The air reeked of iron and ash. Shadows lunged over and over, their claws raking sparks along Wren’s blade, their teeth snapping inches from my throat. My dagger throbbed with its peculiar light, beating with my heart, and every strike sent yet another beast screaming into the void.
But none of that mattered, because Wren still wouldn’t look at me.
Her shoulders heaved with each swing, her hair matted to her skin with sweat and blood. She was battling as hard as ever, but she fought as if I wasn’t even there. Like she had already drawn a line between us.
“Wren!” My voice broke as I slaughtered another beast. “You have to listen to me.....”
“Listen?” she barked, at last turning those storm-dark eyes on me, raw and blazing. “To what, Vivian? Another half-truth? Another excuse? How long h
