I had one chance.
Swinging my scythe from my back, I said, “This weapon is of your people.” Many of the group shifted, leaning closer to view the weapon better. “It was blessed by a sacred source in this very capital many centuries ago. It was passed down my family line, left to me by my father.”
I rotated the weapon, the blade catching the dimmest drop of mystlight and shining pristinely. As powerful as I felt wielding it, the steel was capable of so much more than the average blade.
“I bear this weapon to defend myself, yes, and the people I love—the family who is out there fighting this very battle right now. But I also do so because this scythe wasmeantto be mine. It passed fairly into my hands as an honor from your people, and I carry it with pride.” Silent awe met me, the room buzzing.“I hope to do so through the night, but I refuse to leave you all behind.”
Hesitant murmurs echoed my words, my pounding heart scratching against my chest. Then, a small child, no more than eight, marched over to me. She extended her hand, looking up without a hint of concern. So damn confident.
I slipped my fingers around hers and assessed the rest of the room, raising my brows as if to say,You’re going to let a child be the bravest of you?
They were on their feet in a heartbeat, and with my blood pumping faster, I stepped aside to let them race up the steps. We emerged onto the street as the building swayed again.
“Get to the east gate!” I roared.
I waited for them all to get out the front door then did another sweep. Only when I was sure the building was empty did I run.
The east gate wasn’t far. The exit was burrowed between a bend in the river and the high wall surrounding the city. But when I reached it my heart sank.
“What the fuck happened?” I screamed.
Meridat was there with a horde of warriors. “Most have gotten out, but the arch collapsed.”
The entire exit—the only one we could reach without taking the Soulguiders across the river and into the heart of the battle—was gone.
“We have to get back,” I said anyway, searching for some outlet. “Back to your manor. They can hide there until this is over.”
“We won’t make it,” someone said. It was the same man who spoke in the basement. The one I hadn’t been able to see before. Now, his wrinkled expression came into view. Tarnished earrings adorned either ear, and a light cloak fell off hisshoulders. His expression was stony. Proud. “We will defend our home from here.”
Before I could answer, a winged figure dropped to the ground beside us. Many screamed, stumbling back in shock. I spun with my scythe raised to meet Xenique, and she gave the weapon an affectionate smile.
The Angel raised a hand, amethyst Angellight rippling in her palm. I braced for impact, but she shot it at the arch, blasting straight through the debris.
Meridat and I gaped at Xenique for a moment, but the Angel gave a pointed look at the now-cleared escape, and we jumped into action, herding warriors through the exit.
“Sorry about that,” Xenique whispered to Meridat. “I had to ensure you did not get out before I found him.”
I stiffened as Meridat asked, “Him?”
Xenique inclined her head to me. The chancellor cast me a wary glance, but I told her to go.
She turned to escort warriors out, stopping at the last moment. “Thank you, Cypherion.”
“For?” I asked.
“For fighting for the weakest of my people. The ones with the biggest hearts. You’re a good ally.” She gave me a look that promised she’d be back to battle beside us, and she left, shouting to her Soulguiders to move quickly into the desert.
When they were gone, I raised a brow at Xenique. “You’re helping us?”
The Angel watched my scythe.
“When I made it, I hoped it might see this battle one day,” she said, and chills broke across my skin. “I never knew it would fall to the hands of a Mystique, though.” The demigoddess held out a hand. “May I see it?”
I gripped the weapon tighter. Xenique waited, eyes burrowing into me.
“Why?” I asked.
The Prime Soulguider’s expression softened, promise deepening her words. “Because it is a key. One that unlocks a way to end this.”
