Total pages in book: 214
Estimated words: 195876 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 979(@200wpm)___ 784(@250wpm)___ 653(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 195876 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 979(@200wpm)___ 784(@250wpm)___ 653(@300wpm)
I nod my head, considering if I want to stab him and trigger his stasis token, removing the possibility of a threat to Nessa. Behind him, his air elemental stands in the rain, leaking white mist from numerous wounds. Wounds it suffered trying to save us from the windborne.
“Dammit,” I say, reaching a hand out to help him to his feet.
Bastian takes it, stands, and winces as fresh blood oozes from a deep wound on his thigh. “Hollow. There’s one more thing. The ceremonial blade has a reputation. The one who claims it never survives to graduation.”
“Thanks for the warning,” I say, walking past him into the pouring rain as thunder booms overhead. “If anything happens to Nessa while I’m gone, I’m holding you personally responsible.”
I look back toward the group of fallen allies and enemies once before heading deeper into the forest. Bodies coated in blue litter the area like fallen leaves. It’ll be up to Typhon and Bastian to keep all of them safe if any stragglers from Malakai’s group arrive. But Typhon was right. The real threat is letting this thing go on—risking the arrival of more windborne.
A flash of lightning illuminates Typhon's massive form as he mantles his wings over Nessa, sheltering her from the storm. His eyes meet mine across the clearing and he gives a deep nod.
I turn and head for the quarry, sprinting through the forest. The layout of the Crucible grounds is etched into my memory from hours of scouting the area over the last several weeks. Even through the darkness and downpour, I navigate with precision, aware that every second counts.
The lightning seems to intensify as I approach the quarry, each flash burning afterimages into my eyes. Thunder rolls continuously overhead, as if the sky itself reflects the chaos below.
Through our tether, I can still feel Nessa, though her presence is faint, flickering like a candle in a windstorm. Hold on, I think desperately, hoping some part of her can hear me. I'm coming. I'm ending this.
The quarry appears ahead, a massive gash in the earth illuminated by braziers that somehow remain lit despite the storm. Stone steps descend into the pit where, on a central dais, glints the ceremonial blade.
Lightning splits the sky overhead, giving me a momentary glimpse of the legacy defenders. Two groups. The larger of the two is at the northern entrance to the quarry. It’s the easiest way in. The most likely point of attack.
But a smaller group of three stands directly in front of the dais, guarding it in case anyone is brave or stupid enough to attempt to climb down the sheer cliff face. I’ll face the three, then. I notice Kienna at their head, a tall air affinity with a reputation for viciousness. Her wind wolf prowls the grounds, lurking with predatory intent.
I don't have time to hesitate or think of a better way. Every second this goes on is another chance for more windborne to be summoned.
I kick one leg over the cliff face and begin climbing down, stone and mud slick against my fingers. I squeeze tight, digging my toes into anything I can find for purchase as I descend at a reckless pace. Once I’m ten feet from the bottom, I let go, landing with a splash in the mud, forearms burning from exertion.
"Hollow," Kienna calls when she spots me, voice carrying over the storm. "We were wondering if anyone would make it this far." Her eyes narrow. "Where's the rest of your team?"
"Get the fuck out of my way or get ready to fight,” I call, drawing my sword as I take long strides toward the group of three.
She laughs, the sound brittle against the thunder. "Alone? Against the three of us?" She gestures to her companions—an earth, and a water—all legacies, all more well-trained and powerful than any students I’ve faced yet. But compared to the windborne, they’re nothing.
"Last chance." I climb the steps toward the dias, feeling Pyrin's heat intensify beside me. "Step aside, or I go through you."
"The arrogance of a fire," Kienna sneers. "Come then, if you're in such a hurry to die."
I don't wait for her to finish. I launch forward, channeling fire essence into my blade until it glows white-hot. Rain hisses into steam as it touches the metal.
The first legacy—the water—barely has time to raise his weapon before my sword cleaves through his guard. He crumples as his stasis token flares blue.
Kienna's eyes widen slightly, recalculating. She signals to the earth and they move to flank me, Kienna on one side and the earth on the other.
Under normal circumstances, I might appreciate their coordination and calm performance under pressure. But with Nessa's life hanging in the balance, I see only obstacles to be removed.
The earth legacy strikes first, summoning a spike of stone from the ground beneath my feet. I sidestep, only to meet Kienna's blade as it arcs toward my throat. I parry, the impact sending ripples of pain through my already overtaxed muscles.