Page 28 of The Bond That Burns (Bloodwing Academy #2)

Nyxaris banked sharply over the cliffs. Below, the crowd on the field looked up, their heads craning like a startled flock of birds.

They’re all staring. I feel like a prize pig at a town fair , the dragon complained.

Oh, please. Part of you likes the attention. Admit it. I clutched the parchment that was folded in my sweaty hand. We’ve gone over the list. You know what they want us to do...

It was a little rich to use the word “us” when I mostly felt like a package Nyxaris was delivering. He’d be doing all of the real work. I had no words of advice. How could I even think of advising a creature this experienced and ancient? All I could do was hope not to fall off or make a complete fool of myself.

Well, that and hope that Nyxaris actually did as he was asked.

The dragon let out a rumbling snort that vibrated through my legs where they gripped his sides. Maneuvers. Fireworks displays. A child’s checklist of tricks. This is what passes for a rigorous exam? Hardly worth my time.

Yes, you have my sincere gratitude, O Great One, I said hurriedly.

He sniffed. Don’t start with that again. Dragons can tell when you really mean it.

I do mean it, I protested. You are great. And you do have my gratitude.

Hmph. But I could sense him preening a little. I felt a sudden impulse to rub his head just between his ears like I might do to Neville. I knew better though. So, I’ll take that as a yes? You’ll do what’s on the list?

For your sake, little mortal, I shall endure the indignity. But if anyone dares to clap, I will not be held responsible for what happens next.

I stifled a laugh. Understood. Now stop circling. We need to put on a show.

Nyxaris tilted his wings suddenly and we plummeted into a dive. The air screamed past my ears. I held tight to the ridges of his neck as below us I saw the crowd react.

With an abrupt pull, Nyxaris leveled out above the field, his huge shadow sweeping over the assembly.

A platform had been set up and as we flew over it I spotted the Tribunal members, seated in their dark robes. Then I saw Florence, seated stiffly beside Catherine Mortis, her hands folded tightly in her lap. On her other side was Blake, just like he’d promised.

I stiffened. A small girl was sitting next to him. Aenia. My stomach dropped at the sight of the highblood child. What was it Blake had told me other highbloods called people like her? Foulbloods. I scowled as I remembered the horrid name.

Blake was looking up at me. For a brief moment, our gazes locked. He gave me a small nod, almost unnoticeable, and I felt a mix of reassurance and unease. I was grateful to him for staying close to Florence. But if he was up there with Aenia, it meant Viktor was pulling his strings again—and I hated that.

Stop brooding. It’s time. Nyxaris’s voice jolted me back to the present.

Fine. Let’s show them what you’ve got.

He rose, his wings catching the wind with a crack. We soared higher and higher, until the crowd below us shrank to specks. Then Nyxaris twisted slightly, plummeting downwards in a spiraling dive that left me too breathless to even scream. He pulled up at the last moment, his claws skimming the tops of the cliffs as he executed a series of tight rolls and sharp turns.

Each maneuver was precise, fluid, and terrifyingly fast.

Was that on the list? I managed to get out, as I clung tightly.

No. That was me warming up. He didn’t bother hiding his smugness.

“Show-off,” I muttered out loud. Are you sure we can’t see about getting a saddle made? You might make it through today’s evaluation but I’m not so sure about me.

Calm yourself, child. Do you think the riders of old required saddles and straps to stay atop their dragons? Nyxaris chided.

I narrowed my eyes. What do you mean? They used saddles. You said so yourself.

They used them but they were mostly for show. Or for poor riders who could not manage without them. Weaklings. I could feel his contempt. The saddles and straps were emblazoned with house colors. They marked the dragons as possessions more than they protected the riders.

So you’re saying no one needs a saddle to ride a dragon? I was incredulous.

Not no one. But those with sufficiently strong rider blood should not require it. Your body was made for this.

I looked down at what I could see of myself. My fingers and toes were slightly longer than the average human’s. When I first arrived in Sangratha, the highbloods had spoken of doing experiments on me—to measure bone structure and density. I already knew I had quicker reflexes than blightborn did. That was why Sankara had let me continue taking combat classes alongside his highblood students.

