Chapter 24 · Raven felt it through the tether. Fear, anger

Raven felt it through the tether. Fear, anger, a sudden spike of heat beneath her skin. He turned his head toward her.

“Don’t,” she whispered.

The warlord dragged the dagger a fraction closer. “Put it down.”

Raven’s thumb pressed the rune charge.

Seraphina grabbed his collar. “Raven, if you light that—”

“I’m not lighting it.”

The charge clicked.

A thin red line traveled across its face.

The warlord’s smile returned. “What did you do?”

Raven threw the charge over the warlord’s head and into the balcony.

The blast hit before anyone could scream.

Stone cracked. Iron screamed. The balcony dropped in a shower of bolts and burning boards. Guards scattered. The velvet banners caught fire at once.

The warlord shoved the boy aside and dove behind the throne.

Seraphina pulled Raven toward the prisoners. “You said the blast wouldn’t reach them!”

“It didn’t.”

A flaming beam crashed where they had stood.

“Your definition of reach is insane!”

“Still alive, aren’t you?”

“Barely!”

Raven kicked open the prisoner gate. “Run!”

The woman with the boy stared at him. “Where?”

“Anywhere that isn’t here.”

“The outer door is locked.”

Seraphina drew the short blade hidden under her sleeve. “Then get behind me.”