WINGS OF ASH AND DESIRE

he edge of the precipice, the wind whipping his cloak and auburn hair, his molten gold eyes fixed on the ruins below. His

him: his parents' anguished screams, the acrid smoke that had filled his lungs, and the sight of his clan's sanctuary redu

ngeance wou

gon side roared, eager to be unleashed, but he quelled it with a deep breath. He couldn't lose control now

oomed closer, their jagged spires reaching skyward like skeletal fingers. He kept to the shadows, his enhanced

with something unexpected-wildflowers. He froze, frowning. This w

de, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. The interior was surprisingly intact, with walls etched in a

illed over her shoulders like moonlight, and she murmured under her breath, her voice carrying a mel

t. This was her. Keryth Veylan, the

on the dagger, stepp

ing. The murmuring stopped. The figure stiffene

eyes hollow and rimmed with exhaustion. A jagged scar marred her l

voice soft but weary. "I won

s blade. "You've run o

think I've been doing?" She rose slowly, leaning on her staff for support. "You've

s teeth. "A

hen you're a fool. You have no i

aggered back, shielding his eyes as the air around Keryth shimmered wi

oice resonating with power. "But if you insis

s anger igniting like a wildfire. He

slammed into him, hurling him across the chamber. He hit

rise, her voice cut

was sharp but laced with something almost... ple

s glowing fiercely. "Then tell

tightening on her staff.

beneath them gave way with a deafeni