Chapter 20. The Ridge of No Return

South Ridge was more a scar than a road.

The cliffs rose jagged on either side, pale rock cut sharp against a blood-red sunset. Asphalt cracked along the edge of the ravine, narrow as a knife, one wrong turn dropping straight into black nothing. Wind tore across the ridge, carrying the bite of smoke and gasoline.

Riven’s chest seized at the sight. Her palms, still raw from the quarry, throbbed around her helmet.

Magnus had chosen this place on purpose. Not for a ride. For a funeral.

Engines already snarled across the ridge, Wolves lined like teeth on one side, rivals flashing their colors on the other. The middle was the killing ground.

Axel cut his engine at the edge, his eyes scanning the scene, jaw set like stone.

Riven swung off behind him, boots crunching gravel. The lighter burned in her pocket. Her father’s ghost pressed against her ribs.

Magnus stood at the front, floodlights rigged to trucks, casting his shadow long across the crack