My target hid at the edge of the glade, concealed by darkness. The scáde used the same magic I did.
Shadows danced around the scáde, rendering it nearly invisible. But I could see it—the faint flickers where the shadows swirled, where they parted.
The scáde's head whipped in my direction. It saw me, too.
This one was different—leaner, smaller. Thin horns like elk antlers spiraled up from its head. Its wings parted, revealing butterfly-like patterns on their undersides.
And, gods, it trotted toward me as the others had. It lowered its head, like a curious dog.
I saw its throat warble—singing the death hum.
The scáde's head snapped toward Cierthine, and it backed up.
My conviction fled. This creature was intelligent. Beautiful. It looked upon me like an old friend.
Lowering Cierthine, I reached out a hand, fingers trembling.
The scáde watched me for a moment. Snow fell past our merging shadows. Then, it crept forward and cautiously pressed its head against my hand.
Warmth hummed under its scales. I felt them vibrate with the song.
This creature was not evil. I felt it deep in my breast.
Someone had made it sing this song. It was no different than a horse bearing its rider to the battlefield.
"Leave—run," I blurted out, running my hand down its face. "Please. I don't want to hurt you."
The scáde raised its head. It looked away from me—back toward the fighting.
"So many people are going to die," I rambled, pointlessly. "Please."
Humming vibrated through the air. The scáde peered at me, silent.
What was I doing? I had no idea what I was—whoI was. This creature would not listen to me.
The scáde sprung back, startled. I turned—too late.
Sharp pain tore through my side as steel ripped through my back. I bucked forward, but a strong arm wrapped around my shoulders, pulling me to a warm chest.
A Solheart with golden-green eyes peered down at me as his blade protruded from my abdomen.
"Solathair's shit," he cursed. "You really do look just like her."
Her?
Adrenaline tore through me, dampening the pain. Blood rushed in my ears, and I recalled my mentor's words.
'The moment you need me—yell.'
"Reese!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.
The Solheart man grimaced. "Gods, I hate the sound of that name." He growled with the last word, yanking his sword out and pushing me forward.
I stumbled away, pressing my hand to my wound. Blood rushed between my fingers.
The Solheart wore the same ebony armor as the rest. A helmet wrapped in a hood concealed his face—but I could see his eyes. Radiant light gleamed behind him where a magicked blade floated, a twin to the steel in his hands.
There had been no point in yelling—my attacker stood but a pace away. Reese was on the other side of the clearing.
