.” His arrogance should make me roll my eyes, but instead it makes me feel dizzy. “I might have made things worse with your friend.”

“He’ll live.” I wave it off. “What is an Amphithere?”

He raises an eyebrow. “Your bird doesn’t give a shit about our Enactments and clearance, does she?”

“I don’t think she does.”

“Rathian…recreated it.” He sends a hand through his hair. I can see the exhaustion in his eyes. “We’d suspected he was doing something of this nature, but our knowledge is limited. The one you and Laz took down will do for investigating.”

I bask in the realization that Ridge is actually sharing information with me.

My mind whirls, thinking about what this could mean. “I’m guessing my clearance level doesn’t get to find out more?”

“Your clearance level shouldn’t even be having this conversation. Nevertheless, here we are.”

Again, that tingling threatens to rise. “Will we be training again tomorrow?”

“If you’d like to.”

“If it’s with you.” The words are out before I can think better of it. So I quickly amend, “And Laz” .

Ridge dips his chin, a glint in his eye. “Laz will be thrilled to know he was included.”

“Is Laz doing fine? And his bird?” I press, my power thrumming more aggressively now.

I don’t want this conversation to be over.

“He is fine. Contrary to his indifference in conversation, he’s a very skilled warrior. Tillian, his Phoenix is fine too.”

“I’m glad you and Orion aren’t injured.” I can’t help but say, softening my voice.

His gaze searches for something in my face, but he blinks and retreats a step from me. “I should go. Try not to light anything else on fire.” Without taking his eyes off mine, he steps back one more pace before dispatching.

The itch to use my power disappears with him.