Your skin is heat-resistant, too , Nyxaris added.

I beg your pardon. Are you saying I can’t be harmed by fire?

I said you are heat-resistant, not inflammable, he corrected. If I directed the full strength of my flames towards you, you would burn. But more slowly.

I shuddered. Delightful .

It is a useful trait when one is in combat, he observed.

In combat with another dragon, you mean?

Yes. Riders could sometimes make it through a blast that would kill a regular blightborn or highblood.

I was suddenly grateful that there were no other dragons alive.

The first tasks on the list were methodical. The Tribunal had set up a series of massive poles of varying heights. Nyxaris had to navigate around them in a specified pattern. I could see why he thought it was dull work, considering he had memories of real combat. In comparison, this really was child’s play.

He moved through the obstacle course with ease, massive wings folding and snapping. At one point, he tilted just enough for me to see the spectators down below. Some of them were clapping—until Nyxaris let out a loud growl that sent them into an uncomfortable silence.

Relax , I said soothingly. I’ll tell them to hold their applause next time.

Next came the fire demonstration. Targets had been arranged across the field—barrels painted red, straw figures, and even metal shields propped up on stakes. The Tribunal wanted to see not just his firepower, but his ability to direct his flames accurately.

Nyxaris hovered high above the field for a moment, surveying his targets. Then, with a deep inhale, he unleashed a jet of flame. The fire streaked across the sky, hitting a barrel dead center and exploding it into flaming splinters. I could hear the crowd erupt into gasps and murmurs of appreciation.

He turned his head a little and aimed for one of the straw figures. This time, a narrow plume of fire shot out, igniting the figure’s chest without touching the surrounding field.

Satisfied? Nyxaris asked, sounding bored, as the straw figure collapsed in a heap of ash.

Well, I know I’m impressed , I admitted. But I think they expect you to keep going.

Nyxaris growled in annoyance, but swept lower. His flames washed over the other targets in calculated bursts, alternating between wide sprays of flame and pinpoint blasts. After all of the targets had been destroyed, I could feel the heat rising up from the burning field below us even from my perch on his back.

I felt a sense of overwhelming relief. That was it. We’d gone through the tasks on the list.

Down below, I could see the Tribunal panel members conferring on the platform. After a moment, Catherine Mortis and Viktor moved to one side, their heads bowed together like conspirators.

What are they up to? Nyxaris’s voice rumbled. Their scheming faces make me itch to melt them.

I held onto him more tightly. Nothing good.

I watched Catherine and Viktor descend the platform steps, the other Tribunal members trailing behind them. Kage’s grandmother marched behind them. Elaria Avari looked distinctly annoyed. I decided that was not a good thing.

Viktor was gesturing to Nyxaris and I. He was shouting, too, but his words were lost in the wind. It was clear he wanted us to land.

Nyxaris snorted derisively. Such authority. It’s a wonder you don’t tremble at their feet.

Just land , I whispered urgently. Please .

Nyxaris gave a long-suffering sigh but complied, angling his wings and descending. His claws touched the ground, gouging deep into the dirt, and he lowered his head so I could slide off. My legs were shaky as I faced the Tribunal. Blake, I noticed, had remained on the platform, keeping Aenia and Florence close to him. I glanced around and saw Rodriguez, Theo, and Visha standing to one side of the platform beside Jia, keeping her within their protective circle. That was a small comfort.

Catherine stepped forward. She was dressed in a tight suit of shining red leather, made to look as if it was formed from interlocking scales. I hoped Nyxaris wouldn’t notice. It seemed in very poor taste to wear something like that around a dragon.

“Your dragon has demonstrated skill and precision,” she said coolly, addressing me instead of Nyxaris. “But there is one more matter we wish to have addressed.”

Viktor stepped up beside her. “Yes. Catherine and I have decided we must have an act of submission before the evaluation can be considered complete.”

