Page 45

CHAPTER 45

K yhin burst into the cabin with breathtaking swiftness, urgency radiating from every movement. Before she could speak, he swept her into his arms, wrapping her tightly in the furs. There was no chance to argue, no point in resisting. She understood.

He was getting her off this planet.

She clung to him, pressing her face against the warm metal of his armor as he carried her toward the exit. The air was frigid outside, the snow tinged pink by the otherworldly light of the red sun, the battlefield blackened and charred where the rescue ship’s fire had torn craters through the earth.

At the hatch, he paused.

Held her close.

Then, he murmured something in that gravel-deep voice, words low and unintelligible through his helm—but the sound soothed her like a lullaby, filled with something fierce and unshakable. A promise.

It was terrifying in its surety.

And it was the most reassuring sound she’d ever heard.

Suddenly, he flared his wings and leapt.

They rose into the air with shocking speed. She stifled a scream, her breath snatched away by the sudden rush of wind, but his arms were like iron around her. There was no falling.

Only flight.

Heart in her mouth, she dared to look down.

The world spread beneath them: snow-covered plains, jagged mountains in the distance, rivers like silver ribbons glinting under the fading sun. The battlefield below still smoked, bodies strewn in the snow.

It was strange.

Surreal, like a dream.

Beautiful, in the most terrifying way.

How did she end up here?

From a beach on Earth… to this. A dark fairytale come to life.

Kyhin took them higher, soaring toward the ship hovering above. Wind lashed her face and tore at her hair, but the furs shielded her from the worst of it. The heat of his body kept her steady.

He landed with a solid thud atop the rescue vessel.

A hatch hissed open beneath them.

Warmth spilled out.

Safety.

Escape.

And she let him carry her down into the light.