The voice was Cora Reyes.
“Assisting in their return beyond the wall is an act of treason and will result in your public execution.”
They know we’re here. And they know what we’ve found.
A sharp metallic clash rang out behind me. I whirled to see Shayde locked in combat with two Tyrian troops. One struck low—Shayde twisted, parried, then drove his boot into the other’s chest, sending him sprawling.
I drew my longsword and charged.
A female Tyrian sprinted toward Shayde’s back, sword raised. I ducked beneath her swing and drove my blade up through her jaw—the steel burst from her mouth. She choked, gurgled, and I kicked her off before turning to the next.
An enemy lunged at my side—Shayde’s blade punched through the attacker’s ribs over my shoulder. I spun, slashed a second Tyrian’s throat, and slammed my hilt into a third’s skull. We fell into rhythm, fighting back-to-back.
“I don’t know how long we can hold them off,” I shouted, blocking a blow.
“We’re going to have to activate the runes—here!”
“What? Where?” I snapped, countering with a downward slash.
Shayde spun, his sword flashing as he ran another Tyrian through. Blood and soot streaked his face and leathers. The thunder of wings closed in fast. “Our cabin,” he said, eyes scanning the burning wreckage. “We lock the door and open the portal there. It’ll close the second we’re through.”
I gave a tight nod. More Tyrian troops stormed through the smoke. The dragon’s shriek peeled the sky.
“Go get it ready—I’ll cover you.”
“What? No!”
“Go, Fitzroy!” Shayde’s shout cracked like a whip, leaving no room for argument.
I hesitated for half a heartbeat—then turned and ran.
Back at the cabin, I slammed the door and threw the bolt. My satchel hit the bed, contents spilling across the blanket. I shoved aside everything until I found the paint. I gripped it with shaking hands and forced myself to breathe.
Dropping to my knees before the paneled wall, I uncorked the paint and began drawing. Precise strokes. No room for error. Every movement had to be perfect—one mistake, and the portal would either fail or send us somewhere we might never come back from.
Halfway done.
Outside, the sky rumbled again, louder this time. My spine stiffened. I was one curved line from completing the arch when new thunder shook the sky—two more sets of wings. Not just one dragon now, but three.
My body moved before I could think. I dropped the brush, sprinted to the door, and ripped it open. Smoke filled my lungs. Fire lit the forest. And my heart slammed against my ribs as I searched the chaos for…
Him.
Shayde was locked in combat with a Tyrian twice his size—but still holding his own, moving with a ferocity I’d never seen. He’d been inching toward the cabin, but another attacker must’ve cut him off.
A flash of gray scales caught my eye. The dragon burst from behind the burning buildings, its massive wings fanning the flames higher. It opened its jaws, and deep in its throat, silver fire churned—glowing brighter by the second.
My eyes snapped back to Shayde.
It’s coming for him. And he doesn’t have access to his fire element to protect himself.
He must’ve realized it, too. With a swift downward slash, he cut through the tendons behind his opponent’s knees. The Tyrian crumpled, screaming. Shayde’s eyes lifted toward the sky—and then locked with mine.
His face softened. He mouthed, “Go.”
No. No, no, no.
I dropped to my knees in the dirt, frantically drawing the unlocking rune. My fingers trembled. I added a secondary symbol—one meant to propel the magic forward. I’d never tried it before. I wasn’t even sure it would work.