I felt like I’d been punched. My hand reached up instinctively to Nyxaris’s side, feeling the ripple of his muscles beneath the black scales.

His voice growled in my mind and there was no mistaking his fury. Submission? Do they mean to have me roll over? Or perhaps I should sit up and beg like a trained pup?

I think they want you to bow , I murmured back to him.

I stared at Catherine and she looked back at me coldly. Gone was the girl I’d seen last year who’d passionately embraced her thralls in the middle of the refectory, as if daring anyone to pass judgement. Or maybe this was still her. Maybe she’d always been like this–completely controlled, utterly proud to the point of never caring what anyone else thought. Her father had been a hard man. How much of that hardness, I wondered, had he passed on to his daughter?

Nyxaris had gone dangerously silent. For a moment, the only sounds were the wind and the waves crashing on the rocks below the cliffs.

I couldn’t wait any longer. What should I tell them? I asked, my voice trembling a little. What are you going to do?

Walk toward them. Slowly. Do not say a single word.

What? Why? I hissed. What are you planning?

Go. Now. His tone brooked no refusal.

Heart pounding, I did as he said, reluctantly walking towards the Tribunal, my shoulders tight beneath the weight of their gaze.

Viktor’s eyes narrowed. Catherine’s lips thinned.

“Rider!” Viktor barked. “What is the meaning of this? You will bring the dragon to heel at once.”

I took a deep breath but said nothing. My gaze darted to Blake. He’d risen to his feet but still remained on the platform, his arms crossed over his chest, his feet spread wide, his stance unyielding—as if nothing would get past him. Aenia and Florence were safe, I told myself. For now.

I glanced at Florence. Her face was pale. She looked fucking terrified.

That’s far enough, Nyxaris’s voice snarled in my mind. Run past them. Now.

My heart leaped into my throat. Nyxaris, no. Not like Lord Mortis. Please, don’t...

I said run.

I broke into a sprint, veering to the side to dart around the group of highbloods. The moment I’d passed the last one, a roar erupted from behind me.

I whirled around to see Nyxaris rearing up, his wings flaring wide as flames erupted from his jaws.

The crowd screamed, scattering like insects, but it was too late for the Tribunal members. A ring of fire blazed to life around them, cutting the group off from the rest of the field. Viktor looked furious. Catherine, angry and terrified. Lady Avari and Lysander stood together. To my surprise, their hands were linked and they seemed calm in the face of the fire.

“Stand down!” Catherine’s composure finally shattered as she screamed over the roar of the flames. “Stand down, dragon! You will obey your rightful masters!”

Viktor’s crimson eyes glinted with fury as he spun to face Nyxaris. “You dare to—”

Nyxaris let out an earth-shaking roar that drowned out the rest of the highblood lord’s words.

He breathed a second ring of fire, this time one which nearly touched the edge of Lady Avari’s dress. I watched as she gasped and stepped back as Lysander quickly trampled the flames closest to them out. All of the Tribunal members crowded together within the circle Nyxaris had created. I watched Lysander grasp the older highblood woman’s arm to support her and realized I hadn’t seen Kage or Lunaya in the crowd. Perhaps they had no interest in watching Nyxaris or myself be judged under these circumstances.

Regardless, Nyxaris had made his point. I ran back, placing myself between the ring of flames and the dragon. Please, Nyxaris. Stop. You’ve terrified them. Isn’t that enough?

They need to understand. They need to learn. I bow to no one, Nyxaris growled.

But he did not add to the fire and within a few more moments, the flames dropped and the highbloods began to stamp them out until they were free of their confines.

We are not through here.

I froze as Nyxaris shifted on his clawed feet. I could feel his fury still radiating through our connection.

You will speak for me.

I swallowed hard, but raised my voice as the Tribunal started to move away. “Nyxaris wishes to address the Tribunal.”

I’d probably phrased it a lot more politely than he would have.

Viktor turned back slowly, his lips curling. “He does, does he?”

I ignored him. What should I tell them?

