Page 116 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

“Rose,” Rain called.

She didn’t hear him.

“ROSE!” Briar screamed from the tree.

Rose snapped to attention.

“Come. Stay close to me,” Rain ordered.

She nodded and skipped to his side.

“Briar,” Rain said, “can I carry you without you hurting me?”

“Yes. I promise I won’t.”

Her voice trembled, but her eyes held fierce determination.

Rain reached for her, lifting her under the arms. She wrapped her bound hands around his neck and her legs around his torso, clinging like a terrified koala.

He leaned toward Vass, who flinched violently.

“When I release you, run,” Rain hissed in his ear. “Run like your life depends on it, like I’m about to put an end to your miserable existence because by the gods, I will.”

Vass swallowed hard. Rain poured the threat into him, letting the energy sink deep.

“Do not stop. I’ll be right behind you. If you look back, falter, or put any of us at risk, I will end your life where you stand.”

Rain stepped back, summoned his pack with a flick of power, and slung it over his shoulder. He grabbed Rose’s hand and released Vass.

Vass’s chest constricted as Rose’s power tugged at him; not toward her, but toward obedience. His energy shifted, reshaping itself into a desperate need to do what was best for her.

He ran.

Rain followed, dragging Rose with him. She stumbled repeatedly, her slippers catching on roots and vines. Rain used his power to keep her upright, but the flames chased them like a living beast.

Rose tripped again.

Rain didn’t hesitate. He scooped her up, tucking her under his arm in a rugby hold. She gasped but clung to him, limbs dangling.

They burst through the smoke.

Another scream came from up ahead.

A yell.

Crying.

Scarlet.

Briar tightened her grip around Rain’s neck, eyes wide with fear.

Voices shouted ahead, too distant to decipher but the roar of flames revealed their location.

Rain pushed harder, tracking their energy signatures.

Everyone was alive.

Renn was injured.