Page 21 (2/2)

We spun like Fortune’s wheel Dizziness and nausea surged

"Fucker took out the tail rotor!" Zara fought that lever "We’re going DOWN!"

BEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPP BEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPP BEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPP

Sol crawled toward ain Bea and Sol slammed into each other I slid out farther and vo wolf’sLike a whirlpool in a flood

To e

Sol had a grip on one ofover the slick floor He had to make a choice: save me or Bea

A last thrash from Scarface--the buzzard’s deathblow

Sol chose

I tuli into a nearby canyon, about to crash like me; the wolf released its hold at the last second

Then--

Iround pulverized rated "Hold on, sievā!"

Consciousness wavered I wanted to warn Aric, but speech felt impossible So I tried to reach hi

Aric clutchedhis way through Bag

Aric needed both hands, or he’d never get through this swarer anyway I was handicapping him Leave ht As he swung and slashed, I saw flashes fro set Sol and Zara’s icons? Or would Lark?

The giant fireball from the crash lit our way

Tls sounded over the wails Scarface and Maneater leapt in front of Thanatos, clearing a path through Baggers like a sno

Aric murmured, "Good show, Fauna"

I was about to black out "D-Dying Sorry"

He spurred Thanatos "You are not dying!" We galloped faster "Eone I couldn’t even answer hionized bellow

When I roused again, I heard thundering hooves Aric’s ragged breaths Steady rain

I cracked open men? I whispered, "Aric?" I’d never been so cold; ods, you’re awake" He raised his helmet visor "Don’t talk We’re almost home" He looked exhausted Rain pelted his armor and dripped down his proud face If he’d been burned fro had already mended his skin