Fuck, fuck, fuck!
We should have accounted for this. Expected the Syndicate to have systems in place. Why the fuck didn’t I factor it in?
You’re a goddamned idiot, Kenan!
I fight the controls, trying to maintain altitude, but the helicopter is sluggish, unresponsive.
“I’m going to try to find somewhere to set down.”
“Try?” Mara’s voice climbs an octave.
The rotor stutters.
My stomach drops.
No time to land. I have to think fast.
“Everyone, listen to me.” I keep my voice calm, authoritative. The voice that’s talked soldiers through worse. “Tighten your straps. Cover your heads with your arms. Do it now.”
Behind me, movement. Fabric rustling. Mara swearing under her breath.
The cabin shakes violently. The horizon tilts. Through the windshield, I see trees rushing up to meet us.
Not enough time. Not enough altitude. Not enough options.
I twist in my seat. Ember’s eyes find mine; wide, terrified, but still trusting. Like she believes I can save us.
I want to. God, I want to.
The rotor stalls completely.
We drop.
The world becomes noise: metal screaming, wind howling, the roar of failing engines. I let go of the useless controls and throw myself back, one arm reaching for Ember, the other for Mara.
Scales shimmer over my skin like armor as my body moves on instinct. Positioning to shield them. To take the impact.
No time for a full shift.
No time for fuckinganything.
Goddammit.
“Luke!” A scream. Ember’s scent fills my lungs. Warm, sweet. Still so trusting.
Her hand finds mine. Grips tight.
The trees rush up.
Impact.
The world shatters into fire and darkness, and the last thing I feel is her fingers clutching mine.
Then nothing.
Chapter 4
Ember