Nyxaris’s voice rumbled in my mind, his words heavy with contempt. I paled as I listened, but hesitated only for a moment before speaking aloud.

“He says this has gone on for long enough. He wants you to leave me alone. I’m the only one with any measure of control over him, as you’ve all just seen. He says...” I hesitated just for a second. “He says if you attempt to harm me in any way, he’ll know. And he’ll act decisively.”

I’d toned down his actual words and now he growled at the back of my mind, clearly not happy about it.

Viktor sneered. “Bold words, rider.”

I wished he’d have kept his mouth shut.

Nyxaris roared, a sound that seemed to shake the very cliffs. I hoped the ground beneath us was more solid than it felt. The Tribunal members froze, as Nyxaris reared up again, his chest expanding as fire swirled in his throat.

And then, with a deafening sound, he unleashed a new blast of flames towards the row of carriages that stood on the dirt road. The fire roared. Black smoke billowed into the sky as wood and metal melted. Some highbloods who had retreated to the carriages when Nyxaris had first trapped the Tribunal now moved to escape but it was too late. Their screams were brief, drowned out by the crackling inferno.

I glanced at Blake, suddenly immensely grateful he hadn’t attempted to take Florence and Aenia back to the carriages. His face was pale as he held his ground.

Tell them that was their last warning, Nyxaris’s voice echoed in my mind.

I turned back to the stunned faces of the Tribunal. “He says...this is your last warning. The next time, he’ll burn down the Black Keep. Then find you each, one by one.”

I could see the fear on their faces. I understood their confusion. I saw hatred there, too–on Viktor’s face, on Catherine’s. They weren’t used to dragons not listening. Dragons who didn’t remember their place in the old world order. They expected Nyxaris to behave, to fall in line, to be a weapon they could wield. The only thing they’d expected to have to fight about was who would get to wield him.

But everything had changed.

Behind me, Nyxaris’s massive wings began to spread, stirring the smoky air around us.

Wait, I said to him softly. One more thing.

Yet another favor? But his fury seemed to be dissipating.

Can you please tell them to leave my friends alone? I begged him. That girl over there, the one with black hair and glasses, standing beside Blake. They brought her here to use her against me. If you didn’t do what they wanted, they were going to...hurt her.

She matters to you?

My throat felt choked. She does. The little girl beside Blake. That’s his sister. They brought her here to use against him, too. In case he encouraged us not to comply.

Nyxaris turned his head towards the platform with interest. They fear the highblood boy possesses a rebel heart, do they? He spoke of Blake with more respect than he ever had before.

Viktor controls Blake . I took a deep breath. I think he hurts him to get him to do what he wants. And threatens his family.

Nyxaris gave a rumbling laugh. The highbloods are not kind masters. Not even to their own kin. Nothing about them will ever surprise me.

I was worried I’d gone too far. Yes. But Florence, my friend...

Very well, he cut me off. You have my word. They are included in my protection.

“One last thing,” I called out to the Tribunal. “Nyxaris says my companions are under his protection, too. If any harm comes to my friends, he says his wrath will not be contained to your carriages. Your castles and keeps will crumble to ash and you will burn.”

I was making enemies here today. Enemies of all the Tribunal members. I glanced desperately at Lysander, praying he’d understand why I was doing this. He met my gaze calmly. I couldn’t interpret the look in his eyes.

That is enough. You will reach out to me if they do not obey, Nyxaris said imperiously. I was sure he couldn’t wait to get away from all of us.

Yes , I said quickly. I will. Thank you, Nyxaris .

He rose into the air and for once, I didn’t watch him go. I was too busy sprinting across the field, through the scattered crowd, towards Florence where she sat frozen on the edge of the platform, with Blake and Aenia. Blake’s arm was draped protectively around his sister, who clung to him, her small face pale.

“Florence!”

She practically launched herself into my arms.

“You’re all right,” she sobbed, gripping me tightly. “I was so scared, Medra.”

Then Jia was there, her arms around her daughter, tears flowing freely down her face. I slipped out of Florence’s embrace as mother and daughter turned to comfort each other. I looked over at Blake.

