Wait. Wrenley’s metal dog is here. As much as I hate to admit it, if anyone knows where she’s run off to, it would be Kairyn.
Suddenly, I feel like I’m standing next to a bonfire. Farron’s fur is entirely engulfed in flame, red and orange tendrils of fire sparking into the chilly air. His teeth are bared, and his eyes scream with wrath. “Get out of here, Cas. Quellos is mine.”
I look down the length of the bridge. Ineedto find Kairyn. Besides, it certainly seems like Farron can handle himself.
“Good luck, Quellos. I know better than to get between a dog and his bone.” Giving Farron a wink I doubt he registers through his terrifying bloodlust, I dart away.
Running, I desperately try to take everything in, fighting through the chaos to see any sign of Kairyn. More moles have descended over the sides, their riders now entrenched in battle with the Deep Guard. Overhead, Kryodian Riders swoop down on giant owls and falcons, lobbing arrows. For every dead underfae I leap over, I’m avoiding a dozen more of our own.
Throwing a look over my shoulder, I catch sight of Dayton. He’s found pants, which is a start. His turquoise trident gleams in the sunlight as he launches himself at a woman with mossy green skin.
I can’t stop moving. Grappling hooks dart over the side. Swords clatter. Blood sprays up at my face as a man dies beside me.
Where are you?
Then I see him: the distinct gleam of Spring steel. His ginormous height and all-black armor make him stand out among the Deep Guard and underfae alike.
His sword sits in a hilt at his back. He does not fight but wanders through the battle like a ghost. The expressionless black helm slowly looks from left to right.
My heart stutters. There’s my chance to find Birdy. My muscles ache with how fast I run toward him. My hood flies back.
I know the moment he catches sight of me. His whole body stills, then he too runs.
I skid in a spray of frost as he approaches. The words leave my lips at the same time as they do his. “Where is she?”
“What?” I gape at him. “I thought you’d know!”
His breath reverberates beneath the helm. “If I knew where she was, I would be with her now.”
My heart sinks, and I stumble backward. “She’s really gone…” A sword swings in my direction, and I barely have time to throw up a briar to block it. I turn to my assailant. It’s a member of the Deep Guard. Young, eyes wide and terrified.
“I knew you was allied with the Below!” the guard cries. He pulls his sword loose of my briars, drawing it back for another swing.
Kairyn throws his arm in front of my face, blocking the blow with his gauntlet. Then he kicks the boy hard in the chest, sending him clattering to the ground. “Get out of here, Caspian. There’s no hope for you or your people—if these are your people now. Not with what she has planned. Save yourself before it’s too late.”
What she has planned.
Sira.
I stagger away from him. Up ahead, I see the sparkle of golden briars. Rosalina and Kel fight back-to-back. The Sword of the Protector gleams in the sunlight.
I whip briars up as fast as I can, blocking assaults from both Deep Guard and underfae. I am enemy to all here. A fewunderfae I’m able to send flying out over the railing, but I won’t attack the Deep Guard. I just have to keep myself alive.
“Cas!” Rosie cries when she sees me.
I slide across the icy ground, coming up between her and Kel, and throw a briar out to stab through the thigh of one of the underfae attacking Rosalina.
“I see negotiations went well,” I say.
“You’re not supposed to be on the bridge,” Kel growls.
“Yes, as everyone keeps reminding me.”
Kel looks to Rosie. “Forward!”
They move in sync, running ahead. I rush to keep up.
Kel glances at me. “Get up to the airship and support Ezryn. Rosalina and I need to get to my uncle.”
