The pile of charred bodies lying around the stage rose and latched onto the dragon's legs and tail. I staggered back, watching in horror as the burnt corpses crawled over the dragon like a swarm of ants.
Liam staggered toward me, hand outstretched toward the dragon, eyes covered in pale fog. Tightening my grip on Cierthine, I rushed forward, dancing three quick steps, and raised the blade over my head.
Wind and lightning surged around Cierthine as I brought it down on the dragon's neck. The black blade sliced through the scales and sank deep into its flesh. Thunder boomed from the blade, jarring the half-severed neck apart.
Blood spurted across my dress as I yanked Cierthine free. The dragon slumped, joining the pile of corpses.
Anxiety and worry thrummed in my breast.Reese.
I whirled around, searching for my Paragon. Rain fell from thick clouds above, pounding into the ground and creating a layer of mist.
Radiant light pierced the veil ahead of me—I could see their vague shapes through the mist: The Paragon with wings of light, and the phoenix he battled with.
I heard someone running toward me and spun. Bláth, dress burned and scorched, face covered in embers, flew past me and dove into the mist.
Without a second thought, I gave chase. Heat burned every inch of my body and dove down my throat. I tripped on another body, foot burning where it dragged through melted flesh.
Bláth flew in front of Reese, standing between him and the phoenix. The bird looked like it was about to charge, but it froze.
"For god's sake, you're free," Bláth shouted, voice hoarse. "Stop being petty and go."
The phoenix reared, shaking its head—as though warring with itself.
I reached out without thinking, bare fingers stretching toward the falling embers.
The world changed, as it always did when our skin touched. Darkness swept away the fire, the death, the orange-bloomed tree.
Nothing but shadow wrapped us in its embrace, lit by the cinders falling from the phoenix's wings.
The burning fury in the phoenix's eyes faded. Gentle ruby light peered down on me.
Brighid's eyes, clever and sharp.
"You deserve better than this world gave you," I said quietly.
Pain raged through my fingers, and I pulled my hand back, cursing. The darkness fled, returning us to the scalding courtyard.
Burns covered my hand. Breathing in sharply, I grabbed my wrist and fell to my knees.
The phoenix released one final scream and turned. It streaked through the sky, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.
The world shrieked, too: torn, sundered. My ears screamed with agony at the unbearable noise. A heavy rush of wind ripped past my face.
I breathed in—the scent of fire, of death. And saw the courtyard as it had been, soft grass and oak trees—nothing but ash, now.
Bláth released a strangled, mournful sound and fell to her knees. Rain cascaded over my face, its drops loud against the sudden silence.
Chapter 61
Diar
Ihad seen mutilated corpses strewn outside the gates of Tsuyan, and even that could not have prepared me to behold the remains of Fort Rainier.
All was black. Charred wood, singed grass, trees that had burned to their roots. Even now, the air scorched with lingering embers and persistent heat.
Agendra pulled another corpse from the collapsed stage and laid it by the others. He wiped the sweat from his brow and turned back toward the wreckage.
The earth trembled beneath his feet as his hands clenched.
