Page 112 of Tears for a Broken Sky
“Gods, Maddie! Where did that come from?” I asked, half breathless. “You’re amazing!”
She shot me a wolfish grin—but it wavered. “I know. Now go!” Her voice was rough, wild.
Her hands were trembling. Her jaw clenched tight. I saw the effort etched into her face—sweat slicking her temples, her whole body held like a bowstring straining not to snap.
We didn’t argue.
Phoenix caught my wrist, tugging me higher up the ridge. Leo was behind me, one hand on Maddie’s shoulder as if to sayI’ll come back for you if you don’t move.
“I’m right behind you!” she snapped, her voice shaky, already weaving more roots into the blockade. “Don’t wait!”
Behind us, the first wave of soldiers crashed into the barrier. The vines struck like snakes. Bark split like bone. Screams rang out.
Maddie turned and bolted, hair streaming behind her like a violet flame.
We ran.
Branches clawed at my arms. The ridge steepened. My lungs burned.
But we didn’t stop.
Not when the drums started beating below. Not when the war horns howled.
And not even when I felt that presence again—that watching.
Just as we reached the saddle of the mountain, I turned back—and saw them.
The enemy landing boats hit the beach. Figures poured out in black and crimson armour—Sentinels, Crown soldiers. Dozens. Scores. Too many.
But one among them made my blood run cold.
Before I saw him, Ifelthim. A black robe. A hooded cowl. A cold, hollow void where something human should be.
Vael.
He was here.
And he wasn’t alone.
“No,” I breathed.
The others slowed when I did, their feet crunching in the wet gravel of the ridge.
“Elle, we have to keep going—” Phoenix said, out of breath.
Leo reached for me. “What is it?”
But I didn’t answer. I couldn’t.
Slade’s eyes had already locked onto the same place mine had. His brow furrowed—like he couldn’t trust what he was seeing. He looked at me, searching for answers I didn’t have.
Phoenix followed my gaze.
Then we all saw him.
A figure at Vael’s side. Tall. Still. Unmistakable.
He was wearing Shade-silver. Not his usual leathers—but a soldier’s uniform. A Sentinel's crest on the shoulder. A blade at his hip I knew too well.
