Page 174 of Blackheart

Once seated behind her neck, I felt energized, not afraid, looking at the scene below. We were getting the rest of the Dark Natured to Castivian, no matter what.

A similar energy rolled off of Valeska—the anger she felt on my behalf.

She let out a roar that could rival the Gods, then soared full speed at the wall.

Chapter 48

A Veritable Nightmare

“The walls are indestructible. They must be, to keep such creatures inside.”

—Marker Dain, Lord of Lawship

“Brace!”Valeska ordered.

Wind ripped past. The world became a storm of obsidian and screams. I should have been afraid, but how could I be? We moved faster than my own legs could ever take me. The ground was far below, where no one could reach me.

My Nature charged through my veins, surging as we plummeted towards the obsidian barrier.

One of us was going to come down. Me, or this fucking wall.

“Don’t doubt us,” Valeska echoed as she pulled my Nature through her, splashing it from her wings as we smashed into the wall with bone-rattling vibration. I closed my eyes, and my legs held tight, though my Nature would surely keep me in place.

Valeska flapped her wings, flying upwards.

“Are you alright?” I asked, hiding my face in her neck, afraid to look for myself.

“I may not be a fresh hatchling anymore, but I’m not that fragile. We’re turning around. The west end needs an exit too.”

Too.

I glanced below. She had plunged through the wall like an anchor. Glee spread through me as we flew back for a second round.

Civilians cheered, running through their new exit and charging for the ships.

We crashed through the wall once more, and this time I forced my eyes to stay open, watching the wall crumble.

Valeska held strong, once again ascending after the hit.

“The Drakers! Outside of the Waywards! They’re targeting those who have escaped!” I pointed below. Rebels fought the troops of Drakers nearing the beach. Valeska growled, nosediving.

I buried my head against her as the speeding winds pulled at my skin. With no warning, Valeska spun, spiraling towards them, forcing my head upright as she erupted countless blades at the masked men.

Valeska’s satisfaction trickled into my mood as she landed on the beach, shaking the ground.

When she roared, the Drakers' knees wobbled, some of them dropping their measly swords.

They wielded weapons. Wewereweapons.

“Retreat!” one of them yelled, yanking back on the reins of his horse.

I lowered my chin, glaring. Forfeit was not good enough for me.

Join me, or join those who’ve crossed me.

Every moment they spent fleeing, they solidified their choice. My lips curled back, rough Drakish accent loud enough for the cowards to hear. They had caged and betrayed theirownpeople.

“End them.”