“So, what story did you want to tell me?” Leisha asked as they strolled the silent night.

  Ty’s retaliated comment was somewhat forgotten amongst their racing thoughts. “Oh, I don’t know if I should tell you. You really seem to like the Lilliana story.” Kiara nervously whispered.

  “What do you mean?” Leisha asked.

  “It’s a sad story,” Kiara responded. “It’ll ruin the Lilliana story for you.”

  “I want to know.” Leisha persisted. “Please. You basically have to tell me now.”

  “Well, to tell you that story, I’d have to tell you the truth of the Rikevra. How this isn’t the first, second, or even the third time it’s been revived. It’s been renewed several times throughout history. Most of the time, the members are slaughtered, and the movement subsides, but it always comes back.” Kiara realized she’d begun rambling. “Anyway, the Rikevra was in full operation during Lilliana’s time. She was a sweet, obedient, ten-year-old girl. She truly did love Bolidac and the Meyat she’d been born into. She believed every word and would probably have become a devout follower.”

  Leisha sharply inhaled, outwardly predicting how the story would end.

  “She would’ve been a beautiful young woman whose faith could never be shaken, but one day, one of the Assemblies members from Bo visited. He’d seen her just playing in a field, and I guess the sick bastard decided that he had to have her. He asked about her in the town, and her parents were more than happy to marry their daughter to one of those powerful families. He was a full-grown man with a grown daughter, and she was just a ten-year-old little girl.”

  “No.” Leisha covered her mouth.

  “Everyone kept telling that child Bolidac had given her a great husband for being such a devout follower, but there was one in town who saw the bullshit for what it was. He knew it was wrong for a child to be married off, and he didn’t care if it was normal in this society. In his mind, that kind of thing should have been a sin or crime. He was Rikevran, so he tried to save Lilliana. He asked her if she wanted to marry that rich man from Bo, and she begged him to stop them all. So the Rikevran took Lilliana, hid her in a temporary spot, and planned on taking her someplace far from where anyone could find her. They intended to protect her so she could grow up with her innocence. Unfortunately, they got caught. Heavy snowstorms blew in, and they couldn’t leave when they had initially wanted to. When they were caught, the Rikevran was killed immediately, but Lilliana was sent home. Once returned, her family demanded that she marry the man, but she kept begging not to and saying that it may be what they were taught Bolidac wanted but that they were wrong. They stated she’d been possessed by Rikevra, and the only way to save her was to have her Lustrated. If her tainted soul passed before the judgment of its peers, it may have a chance at going to Halíz. So, they had her killed and made up that bullshit toy story to make her out as some sort of hero. They silenced anyone who tried to speak against them. Nahara showed me the records once. The Rikevra try to document everything, but I have no idea where they’re all kept. She’d shown me Lilliana’s to teach me a lesson in just how far the Assemblies will go to keep their authority.”

  Leisha’s mute demeanor worried them; silent tears streamed down her cheeks.

  Shit, we’ve upset her. Kiara felt a pang of guilt.

  She needed to know. Ty solemnly stated.

  It’s not like she wouldn’t have found out eventually. Jayce passively voiced, unbothered by Leisha’s evident dismay.

  Leisha cleared her throat. “My dad touches me and my sisters. I tried to make it just me, but I’m…not there now.” Her voice cracked, and her breathing began to labor. “I didn’t want to leave them, but I had no choice. He always says that it’s Bolidac’s word that fathers get the final say on what happens with their daughters. And our mom,” She gasped between sobs. “She just gets mad that he wants us and not her. She’ll criticize us anytime we’re too slow with chores or wetting the sheets. She always says, ‘Bolidac is watching. We are your parents, and you have to do what we say.’” She broke into wails, their walk halting. “Why didn’t she stop him? Why didn’t she do anything? She’s our mom! That’s her job! It’s her job!”

  They tugged Leisha into a tight hug, stroking her hair.

  “My dad did it too.” Kiara fought Ty’s reluctant desperation to just forget the memory with an affinity to randomly appear in thoughts. “I didn’t know him when I was little. He was sent to work in the mines, and he ended up becoming shipwrecked on some island. He was rescued when I was a teenager. Ya know, growing up without him was a blessing. My grandparents had a small plot of farmland. They weren’t well off, but it was enough to survive. My mom seemed kinda sad when I was growing up, but both my mom and grandma said that my father was a terrible man and we’d never meet again; then the tides rolled him in. My mom was at his beck and call the second he came back. He would always talk down to me and my little brother. He would act like we didn’t know anything, like we’d never know anything compared to him. He acted like he was Bolidac himself. He returned right before I turned fourteen, and shortly after my birthday, I woke up in the middle of the night, and he was, like, bouncing on top of me, playing with my bottom lip and breasts. I was so tired, though, I passed right back out and blocked it.”

