Page 124 of Stealing Embers
That thought hadn’t crossed my mind. Maybe because having wings is new for me? Regardless, it’s a good idea, but my body locks up in rebellion at the thought of leaving Steel and Blaze to be picked apart by the bloodthirsty creatures closing in on our small group.
“Steel,” I hiss, “I can’t just leave you and Blaze here to die.”
Spinning in my direction, he grips my biceps. “We don’t have time. Please save her.”
The desperation splashed across his face makes my heart ache.
I’m not strong enough to do what he’s asking of me—to sacrifice some so others can live. That shouldn’t be a choice anyone has to make, but it’s one I’m facing now.
Steel’s hands squeeze my arms, his fingers tight enough to bruise. “Please.”
Nodding once, I crouch to Aurora’s level and stare into her eyes. She knows what’s coming. Her chin trembles and trails of tears slide down her face.
“I don’t want to abandon my brothers,” she argues.
“I know, I don’t want to leave them either.”
“How would we live with ourselves?” she asks.
That’s not a question I can allow myself to dwell on now. I’ve been asked to protect something precious to Steel, and I’m going to honor that request.
“Put your arms around my neck, Aurora. This is going to be a bumpy ride.”
Despite her objections, she wraps her twig arms around my neck. Flexing my wings, I ready for a takeoff I’m not quite sure how to make.
“That’s not wise, young one,” comes a booming voice. It echoes off the trees and mountains surrounding the valley.
“Go!” Steel urges.
Thrusting my feather weapon at Steel, I rip my gaze away from his tortured eyes and spring into the air with one strong flap of my wings. With the second downward stroke, Aurora and I are several body lengths above everyone. With the third, I angle us away from the circle of Forsaken. I’m preparing for the fourth flap when something goes askew. There’s a sharp tug on my left wing and Aurora and I plummet to the ground.
Twisting the best I can mid-fall, I absorb the bulk of the collision.
Thank the Creator for the several feet of snow built-up over the hardened soil and stone. Snow detonates into the air around us. I blink groggy eyes with Aurora clutched against my chest as fat flakes glide lazily back down to the earth. I would consider it beautiful if I weren’t so stunned.
My wings took the brunt of the fall. There’s a dull ache at the root where they attach to my spine, but other than that, I think I’m fine.
I’m about to sit up and test them when I’m hauled to my feet.
Rough hands grip the top of my wings, painfully forcing them to fold against my back, effectively thwarting another attempt at an aerial escape. Aurora is ripped from my grasp and thrust somewhere to my right. She lets out a panicked scream before the brute in front of me yells, “Someone shut the small ones up.”
I’m forced back to my knees in the snow.
Steel is thrown to the ground beside me. His face is covered in white flakes and blood. He labors to his knees. Rubbing a hand from forehead to chin, he wipes the snow off and spits a glob of blood onto the ground. Red splatters over the white, grotesque gore contrasting with virgin snow.
He isn’t holding my gilded feather or the weird orb of blue light anymore. The Forsaken must have relieved him of both.
Craning my neck, I search for the twins, finally spotting them behind us. They’re gagged and their hands are secured in front of them with rope. Their gazes plead with me to do something.
“Stand them up. I want a better look at them.”
I recognize that voice.
Stepping around the giant in front of us—this Forsaken is truly the largest human-like being I’d ever laid eyes on—is the female I fought in the alley several weeks ago.
Lilith.
A pair of angry hands wrench my left wing.