Page 67 of Marc
“When do we leave?” Jameson asked.
“Now,” Roth said. “We can’t risk you flying in the area at nighttime, because it seems the bird monsters that attacked Colbie’s Talon are more active in the darkness. Get in, get the threader, and get out.”
All of Hunter Squad nodded.
“I’ll get the Talon prepped,” Colbie said. “I need to get acquainted with my new bird.”
My body locked.
Colbie going straight back into danger?
Back to the place where she’d crashed and almost died.
No.
“You’re not flying us.”
Now, she looked at me, her eyes widening. “What?”
“It’s too dangerous.”
Her small body vibrated with tension. “I’m this squad’s pilot.”
“You just survived two nights in a monster-infested forest.” Memories peppered me. “You were injured?—”
“So were you. I’m all healed now.”
“Colbie—”
“I’m doing my damn job. I’m the best pilot here. Don’t worry, Marc, I won’t crash again.”
I growled. “That’s not what I meant?—”
“Colbie has been cleared for duty,” Avery said.
I sucked in a breath. I was worried about her going back out there too soon. I wanted to keep her safe.
I couldn’t lose her.
“All right, Hunter Squad,” Jameson said. “Get your gear from Maxim, and let’s suit up.”
Roth nodded. “Bring us home a threader, and stay safe out there.”
Colbie
It feltgood to be flying again.
As we flew northwest from Dawn, I focused on the controls. I was acutely aware this wasn’t my Talon.
My heart squeezed. No, my Talon was broken into hundreds of pieces.
I smoothed a hand over the console. I’d get used to this bird. I’d learn her quirks, her strengths, her weaknesses.
The sky was a piercing, beautiful blue, broken by only a few fluffy clouds. It wasn’t long before the Blue Mountains came clearly into view, with their distinctive, blue tinge. My chest tightened, and my next breath was shallow. I tried to think about the good things—the steep cliffs, eucalyptus forests, pretty waterfalls—but a shot of fear hit me hard.
All I could think about were monsters. Everything was still a little too fresh—the crash, running, and fighting for my life.
“Hey.” The big hand rested on my shoulder.
