Quinn’s POV
When the ground split, the world changed, not ended.
Quinn had fallen into rivers, into fights, and into the whirlpool of his own sorrow on numerous occasions. However, this autumn was unique. never-ending. cold. His gut lurched like though fire and the ash plains were engulfed in a vacuum of crushing black, and gravity itself was no longer obeying him.
With his little arms coiled around Quinn's neck, Rowan held on to him. He sensed the boy's heart pounding steadily and quickly.
“Papa…” Rowan whispered against his chest. “Don’t let go.”
“I never will,” Quinn swore. Even as his own body shook with terror, he tightened his hold. “No matter what.”
But as they plummeted, a sound began to rise in the darkness. Not the shriek of the shadow, not the crackle of fire. This wa
