Page 207 of Tears for a Broken Sky
We hit the Crown troops hard—fast—driving them through the ruined hall and toward Ashton’s advancing army.
The city was burning. Orange light spilled through shattered windows, smoke curling like serpents. If Ashton had his way, there’d be nothing left by sunrise.
We’d gotten most of the servants out—at least the ones we could find. But the Sentinels didn’t care. They weren’t here to protect. They were here to erase.
I pushed forward, blood roaring in my ears, heart hammering with one name—one vow.
Elira.
Magic slammed into me—hot and sudden. I crashed to the ground, dazed. Through the blur I saw an acolyte step from a hidden passage, blue flames churning in his hands. He threw them at me again—searing heat that knocked me into the wall.
“Leo!” Slade’s voice rang out. Silver shrapnel flew past me, one burst after another slamming into the monk.
There’d be more. There was always more. But Phoenix needed to reach that room.
I pulled myself up, pain radiating through my ribs. I was burned badly. It didn’t matter.
This was my path now.
I lunged. Sank my teeth into the monk’s arm. He was thin—bony—and he screamed as I tore in.
Good.
Let them know we were coming.
The building rumbled again—deep and angry. Somewhere overhead, stone cracked like bone.
Out the shattered window, I saw the wards.
Fracturing.
We had minutes.
Minutes before Ashton breached the tower.
Minutes before we were overrun—torn apart—burned alive.
I looked down at Ashton standing before the tower like a god come to collect. Then back at the others—Phoenix, Lia, Slade, Caelen, Lacey, Tom, Rigg. All fighting. Bleeding. Trying to save everyone.
It wasn’t going to be enough.
I had to buy them time. I had to do something.
Ashton had ruled with unchecked power for too long. The way he tore through this city. The way he pulled people with power off the streets like collectibles. Like property.
I had to stop him.
I shifted, the lion rising in my chest. My sword felt heavy in my hand—but right.
I turned back. One last look at them.
Slade met my eyes.
“Leo, no.” He shook his head, a plea in his voice.
I gave him a tired smile.
“Someone’s got to do the hero thing, right?”