  I swear the bastard drugged us. Ty murmured.

  “A few months later, he did it again. I’d stayed up late just writing. I like to write sometimes and draw, but he’d begged me to go to sleep that night. He just begged, saying I was keeping him up with my noise despite being as quiet as a mouse. I finally got annoyed and agreed to go to bed. I was asleep for maybe only a few minutes, or that’s what it felt like, when I heard a strange sound. It took me a minute to realize what it was, but you know…I’d heard it before; it’s not like the streets are very safe. Once the sound registered, I froze. I couldn’t breathe. I wanted to scream, but I was so terrified he’d kill me or my mom; my brother was at a friend’s house that night. I just kept rolling my blanket around me. I didn’t want him to be able to touch me. He was trying to get to my vagina but could only pinch my nipples and butt. I just kept rolling and begging for anything to make it stop. Somehow my mom, who was right next to the cot, began to wake up, probably ’cause of that fucking sound. He ran to the other side of the room and told her he was checking the locks when she asked what he was doing. I remember just wanting to get up and run out of that shack.”

  “Is that why you joined the Rikevra?” Leisha asked, the comfort of joint understanding subsiding her cries.

  “No, I knew what he did was wrong, and somehow, in my head, I felt like if I told my mom and grandma, they would make him go away. I know there’s what Bolidac says, but even my grandpa wasn’t like that. I thought they’d all see how upset I was, and my mom would kick him out. But my mom never really believed me, ya know? My grandparents were far from where my dad had moved us and couldn’t do much. I left around that time but for other reasons.”

  And if you go into them, I will fucking kill you. Ty hissed. She loathed, evoking her failures. She refused to allow their parents' awareness of their friends or athame and never wore the necklace around them. Ty powerlessly wrapped themselves in an attempt to thwart his pleasure. She ensured from then on, they remained armed and began hiding the athame under their breast while they slept until their escape.

  “I’m so sorry.” Leisha hiccuped against Kiara’s chest.

  “It’s alright,” Kiara whispered. “They were just shit men, and we’re warriors. We’re gonna figure it out with your sisters, okay? Maybe Nahara could send someone to get them.”

  “You really think she could?” Leisha asked monotone.

  “She can do anything she puts her mind to,” Kiara answered, reassuringly squeezing her. “They’ll be okay.”

  “What’s the truth about the battle then?” Leisha wiped tears from her eyes. “The one between Zarkolo, Bolidac and the Elder God?”

  “I’ve never seen any documents, but it doesn’t seem like the Rikevra really know.” Kiara sighed. “There was some sort of virus or something in the air. It affected everything to the point that people had to live underground for a while.”

  “How could they live underground? Wouldn’t they need food and water? Wouldn’t they just die?” Leisha questioned.

  “Nahara said I’d learn eventually, but that’s all I know.” Kiara sighed.

  “So every story is a lie?”

  “An analogy.” Kiara corrected. “The truth was deeply woven into lies.”

  *

  A waxing crescent moon was their ever-welcome ally. Though it made walking with the cart difficult, it provided further coverage in the upcoming battle. They ensured that they stowed it not too far but without the possibility of giving it away.

  Traps were stationed, virtually invisible by the blanketing snow. They had performed this tactic dozens of times before, securing the lead in a net while dispatching the remaining guard and freeing the prisoners before the ropes snapped. Though concern irritably persisted, they had played the scenario over a thousand times in their head.

  We just have to get to the others. Ty reassured them. We’ve done this how many times? I always keep us safe. I can keep them safe, too.

  “The ravens are our guides. They give us the wisdom to overcome any obstacle in battle. It was a raven that first showed Zarkolo the truth. In honor of those for whom we continue this fight, we shall bear the symbol of the raven.” Kiara meticulously traced her fingers around Leisha’s eyes, reciting the speech Nahara gave. She meticulously outlined wings from her eyes, a tail on her nose, and a head with a beak pointed on her forehead.

  They dipped their fingers into the coal-oil mix and ensured their symbol appeared legible.

  “I’ll be in a tree. As soon as I start firing, light your lamp.” Kiara instructed.

