The sky was the colour of ice and endless, like the journey down through thick snow to the bottom of the hill and burnt husks of homes. It took longer than it should to traverse the distance, and her heart punched harder in her chest with every awkward stride. She clung to the hope that they’d find someone in the hamlet still alive.
Finally Zhira tumbled from the hillside and on to the Northern Road. Terrible stillness fell on her like a settling storm. The Spire screams had echoed during the descent but even they fell silent now. Vanished as though sealed away. She felt her body flutter with the impact of emotion as though ready to fold in on itself. She forced her legs to stand firm so she could follow Vesta. The older girl walked to where Rhyode had vanished without a backward glance,
