Page 168 of Ravenrose

Don’t you dare stop.

The surrounding trees begin to thin just as the warm light of dawn rises from beyond the horizon. I breathe a heavy sigh of relief when I catch sight of the gaping mouth of the ravine stretched out before me.

The great expanse marks the edge of Daekhar territory, with Skye just on the other side.

So close.

I’m so bloody close.

Elation quickly turns to dread as I take in the true expanse of the ravine—a jagged split in the earth that goes as far as the eye can see in either direction.

Too wide to jump, and—void, take me—so godsdamned deep.

Bridge. There—there’s a bridge—a crossing. I turn my head sharply, scanning each direction.

But which way?

Aethir’s Cross, I remember from Alita’s lessons. The white oak bridge would be to my north—the main passage between Daekhar and Skye.

I take a hesitant step north before I stop.

The main bridge will be watched—guarded. It has to be.

So instead, I go south.

There are more bridges—more places to cross. Or perhaps a narrowing where I can jump across. There has to be.

I set off, following the edge but keeping my distance from the jagged cliff line. A quick peek over the edge has my skin going pale, finding only punishing rocks at the bottom. The edge of the ravine leaves me exposed, so I keep to the tree line as best I can. The sun is fully awake now, streaming down on me.

They have to know I’m gone.

Ayer will already be hunting…

I quicken my steps.

If I can cross the ravine, if I can find Kane… I can fulfill my duty and unite Sitara and Skye. With the threat of Kovaria—and the Raven—hanging over us…

It’s the best protection I can give my kingdom.

Chapter 68

ROWAN

He’s close.

I can feel it.

Some instinct screams at me from deep within my bones.

He’s out there.

Hunting me.

Wind whistles through the steep cliffs, blowing the hair out of my face as I frown at what lies ahead.

Going south may have been a mistake.

Hours of walking and not a bridge in sight. The ravine is still too wide to even think about trying…