  My turn? Ty’s excitement rolled as a comforting rage, fury from years of injustice without subsidization, and serenity knowing the extent of their abilities. Ty learned, in adolescence, how to access pain and utilize it. Similar to drunkenness, somewhat intoxicating, yet clear all the same, and a heated tingling throughout; pure elation.

  Yes. Kiara relinquished control.

  They left Leisha patiently waiting, shrouded by trees, bushes, and shadows.

  Ty procured a place on a tall branch, where a secured view of the was assured; what minute light the moon illuminated the Ketigaj’s presumed path. They sat, bow at the ready, for the perfect time to strike, fingers numb.

  Oh, how I love that sound. Ty smirked at the startled cries of the Ketigaj guard, the net restricting six of them a few feet above the crowd. Several traps snapped surprised ankles.

  Ty loosed an arrow, successfully sinking it into a guard's knee. Five to go. She readied another arrow, centering on the last guard in the front.

  Admittedly, the reflective light hindered accuracy; it was no surprise to Ty when she aimed for his knee but hit his stomach.

  “Follow the light! Go!” She shouted as the four remaining guards scrambled to control the crowd.

  They loosed two additional arrows, landing in the shoulder and the collarbone of a third guard. By now, the remaining guard noticed their location and began aiming too closely for Ty’s liking.

  They slung their bow over their shoulder, readied their dagger, and jumped from the tree, sinking into the deep snow just a few feet from the guard.

  The six in the net struggled to move, a trick Nahara taught them; shard braided vines. The crowd swiftly vanished among the trees and flurried shroud. Unable to conceal footprints in such a rapid departure, they hoped Leisha was proficient enough to make a significant distance before the additional guards escaped. Additionally, they perceived the falling snow as an ally.

  “The Wolf of Rikevra.” A younger guard stepped back, fear trembling his voice.

  “Yes, so you know how this will end.” Ty reveled in the guard’s fear.

  They began to hum, a quirk when at play.

  The extra at his side lunged forward, but Ty dodged his sloppy strike, returning his move with a stab in the side.

  She guessed a lecture later by the others or Leisha, but Ty held no care. She protected them, regardless of consequences, as she felt compelled to perform.

  Shoving the injured aside, Ty grinned. The last free guard trembled before them. The rope will snap soon. I should get going. They don’t even have horses, and their lanterns were decimated by the stampeding crowd. “Do you want to die tonight?” Ty’s cold, intoned voice set like ice in the air. “Blood makes the snow look like rubies.” She chuckled, rushing forward with a dagger aimed at his throat.

  The guard froze, his eyes wide in terror. A gargled noise escaped his throat as their dagger scraped skin. “Nighty night.” Ty retired the tool, a bubble of blood upon the guard’s neck, eyes rolling as he fainted.

  You’re sadistic. Rin openly expressed her own amusement.

  He’ll quit when he wakes up. Ty cackled, dashing after Leisha.

  The ropes nearly severed, but Ty trusted their capabilities. She favored optimism, believing it possible to deliver the people safely, without dispelling the remaining guard.

  I can take over. Kiara craved control. Smooth sailing from here. Thank you, Ty.

  Anytime ya wanna let me play, just call. Ty complied, a tranquility to her voice.

  They discovered a few stragglers and directed them to follow. The frigid air whipped through the trees and lapped the ground, collecting powder into crystallized tidal waves; though it covered tracks, it also nipped exposed skin.

  At least the blanket trick will hide the cart tracks with this wind.

  When they regrouped with Leisha, their lungs ached and their feet numb. She’d already distributed clothes and blankets to everyone while expertly leading them up the mountain, her lantern like a firefly blinking in the night.

  Kiara directed those she found toward the front to retrieve provisions. She positioned themselves in the back, shoving hands into pockets but keeping visual as they walked.

  A slight flurry began obliterating any remaining tracks. Leisha glanced back several times and confirmed that everyone arrived at the trail. The crowd moved at a slugged pace, however, and required rest.

  I wonder how many people will need medical care. Kiara noticed numerous emaciated and limping individuals.

  Hopefully, it’s just dehydration and exhaustion. Rin remained cheery. No one appears gravely injured.

  Our embers are still good, right? Kiara denied Jayce’s urge to check the container of leaves and embers.

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  They’re fine. Nahara’s design can withstand even a dunk. Ty gloated. That's why she saves junk from the old Meyat. We even helped with some designs, remember?

  You’re cheery. Kiara repressed Jayce’s physical show of attitude.

  Most of us are when we get to blow off steam. Rin chuckled.

