Ezra’s eyes became wild, a grin spreading. “There’s that Yarrow rage.”
“Sol.”Cas’s stern tone made her glance up, clearing the haze of fury. His silver eyes shone. “Go.”
This time, she listened.
With a final glare at Ezra, Sol stood and ran toward the makeshift bridge, relieved to see Jonah and Phil already on the other side.
Jonah wore an expression of pure anguish as he glanced below to where Zeri fell.
He will pay.
Hewillpay.
Tears pooled in her eyes as she sprinted, ignoring her limbs and their begging for solace. It wasn’t until she was safely in Jonah and Phil’s embrace that she shuddered with emotion. She peered over her shoulder to where Cas remained, his Shadows slowly unwrapping the men on the ground while he walked cautiously to the bridge. His sword was pointed toward the men, and his back was to Sol as he walked the bridge backward. He wouldn’t risk Cade and Ezra first—Ezra would tumble it as soon as he was across.
“I will hold it for him.” Jonah stepped forward, gesturing to the passage behind them. “Phil, you must exit to the other side.”
“But—”
“I’ve already messed with the rules. I might as well stay and make it worth it.”
Phil admired his brother with simultaneous awe and sorrow, then turned to Sol. “Make him pay.”
The song of swords sang in the background as she gave the boy a curt now. “I promise.”. Cas tried to delay them, keeping them at a distance with his sword. He still walked backward, his Shadows interwoven with the violet lightning of his Wards lining the way. It was like watching the raw promise of destruction a brewing storm held—breathtaking.
With one arm, Ezra reached to the bridge, his hazel eyes flaring green. The rock shivered, sending pebbles and dirt flying.
Jonah groaned beside her, his entire body shining in an emerald light as he struggled against Ezra’s magic. Bloodflowed from his neck, evaporating into golden shimmers resembling a halo, feeding Flora in exchange.
“Let it go, Ketar!” Ezra yelled, slashing a clear cut down the length of his arm. He smirked, wild with anticipation as the atmosphere instantly responded. “We both know Flora likes me better.”
Cas continued backward, his steps slow and calculated and defensive.
They were maybe a fourth of the way across, already hovering over the gap between mountains. As Cade lunged forward, his sword slashing down against Cas’s, Sol fell to her knees.
It was too risky.
Cas could easily send both the men to their deaths using his magic—but it would be a violation. And she wasn't willing to test the wrath of his gods.
Ezra ran forward, his sword slamming into Cas’s side as Cade took the opportunity for a physical hit. Cas expertly dodged both, landing a kick against Cade, his blade dangerously close to Ezra.
“The prince is good, but he has no time,” Jonah ground out. “He must cross quickly.”
Sol looked from the chaos on the bridge to Jonah, not knowing what to do.
There was nothing she could do.
Jonah’s skin was drenched with effort, and his entire body shook as he sank to his knees beside her.
Cas’s Shadows swirled along the length of the bridge, the mist lightly lapping her legs.
Sol shut her eyes as the wind slammed against them, the skies continuing to darken, and the sun bleeding in warning toward the horizon. “Cas!” she yelled. “Cas, please!”
He didn't so much as falter a step, blocking Cade’s attacks while Ezra continued his battle of wills against Jonah. Every time Cas tried advancing, the men would block him somehow, as if wanting to remain suspended over the air—because they likely didn't care about the consequences of killing a prospect during an active trial.
Ezra certainly hadn't.
Fuck.
