Chapter 25 · Rust and Relic - Chapter 25: Third Fire

"We can't stay here." Liv's voice cut through the dark. Her hand was already on my shoulder, pulling me back from the temple entrance.

"I know."

"Then move."

I didn't move. The sky outside was still lit up like someone had cracked it open. Three beacons. Mine, Vald's, and whoever the hell had just woken up the third shard. The light turned the snow blue.

"Aiden."

"They're not coming here," I said. "Look at the angle. They're heading toward the coast."

Greta pushed past both of us, squinting at the horizon. "He's right. That's the Boneclaw landing. If they're smart, they're already on boats."

"And if we're smart?" Liv's grip tightened. "We do the same."

"With what boats?" I turned to face her. "We're two miles inland. By the time we reach the shore, Vald's people will be dug in."

"So we wait here and let them box us in?"

"I didn't say that."

"Then what are you saying?"

I looked at Greta. "How many boats at Boneclaw?"

"Four, maybe five. Fishing rigs. One longship if the clan chief didn't move it after the last raid."

"Who owns them?"

"Different families. No one you'd call friendly."

"But they're not Vald's."