  We’ll be with these people for a while. Jayce seemed determined to snuff their positive mood. These are people we must care for, people we must stress about, and people we must hide our condition from.

  We ain’t got a choice, and we’ll be fine. Rin huffed.

  It’s not like we’ll care for them all alone and won’t even be in charge. Kiara continuously surveyed the surroundings. Nahara won’t give us anything we can’t handle. How long did it take for us to finally be sent on missions? Let’s focus so we get more opportunities and truly thank Nahara for everything she’s done. Think we’ll be followed?

  There wouldn’t be much to follow, and I’m sure they tended to their wounds first. Ty reasoned. Though I welcome anyone ready to be pierced by blade or arrow.

  The horse struggled against the slick, steep terrain, traveling for at least an hour, and most everyone was thinly blanketed by the snow; noticeable shivering emerged throughout the crowd. They pushed forward until finding a plateau.

  “Let’s make camp!” Kiara announced.

  Kiara trudged through the snow toward the cart. “Sir, please give our horse fresh food and water.” They directed the nearest man to them.“Ma’am, please ensure every adult gets a large bag and every child a small one.” They gestured to the closest woman.

  “I’ll build the fire.” Leisha gathered logs from the cart.

  “Use your embers.” Kiara reminded.

  “I’ll help.” An older woman grabbed a log and followed after Leisha.

  “I need volunteers to set up tents. Anyone with medicinal knowledge, please come see me!”

  Just like Naha. Jayce attempted to quiet their thundering heart. Don’t be nervous; you’re doing great. It’s just more people, that’s all.

  We can’t mess this up. Kiara attempted to ease her own worry. So many people need us to be perfect.

  Just gotta be kind. Rin disagreed. Perfection is a concept.

  The group promptly dispatched tents and ignited a fire; Kiara assigned healers, and any with passable knowledge, to the sick and injured. Twenty adults and five teenagers, no significant injuries but dangerous malnutrition in a young pregnant girl; all their responsibility.

  More than Naha thought…

  Kiara hurriedly and skillfully set a barrier of traps, simultaneously scouting the perimeter. With any luck, they hadn’t been followed.

  I could’ve just killed them all, but some people were opposed. Ty huffed.

  You usually don’t let anything stop you. Jayce scoffed.

  Zara didn’t want me to. Ty conveyed irritation. She didn’t want to upset the princess.

  The Rikevra should try to preserve life when possible. Zara tsked.

  You just didn’t want the princess to cry. Ty countered.

  The forest was silent from the presence of the group. Animals won’t be helpful for a while. We have the horse but…

  Don’t see anything. No foreign sounds or lanterns anywhere. When we get back, we’ll ask volunteers for the first watch. Anyone strong enough to stay awake through the night will do. Ty observed.

  Sounds good. Kiara agreed.

  *

  Two of the youngest agreed to keep watch with Kiara. They embodied rage and a readiness for battle.

  “The baby’s probably gonna die.” The eldest teen, Arkel, tossed sticks into the fire; seventeen, with shaggy hair and a gaunt frame, hovering around the pregnant girl since setting camp. Needing something to occupy his mind, while she retrieved treatment, he gratefully accepted the offer to guard.

  “I’m sorry.” Sidal previously introduced himself as Arkel’s younger brother. His indignation was unlike his brother’s, a silent accelerant waiting for a spark.

  “Arkel, your friend is being cared for.” Kiara crafted some arrows, listening to the wind howling in the trees. “You should lower your voice and keep visual.”

  “Have you seen girls like her before?” Arkel obeyed, containing his tone.

  “Babies are usually fine.” Kiara recognized relief filling him, leaving a boyish smile on his face. Born a couple of days to weeks early, but fine. “Did you guys eat enough?”

  “What we could hold down,” Sidal answered for them.

  “You’ll regain your appetite.” Kiara put away her arrows, warming her hands with the fire. Most of the rescued were resting, but these two couldn’t sleep.

  That baby will have a great father and uncle. Rin’s voice broke for them.

  We’ll make sure of it. Kiara was determined. “Sidal, you're up.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Sidal began his patrol.

  “You weren’t lying, right?” Arkel’s voice rasped. “Alaina and the baby will both be fine?”

  “They should be.” Kiara distractedly nodded, staring into the fire. “Nahara and her husband are the best healers we have. We should be with them by the next morning, and I promise they will make sure both live.”

  “Why save us?” Arkel sighed. “We’re nothing.”