“Please,” I begged. “Let’s get them out of here.”

He nodded tightly. “There are still some carriages left.”

We didn’t ask first. Just strode towards a free one, Florence, Jia, and Aenia alongside us. Blake instructed the terrified-looking driver while I helped Florence and her mother inside.

“Is there room for us?”

I looked over to see Visha and Theo.

“Of course.” It was Blake who answered before I could even form the words. “I tethered my horse nearby. I’ll ride back with Aenia.” He looked at me. “I’ll follow alongside.”

I nodded, suddenly too exhausted to do anything else.

The inside of the carriage smelled like leather and lavender. The lavender was probably Florence. Her mother had no doubt drenched them both in calming herbs and scents. It was sweet, but also incredibly sad. I stared at my friend as she sat down beside Jia, across from Theo, Visha, and I. Her eyes closed as she rested her head on her mother’s shoulder.

The carriage was bumpy as we traveled the uneven road back towards the bridge leading to Bloodwing, the only sounds the creak of the wheels and the occasional soft sniffle from Florence.

Theo was quiet, staring out the window. Visha’s hands strummed on her lap as if she couldn’t sit still.

Outside, I glimpsed Blake riding alongside the carriage on a black steed. Aenia sat in front of him, her small frame nestled in his arms.

I was just beginning to relax and think about closing my eyes, when a sharp crack split the air, followed by the terrified whinny of horses.

The carriage lurched violently as horses screamed. Florence and her mother cried out as the carriage skidded to a sudden halt, then rocked back and forth, nearly tipping over.

“What’s happening?” Florence exclaimed, clutching her mother tightly.

Jia Shen’s hands trembled as she clasped her daughter. “Stay calm,” she whispered, but her eyes were on me.

I was already leaning over Theo but before I could open the door, it swung open, and Blake’s face appeared. “Theo! Get Aenia inside the carriage. Now!”

Theo didn’t have to be asked twice. He grabbed the little girl and pulled her onto his lap.

Visha was scrambling over us. She shoved past Blake without a word, her hand already on the sheath of the rapier she wore on her hip.

“Stay put,” Blake growled at me, seeing the direction I was looking. “Stay inside the carriage.”

I ignored him. “I’m armed and I’m coming. Don’t try to stop me,” I said, barreling over Aenia and Theo and moving to follow Visha.

I pulled my dagger from my boot as I stepped out.

“Medra,” Theo called from behind me, sounding anxious and frightened. “Maybe you’d better do what he says.”

I turned back towards him. “Stay here and keep them safe.”

Then I slammed the carriage door in his face and looked around.

The horses that had been pulling the carriage lay crumpled in the road, arrows protruding from their bodies.

The driver was hunched in his seat. Dead as well.

A group of figures on horseback surrounded us, their faces obscured by black masks. I spotted at least two of them holding crossbows, while the others brandished swords.

“I told you to stay in the carriage,” Blake hissed furiously as I moved to stand beside him.

“No chance. We’re outnumbered. You really think you and Visha can take them? Especially if they’re highbloods?”

“They are fucking highbloods. Which is exactly why you should have stayed in the carriage,” he snapped, his voice low but furious. “We don’t need you out here.”

I tightened my grip on my dagger, feeling my mother’s power reach out to me, ground me. She was alert and ready for blood. “Two against five? I think you need me.”

Sweet of him to wish to protect you darling, but unfortunately for you both, bloodlust runs strong on both sides of your family, she murmured.

I ignored her, suddenly too apprehensive to respond.

Blake swore under his breath, glancing at the attackers, who had begun to spread out. If they’d wanted us all dead, they’d have used their crossbows already, so it was clear they wanted something else. But what?

“This isn’t a game,” Blake snarled.

“You need every blade you can get,” I shot back. “I’m not a child, Blake.”

“Oh, shut up and let the girl help,” Visha snapped, moving to stand beside me. “This isn’t the time for one of your petty lovers’ spats. Are we doing this or aren’t we?”

