Chapter 35. Crownless Dawn

Axel stayed in front, his bike weaving just slightly. His jacket sleeve was soaked black, his arm slick with blood. By all rights, he should’ve been on the ground. But he wasn’t. He held the line, stubborn and unyielding, like steel welded into his bones. And he wasn’t slowing.

Her throat tightened. She gunned closer, shouting through the wind: “You can’t outrun them forever!”

His head tilted back just enough, his voice hoarse, steady.

“I’m not outrunning them.”

Her stomach dropped. “Then what—”

He didn’t answer. He throttled harder, his engine screaming into the dark.

Behind them, Kenzie held the rear, chain whistling sparks off the canyon wall. Her laugh cut ragged through the smoke. “They’re on our tails, fire boy! You’d better have teeth left, or we’re bird food!”

The Ravens jeered louder, headlights glaring white. Their chant rose like knives.

“Fall! Fall! Fall!”

Riven’s heart slammed against her ribs like a trapped animal.