  “Because Ketigaj and the Bolidac bullshit need to be stopped,” Kiara answered. “They murder innocence to maintain control and supply their metal assembly with more abundance than you’ve ever seen.”

  “Is Bo really all that they say?” Arkel leaned forward. “An assembly built of metal from the old Meyat? Indoor toilets with running water? Indoor showers with constant hot water? Boxes that keep food fresh longer, without needing ice? Houses with more than one room?”

  Kiara closed their eyes, recalling the depictions from Nahara’s documents. Bo was considered a dream, a holy assembly where every bit of dolan and cotgi went to the Main Assemblies. Not all of Bo crafted metal with indoor luxuries, but nothing was described remotely as shabby as the rest of Bolidac’s Meyat. The Assemblies kept the descendants of Bolidac’s original Ketigaj in the center of Bo. They lived in a luxury most incapable of envisioning. “I’ve never seen it, but Nahara said it’s everything and more. There are things the Main Assemblies has that we could never imagine. They never go hungry, get dirty, or get sick. If they do get sick, they get their medicine for free. But only the residents of Bo have such luxury. Nahara wanted that to change.”

  “It should change.” Arkel nodded. “Alaina deserves comfort. The baby deserves comfort.”

  “You’ll have it with the Rikevra,” Kiara smiled. Nahara is careful to keep families together, and you’re kids, so you’ll be sent somewhere far and safe.”

  “Thank you.” Arkel genuinely smiled, a soon-to-be father in a Meyat of turmoil and judgment.

  They were going to kill them just because they weren’t married. Innocent kids and their baby, almost punished for a moment of love. But if she had gotten rid of the baby, they would still be killed for the crime of killing; the same baby the Ketigaj had nearly boiled inside its mother. How is it okay when the Ketigaj kill in the name of Bolidac? It’s not fair, and it needs to change.

  When they kill, the fetus is a damned bastard. When she does it, it’s a baby; the difference is their word.

  “Thank Nahara.” Kiara sighed. “She's the one who started doing something about it.”

  The cold night passed without incident. They alternated patrol every fifteen minutes, but their stiff muscles ached for rest.

  Few hours walk, then we’ll sleep. Kiara began waking the group and dismantling the tents.

  Anyone too poorly was fashioned a stretcher and escorted by the strongest. Alaina was placed on the cart with Arkel by her side. Leisha led again, as Kiara preferred guarding in the back. The people required more than three hours of rest, but further inclining awaited.

  They’ve been starved for weeks. How long could they possibly push themselves? Kiara confided to herself. But we can’t be caught. Could Ty really protect this many alone?

  Despite the snow, uneven terrain, and arctic air, the group persisted until the sun lowered.

  They established a second camp. Kiara ensured no one worsened, cared for the horse, and began creating traps around camp. They paused at the edge of a cliff; the void below disturbed them.

  They stepped closer, body numb. Tired they were down somewhere deep: an exhaustion never fixed with sleep. Virtually every night, fraught with struggle, when exposed to this great responsibility. They’d fail Nahara; they always failed at everything. This creeping thought, that everything they wanted was impossible, and they’d be doomed to fail. That it’d be easy to stop it all if they were at the bottom of the raven. With some added comfort for Nahara, in assuming they simply slipped. Marginally shifting further, the snow displaced and yet they didn’t budge.

  Hey. Though their body shared, they swore they perceived Jayce’s hand, gradually urging them away from the edge. Do you think we’ll need to set traps?

  No one could make it up properly. Too slick to climb. No need. Ty shook the numbing fantasy away.

  Their body ached from the travel and chilling wind. They assigned Leisha to guard with a few rested individuals. We’ll start walking again at nightfall.

  *

  The body can rest while the mind wanders. Hyper-realistic visions crossed their drowsing mind: knotting a rope and tossing it over a limb, the rough bind scratching their throat. Freedom was within their grasp.

  Please, just one night. That’s all I’m asking.

  Though fogged and muffled, they discerned merging voices and fading footsteps. Warmed and somewhat comfortable, nearly drifted into full slumber.

  What the FUCK was THAT??

  They jolted awake to shrieks piercing the night.

  Ty prepared their bow, equipped before the others became wholly conscious. Chaos greeted them the instant they exited the tent; their loosed arrow pierced the throat of a Ketigaj guard, attempting to pull a woman away.

  “Shay, lead them away! I’ll keep ’em back!'' Ty realized innumerable intruders had stumbled and were injured by traps. Fifteen wounded, six dead? They loosed another arrow into the ribs of an attacker. I’m so glad they got such weak armor.

