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IRIS

Vhex’s wings lift me from the pit. As I rise through the shaft to the surface, my back tingles and burns.

Spiritual wires are connecting.

It doesn’t feel temporary.

Wind grazes the sensitive wing tips that come more and more under my control—like a new set of limbs growing in.

I’d give you my wings .

I shudder at the memory of Vhex’s rough whisper.

I thought he said the words to win me over the way Sentinels always do—all talk, no follow-through.

Vhex followed through.

However the hell he ripped out part of himself and welded it to my soul, I’ll make sure it’s undone.

Right after I drag his and Remy’s asses out of that cave with me.

Moonlight spills from above as the wings lift me closer to the surface.

The top of the shaft cuts a massive hole in the earth. Kobolds and other monsters mass around the crooked-edged rim.

My wings blaze like a beacon, but nothing has a chance to shoot me down.

A battle rages through the night, leaving the air sour with smoke and rot. Familiar pulses of magic skitter across my skin.

Deathguard Sentinels.

They clash with the kobold mages, slowly but steadily clearing a path through the horde.

Their rescue won’t come fast enough.

I’m floating into the cloud layer when my back muscles finally ripple.

The wings are fully bound.

I drop a few feet as the auto-pilot turns off. The magic burns hot and wild— just like Vhex .

I flap to keep myself aloft, testing my control.

Far below, the pit yawns.

It’s cold up here, alone.

I don’t like it.

I never liked it.

My life was signed away before I had a choice.

Kevan’s heartlessness was better than the malice at home, but I’ve always been on my own, either shunned, used, or too afraid to connect.

Until now.

I’m still afraid.

The fear that numbs my fingertips flutters through my new wings, scattering sparkles from their tips.

I might even be more afraid.

There’s so much more I can lose.

But so much more I can gain.

Vhex.

Remy.

They’re twisted, but so am I.

We twist the same way.

I fold my wings and dive.

Faster and faster and faster I fall, scrunching my eyes against the screaming wind.

I blur past the surface, plunging back into the dark. My flaming wings light the way down.

My chest feels tight. It’s hard to breathe through the strange, choking feeling.

My head whirls.

My pulse flickers.

Faster.

Faster.

Faster.

I have to save them.