Page 199 of Tears for a Broken Sky
As we moved, a strange hum echoed through the stone—low, rhythmic, like the beat of a buried drum.
I glanced toward a window—and stopped.
A shimmering barrier was rising over the tower, silver-blue and pulsing like liquid light.
Vael was shielding.
Shit.
This could be a problem.
If he blocked the Sentinels from getting in, it might be even harder to get out.
We reached a stairwell. At the top stood a wolf shifter—tall, dark-haired, eyes sharp as flint. He was supervising the flow of soldiers, barking orders with clipped precision.
Something about him made me pause.
There was a glint in his eye—almost familiar.
Wolf shifter.
But how did I know him?
I paused—just for a second. Involuntary.
He turned, glaring down at me. “You have a problem, soldier?” he growled.
“No, sir,” I said, pitching my voice as low as it would go.
“Good. Then get your ass down there and defend our master.”
“Yes, sir,” I growled, forcing my voice low as I turned and started down the stairs.
I was nearly to the next floor when I heard it—sharp and unmistakable.
“Elira!”
Shit.
Thorne.
I quickened my steps, head ducked, heart hammering. Maybe he hadn’t seen me clearly. Maybe—
But no. Behind me, the crowd was shifting—parting like water.
“Wait—Is that—”
“Stop her!”
No choice now.
I vaulted the stairwell railing, hit the landing hard, and took off at a sprint.
Two soldiers stepped into my path, weapons half-drawn.
But I wasn’t helpless. I hadn’t been that girl in a long time.
And I never would be again.
