Page 175 of Blackheart

Blades rippled from Valeska, shooting like darts. As the Drakers tried to flee, Valeska released blade after blade, until they were nothing but a pile of memories who had made the wrong choice.

With the path to the ships clear, more and more Drakers retreated, even those within the walls. They were losing hope.

“Take me to the center.”

Valeska followed my command, landing in the middle of the Waywards.

My brother was fighting in glowing black armor. Riven fought nearby, and Amzee soared overhead, sinking blades into archers. Most of the Drakers were concentrated in the center of the ‘Wards, all second-guessing their decisions as Valeska screeched.

I dismounted, sliding awkwardly down her wing. “Clear the path behind us. I’ll help my brother.”

Valeska huffed steam in response, plundering into the streets and sending men screaming for their lives. I pulled out Singer, whacking the first Draker to come at me.

Across the street, Riven locked eyes on me in awe. I smiled, my feelings for him surfacing?—

Time slowed as two archers in blue cloaks grinned from atop the building. They both cocked their arms back and released.

One arrow soared towards Riven. One for Xavian.

I’d stopped a flying object before, in the midwinter games. I’d saved Beck. I could stop an arrow?—

I screamed, dropping Singer and holding both of my palms up. My Nature erupted, forming a misted orb. I needed two at the same time. I needed more, but my body denied me, forcing me to make a choice. My brother or Riven.

I threw it with all my might. My poison soared through the air, swallowing up an arrow and melting it into the ground.

The other went through Riven’s chest.

His knees hit the ground, hand grabbing at his heart.

“Riven!” I cried. I ran to his side, trying to hold him up by the shoulders. Xavian was somewhere behind me, calling for Riven to hold on.

Prince Payn appeared above us, looking down on me, unbearably calm.

My eyes hardened as Xavian reached for a bow off the ground.

“Your debt is paid,” Payn called out, downing a vial of blood and vanishing from atop the building.

His words echoed through my mind.“You will learn what it means to be an heir.”

“No,” I breathed. We had bladebreathers. We had Xavian. It was time to win, notdie.

Blood trickled out of Riven’s mouth. His face was horrifically pale, sweat dampening his cheeks, lips turning blue.

Xavian cursed, helping me lay him down.

Amzee ran over, as did Zephy and Valeska, circling us. Daring any Drakers to come near.

Red coated my hands as I frantically tried to stop the bleeding.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled.

I didn’t want apologies. I wanted him. I wantedus.

“No,” I snarled. “You promised I wouldn’t lose you. You…you’re the Oathkeeper!”

Blood flooded from Riven's mouth, choking him. His eyes flared with fear, refusing to meet mine. He grabbed at his chest, every inhale a stridorous nightmare.

I screamed for Xavian to help me, and he was already sitting Riven back up.