The night air was bitterly cold. It sliced through Asher's skin and deep into his bones, freezing him to the hard ground. The blackened, bare branches of the trees swayed above his head, groping blindly at the dim stars.

Asher shuddered and averted his eyes, too frightened to get up and warm himself. Terror surged through every vein, stronger than anything he'd felt before. He didn't remember waking up, or even lying down to sleep. The only thing he saw was the moonless sky above him; the only thing he heard was his frantic breathing and the drum of his heart.

He broke into a cold sweat, choking on a scream. Something was terribly wrong. He needed to get up.

But he couldn't.

Asher? Aurum slid into view and looked down at him. The dragon's mind felt faint and distant, but the worry that flowed through the bond was clear enough.

Asher tried to piece together a sentence, but the panic was too strong. He lay still, trembling, as Aurum's concern flashed brighter.

Asher! Speak to me! The dragon snarled and twisted his head, scanning the woods. What is it?

Gathering every ounce of his will, Asher forced himself into motion. He shot to his feet and pressed himself against Aurum's side, looking for whatever had ripped him from his dreams. Nothing but darkness.

Aurum's head nudged his side. Asher jumped. The extra jolt of fear was all it took for the magic inside of him to roar to life, sharp and sudden. It clawed at his heart and mind, desperate for a release. He froze, curling his hands into fists.

I—I have to go, he managed to say. Summoning another burst of energy, he scrambled away and fled into the forest. His terror lent him speed; within moments he had reached the trees. Aurum growled behind him; he leapt aside just as the dragon's body hurtled by and kept running.

Come back! Aurum cried, hurt and bewildered.

Asher tripped on a root, and a flash of light erupted from his fingers and struck a tree. He gasped out a curse and opened his mind to Aurum, showing the dragon just how close he was to breaking. Aurum paused and instinctively shrank away from him, tucking his wings protectively to his sides.

Oh, he said.

Asher kept running. Mere moments later, the ground beneath his feet dipped and vanished. He screamed and tumbled through the empty air, throwing his arms out in a vain attempt to slow his fall. He crashed into the ground and tumbled down a steep slope. The world dissolved into a blur of confused motion and pain as he slammed into a tree, then a boulder, then another tree. Blood filled his mouth as he accidentally bit his tongue, sharp and sweet.

Finally, Asher skidded to a halt at the base of the hill. He lay there, bruised and battered, still struggling to contain both his magic and fear. He tried to get to his feet but fell back into the mud, trembling. He moaned and pressed his hands to his forehead as some more magic spilled outwards. The leaves beneath his feet blackened and crumbled to ash; any trace of warmth fled from the air.

"Ash? Asher!" Rushed, clumsy footsteps sounded behind him, alarmingly close by. Asher yelled and twisted away, barely restraining another burst of magic. Wade froze where he stood a few yards up the hill, deep concern flashing through his eyes. He slowly lowered his sword and ran to Asher's side, gently shaking his shoulder.

Asher lowered his head, unable to concentrate on anything but keeping himself together. He knew he needed to calm down, but the panic refused to ebb away.

"Ash, snap out of it!" Something struck Asher's cheek, sending a flash of beautifully clear pain through his head. The magic abated slightly, and Asher leapt upon the chance to wrestle it into submission. He held a hand to his cheek and violently shook his head.

"Thanks," he gasped.

"For slapping you? No problem. I'd be happy to do it again if you'd want."

Asher let out a half-laugh, half-sob. Wade frowned and shifted closer, forcing Asher to meet his eyes. "It's okay. You're okay, Ash. Breathe."

Asher sucked in a deep breath and stared at his hands. "I don't feel okay."

"What's happening, Ash?"

"I-I don't know." It could have been another nightmare, but Asher could hardly imagine a bad dream affecting him in such a way.

Wade hesitated. "We're almost to the dragons. Just a few more days. We'll be alright."

"Yeah," Asher said. Aurum had told them they were close that evening; everyone had been in excellent spirits as they laid down to sleep. Their journey would soon be over—at least temporarily. They just had to hold out a little longer.

Wade gave Asher a quick hug. "You scared Aurum to death. He woke me in such a panic that I thought the world was falling apart."

"Where is he?" Asher asked, looking over Wade's shoulder.

"Keeping watch. He wanted me to take over so he could follow you, but I ran off before he could stop me." Wade sighed and grabbed his sword from the ground. "He's not happy."

Asher hesitantly reached out for the dragon's mind. Aurum's thoughts rushed into his head, a whirl of confusion and worry.

Are you safe? What happened?

I think it was another nightmare. Asher shuddered. It was worse this time.

I am sorry, Asher.

Don't be.

Aurum fell silent for a moment and drew away slightly. You have no energy to speak. Call me if you need anything. I'll be here.