  Countless carried the sick away in desperation. Some took arms and kept the intruders at bay.

  “When your attacker is subdued, follow Shay!” Ty ordered.

  They found it difficult to focus on any one particular issue. Most of the group had already traveled significantly, but all supplies were abandoned. Ty secured their bag, as they always placed it within grasp, but its contents were too minor for sustaining a large group.

  Fortunately, most of the survivors had already prevailed and regrouped. Ty glanced at the torn tents, dying embers, and shadows amongst the trees before backing toward the group. We just have to get them to Nahara. They can’t be much farther.

  “Go! Go!” Ty missed a few shots in desperation. One of them must have followed. I should’ve killed all the bastards.

  Just stay focused. You got this. We trust you.

  The attackers appeared depleted, but losing supplies posed a more significant issue. The location of Nahara’s camp was shrouded in mystery, merely informing them to incline and discover her by the second sunrise. Ty pushed the concerns aside, however, until active danger concluded.

  Eight left. Ty successfully hit the shadow within sight. Almost out. Are we close enough for Nahara to hear the struggle?

  Hopefully.

  Her scouts might.

  They strung and loosed a final arrow, its silhouette joining that of a chest on a different shadow. Seven.

  Ty retreated. She fought cocky but cautious and understood limits. She’d ensured their safety since becoming Rikevra and vowed to never again allow harm.

  Something caught their gaze; a rectangular box protruding from the ground at the edge of the cliff.

  Sudden pain buckled them, and their head swam as a tall figure bludgeoned them. He struck from behind, his knuckles coated in metal.

  I didn’t hear. Ty narrowly dodged a third blow, acquiring their dagger and slicing into the man’s arm.

  She forced their aching body forward, the momentum nauseating them. Gotta get up. She struggled to kick off the slick ground but turned to face the attacker. A tall, overly muscular man who sneered at the slash on his arm. “Little Wolf, little Wolf, your body is my trophy.”

  “Then come get it.” Ty snarled, blood streaming down their ear and neck. Confidence waning, she continued, refusing to allow anyone the privilege of their lives. If it came to it, their end would be her final action..

  The snow unbalanced his advance, and his size was a disadvantage on shifting terrain. The coated knuckles became of no concern once Ty noticed the sword in his hands and the blood dripping from it. So the back blow was the pointed hilt?

  Pain morphed into pressured ringing, sight blurred, the air numbed, and their stomach contained a desperate need to expel its contents.

  A loud clanging echoed over the mountain as sword and dagger met. Most fights were a simple dance to Ty, a game that was positive for her success because they lacked permission to touch her. Even if hit, she enjoyed the burn from sharpened blades and blows, fuel to the fury inside them. In this battle, however, terror replaced confidence.

  Their head was adept at handling a thrashing, but not to this caliber—not to the point of bleeding. An episode was imminent, and no amount of desperate swimming could keep them above the waves. I gotta end this fight, or I’ll have to end us.

  Whatever you have to do.

  The thuds of his blows left twinges, his aim uncomfortably close; his vision too blurred to manage the gap. Their body became like a tiny boat bracing a raging storm.

  It’s okay.

  Ty stumbled into a pine. We’re closing on the edge. It was only maybe a foot from this tree. Could I lead him that way? Knock him off?

  The shroud left them with a minuscule window of vision. Ty managed a slice to his side, but failed to notice his elbow. The pain lasted a brief moment before their face met the snow.

  I’m sorry. I’ve failed. Permission to end?

  Silence greeted Ty as their body lifted from the ground, hoisted by their hair. The assailant tossed their dagger away and dragged them through the snow.

  “I’m going to soften you for the Great Bolidac, little Wolf.” He dropped them next to the pine, its needles prickling.

  Ty gasped as panic took their senses.

  Jayce, Kiara? Rin? Anyone?

  He pinned them, one hand on their throat and the other gliding down.

  Fuck you. Ty reacted, ripping their athame from its place, positioning it between their fingers, and sinking it into his neck. She twisted and tore the blade toward them.

  Though palm-sized, the blade lacerated his throat. Stunned, he released his grip and futilely grasped at the wound.

  Ty gasped as their agony became unbearable, with vision blurred by blood and their body immovable through the pain.

  Terror signaled through the fog; when Ty’s perception of flight became a reality, his bloodied hand tightened around their throat. They hopelessly kicked, desperate for anything solid. He gurgled something, his blood stinging their eyes as they became weightless.