Book Five: Chapter 75

“Big sister!” Emery’s tiny voice cut through the cold air as he leaned forward, balancing precariously on her shoulder so that only his head and arms were visible over the edge of her wings. He pointed down toward a clearing barely visible through the dense pine trunks, and she caught sight of a dark figure, hunched and still, perched on a jagged rock in the shadow of a giant conifer.

Her instincts screamed at her not to land. If that creature were alone, it might not have been a problem—but memories of what had happened to Pierre flashed through her mind, sharp and unrelenting. Her muscles tensed as the wind shifted around her, carrying a faint whisper of menace.

Before she could adjust her trajectory, a powerful force struck her midair, sending her tumbling violently. She clenched Emery to her chest instinctively, feeling the small body tense against her, wings fluttering as if trying to s