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It was then that I registered the absence of Rufus and his passengers

"Traitor!" Arron snarled in Aiden’s face "You knoe do to traitors in Aviary, don’t you?" He cackled as Aiden struggled more violently Then he looked down at Sofia and me as atched helplessly "But wait there for now" He chuckled As if Aiden had any choice but to wait "I’ll deal with your insipid family first It’s quite convenient actually The Haill be in need of a hearty dinner after all these long "

He ht I eakest--carrying a newborn innone of it The ed for his around his midriff Then, to my surprise, sharp claws shot out fro them in a little Then she opened her s disappeared as fangs euise by calling upon her weapons

"One single rowled I had never witnessed such intensity in Sofia I was taken aback probablyher cub

Sofia nodded as if to say she had Arron under control Aiden was still dangling and grunting with pain as he hung fro of leaves caused my heart to pound What if Arron already contacted other Hawks for backup?

But then Rufus landed on the branch--our three friends still clinging to hi their bodies, but at least they were alive

Rufus cli hi fro behind hi disjointedly co at Sofia

Tiers I had lost le with Arron in the sky and I didn’t even kno htone forever

It was Rufus who responded while drawing a long curved dagger out of his belt "Reach the gate Get out of here before it’s too late Escape forever And hurry"

"Rufus!" Arron spluttered "You dare to…"

His voice garbled and then quieted as Sofia applied more pressure A drop of blood trickled down his throat

"I told you, no ," Sofia said

"I don’t kno long I’ll be able to contain hiht have become aware of all of this commotion…"

"Kyle and Ian," I said, "help Aiden keep up with us We need to reach the ground as quickly as possible"

With that, Rufus placed his long blade exactly where Sofia had been positioning her claws