Blake growled something under his breath but didn’t argue. He turned to face our attackers, his sword raised.

Next to me, Visha rolled her shoulders, her rapier poised in front of her, her grin wide and her fangs out with anticipation.

The highbloods on horseback spread out to encircle us. The two with crossbows kept their weapons trained on Blake and Visha, while the other three dismounted, blades glinting silver as they slowly advanced.

Blake didn’t wait. He was the first to strike. He moved faster than I’d ever seen him, his sword clashing against the nearest attacker’s. Crossbow bolts went flying, hitting the carriage, missing Blake by a mile. I prayed none of the bolts penetrated enough to hurt those inside.

Visha had become a whirlwind, moving to the next attacker, her rapier darting.

For a moment, I stood in stunned awe. I’d seen both of them fight before in our classes, but never like this. It was as if being in true danger had unlocked a deeper well of their highblood skills. Their movements had never seemed more inhumanly fast.

I raised my dagger defensively as one of the highblood attackers, a tall figure with a jagged scar visible on his cheek above the mask, turned his focus on me. My heart hammered. His sword seemed nearly as long as I was tall.

He was bigger, stronger, and better armed but I wasn’t about to back down. Not when my friends were trapped right behind me.

Our blades met. The impact sent a jolt of pain up my arm. My dagger was too small to block him effectively. I backed up, feeling the uneven surface of the road beneath my feet.

What is it? What’s wrong? Nyxaris’s voice was suddenly in my mind, sharp and almost panicked.

I barely managed to duck another swing of the sword. Still, my best defense was going to have to be my speed and my smaller size, I decided.

Not a good time to talk. We’re under attack, I sent back to him.

There was a pause. Then to my shock, his voice came again. I’m on my way. Hold on.

I was frankly amazed he was turning around. He’d already saved my ass once that day. Still, I didn’t know how long it would take him to get there. For now, we were on our own.

My attacker lunged and I twisted, avoiding the blow.

Suddenly, a blur of motion surged out of the treeline.

A massive silver wolf sped across the road and launched itself at the highblood attacking me. The man screamed as the wolf’s jaws closed around his arm, dragging him down to the ground.

Visha appeared beside me, panting and licking blood from her lips, as she stared open-mouthed at the wolf. “What the hell is that thing?” Then she shrugged as the wolf tore into the highblood attacker. “Fuck it. At least it has good taste.” A manic grin spread across her face. In another instant, she was gone.

I glanced across the road at where Blake was fighting two foes at once. All of the attackers were off their horses now. I saw one of their crossbows lying in the road where the man Blake was fighting must have dropped it.

I darted forward, intending to pick it up. Before I could reach it, another attacker stepped in front of me. His sword was sheathed, his hands were up. He seemed more interested in grabbing me than harming me.

But before he could even touch me, the silver wolf was there, knocking the man onto his back and pinning him beneath his huge paws. The beast didn’t hesitate. It tore into the highblood with savage efficiency, crushing the man’s skull like a grape. I peeled my eyes from the gruesome sight and moved around the wolf, reaching the crossbow.

I’d just picked it up when arms snaked around my waist, yanking me off my feet. I screamed, struggling, twisting and kicking, but he was too strong.

“Medra!” I heard Blake roar over the fray, but I knew he was too far away. Locked in combat.

Before I could raise my dagger to strike downwards, the man’s blade pierced my side. I gasped at the burning pain and looked down to see a small knife sticking out of my side, the man’s hand still wrapped tightly around it. Just as he pulled it out, a massive silver blur collided with us, knocking us both to the ground.

I rolled to the side, clutching at my gut, suddenly filled with terror at the thought of the wolf’s huge jaws clamping down upon me. But it wasn’t me the wolf wanted. He leaped onto my attacker, sinking his teeth deep into the man’s shoulder. The highblood screamed and thrashed, swearing loudly as he fought to free himself. Blood spurted as the wolf’s teeth penetrated flesh, but the man twisted violently, kicking at the beast’s underbelly. They rolled across the dirt, a tangle of fur and limbs.

