Chapter 34. The Last Turn

The canyon didn’t end. Every curve cut tighter, every drop plunged steeper. The road seemed to coil under their wheels like a snake trying to shake them loose. Riven’s shoulders burned from the strain of leaning again and again into the turns, her fingers stiff on the grips. The Crownless ahead of her wavered but held together, headlights bobbing like fireflies. Axel’s beam was steady—until his bike shuddered, the line faltering for a heartbeat before he forced it straight again.

Behind, the Ravens still filled the canyon. Their numbers were smaller now, but the sound of their engines—echoing, multiplying, bouncing off the walls—made it feel like the rock itself was hunting them.

Riven risked a glance in her mirror. A Raven closed fast, a bat raised high, his grin cutting through the glare of headlights.

Her lungs seized—until Kenzie cut across the lane. Her chain snapped out, hooked the bat’s handle, and wrenched it sideways. The Raven swore, nearly losing control