Don’t just stand there bleeding while you watch , my mother’s voice snapped. Bandage it. Quickly.

I forced myself to move, hands trembling as I yanked off my jacket, ignoring the sting of pain as I cinched it over the wound at my waist.

My attacker was scrambling free of the wolf. I watched as he rolled onto his knees and spotted the crossbow lying just a few feet away. My stomach dropped.

Ignore the pain, Orcades ordered. Move!

I didn’t have to be told twice. I staggered forward, reaching for the weapon. But the highblood was faster. He snatched it up, already loaded, as the wolf lunged at him again.

The bolt flew true, striking the wolf in its flank. The creature let out a high-pitched yelp and staggered, rolling over and over again as it hit the dirt.

For a moment, I thought it was over, that the wolf was down for good. Then it pushed itself up, blood staining its silver fur, and growled low and menacing, its eyes locked on the man.

Gods, the beast is tenacious, Orcades murmured. What on earth is it?

On our side, I said. That’s all I need to know.

The man didn’t waste another moment. Still holding the crossbow, he turned and bolted, boots spraying dirt as he ran towards a nearby copse of trees.

The wolf turned its head towards me. It took a limping step forward, its ears flicking back, clearly in pain.

I raised my hand as if to touch it, then thought better of the gesture. “You did enough,” I said softly. “I’ll be all right. Go.”

The animal hesitated a moment, then lowered its head.

“Medra!” Blake’s voice thundered as he appeared at my side, a streak of blood on his cheek, his clothes torn, his eyes wild. As he saw my jacket wrapped around my midsection, he sank down to his knees in the dirt, hands hovering over me as if he didn’t know where it was safe to touch. “What the hell happened?”

I opened my mouth to reply but a thunderous growl from above interrupted me.

I sense blood, Nyxaris snarled. Your blood. What happened? Who did this?

It’s over now, I answered weakly. Thank you for trying to help.

Clearly it is not over, if you are bleeding. Tell me who I may kill. The wolf, perhaps?

The silver wolf was limping away.

“No,” I exclaimed out loud. No, I answered more firmly in my mind. You can’t kill the wolf. It saved me.

Blake didn’t ask why I was talking to myself. He ignored me. His arms were like iron as he scooped me off the ground and began marching towards the carriage.

Vaguely, I realized Visha was still alive. She was going from body to body, ripping each attacker’s mask off. After looking them in the face to see if she recognized them, she plunged her rapier into each one—as if to make sure they were well and truly dead.

You forbid me to eat the wolf? What am I to eat then? Nyxaris complained.

Are you here to help or for supper? I asked grouchily. The pain in my stomach was worse. I clenched my teeth. I’m sorry to disappoint your appetite. Then I thought of something. The man who stabbed me. He ran off into the trees. I lifted my arm shakily and pointed. Blake growled at me as if furious that I’d dared to move but I ignored him. He went that way. Can you go after him?

A deep rumble of satisfaction filled my mind. I will enjoy grinding his bones into powder and savoring the taste of his blood.

I winced. I don’t need the specifics. But...thank you for coming, Nyxaris. Truly.

Stay alive until I return, wingless one, he replied, his voice softening. I may not eat wolves but you are another matter.

I wasn’t sure if that was meant to be a threat or a compliment. But I managed a weak laugh as his shadow swept away.

Blake was muttering curse after curse as he carried me towards the carriage. When we reached it, he yanked it open with more force than was necessary.

Then he froze.

Inside the carriage, Jia and Florence sat backed into a corner, their faces masks of terror.

Theo lay on the seat next to Jia and Florence as if he’d tried to shield them.

And Aenia... Oh, gods. The highblood child hunched over her cousin, paying no heed to Blake or I. Her fangs were sunk into Theo’s neck. Blood dripped down her chin as she fed.

Theo’s face was slack, his eyes closed. He seemed past the point of being aware of what was happening.

Jia looked behind Blake and I, taking in the scene outside. Then she opened her mouth and began to scream.