Asher sent the dragon a flash of gratitude before refocusing on the forest around him. The fear had abated somewhat, but he still wanted nothing more to flee from the mountains and everything in them. He stiffly clambered to his feet and looked around, shrinking away from the shadows. Wade stood with him, bending over to retrieve his sword.

"I feel like I need to keep moving," Asher finally said. "Calm down a little." He took a small step forward; his knees buckled, and he tripped over his own feet. Wade jumped forward to support him, shaking his head.

"No way, Ash."

"I can't go back there," Asher whispered. He knew that there was no danger while he was near Aurum, but every fiber of his being cringed at the thought of going back to the clearing. "Please."

Wade paused. "Okay, but I'm coming with you."

"You should go back to sleep." The words held no conviction.

"I won't leave you alone like this, Ash."

". . . Thank you," Asher replied. He hated how feeble, how childlike he sounded, but it was as if something inside of him had cracked. He clenched his teeth and briskly walked forward, rubbing his numb hands together. Wade followed closely, a silent comfort against the darkness that surrounded them.

<><><>

They must have travelled a mile or so until Asher finally stopped. His mind had cleared somewhat, and his shivering had ceased. He took a deep breath and reached for the magic, careful not to let his emotions throw it out of balance. Fire flickered to life around his left hand, a soft, dusky orange. Warmth flooded from it, calm and comforting. He held it between himself and Wade, sharing some of the heat.

"Thanks," Wade muttered, holding his hands closer to the flames.

Asher nodded. While they warmed up, he carefully opened himself further to the magic of the woods. It gradually flowed into his vision, and he let out a small sigh of relief. If he could do this, then he'd calmed down enough to control himself again.

As he studied the ebb of the forest's hidden currents, the knot of fear coiled around Asher's chest suddenly tightened. Something felt off. He narrowed his eyes and turned around, trying to figure out what was wrong.

"Ash?" Wade asked, his brows drawing together.

"Shush." Asher's gaze landed on a tree to his left. The air around it looked curiously dark, as if it were obscured behind a sort of veil. It was almost as if somebody was hiding there . . .

Asher stiffened and grabbed Wade's wrist. When he spoke, his voice was strangled and hoarse. "They're here. Run."

Wade's eyes widened. Without saying anything, he moved back and started sprinting north, where the others were. Asher followed, reaching out for Aurum's mind. Nothing. The bond had vanished. Judging by the way Wade swore a few seconds later, the same had happened to him. Asher gritted his teeth and ran faster.

Something rippled across the ground before them. It stuck Asher's ankles, throwing him to the ground. His head struck a rock, and his vision swam. Wade collapsed next to him with a pained grunt, his sword tangled beneath his legs.

Asher swore and struggled to his feet. He helped Wade up and turned around, reaching deeper into the magic. They stood there, back to back, waiting. A few strained seconds ticked past.

"Are you sure it's them, Ash?"

Asher could feel Wade trembling behind him. His own heart felt like it might burst. "Yes."

"I can't speak to Aurum," Wade whispered.

"I know. Me neither."

"What do we do?"

Asher swallowed. His mouth felt as if it was filled with sand. "Whatever we can."

Something moved in front of him. Asher watched in horrified silence as Rivas walked around a tree and leaned against it, running a finger across the blade of his sword. His eyes glittered coldly underneath his hood.

"Hello, Asher," the Valkir said. His gaze flicked behind Asher's shoulder. "Wade."

Asher summoned a thin layer of water around his hands. He'd been practicing with Serafina for over a week now—he knew how to use it as a weapon. "Hi."

Wade sucked in a sharp breath behind him. Asher risked a glance over his shoulder and saw a woman half hidden in the shadows opposite Rivas. Dark red hair rippled down her back; her emerald gaze was sharp and shrewd. A lazy smile touched her lips as she looked at Wade.

"It's nice to see you again, Ryan," she drawled.

"Wish I could say the same," Wade growled. He sounded confident, angry, but Asher heard the tremor in his friend's words. Digging his fingernails into his palms, he pressed his back against Wade's in a weak attempt to support him. It was all he could think to do. Wade leaned back, harder, as Idris took a step closer.

"Look," Rivas said after a long moment. His eyes roamed between Asher and Wade, calculating. "I'm tired. You boys are obviously tired, too. We don't need to fight. Give up now and no harm will come to you."

"I doubt that," Asher said.

"I give you my word."

"A murderer's word is worthless," Wade hissed under his breath, just loud enough for Rivas to hear. Asher was startled by the venom in his friend's voice: he'd almost forgotten what Rivas had done to Henry on the day that all of this began.

"Very well," Rivas said after a moment. "Kain?"

Asher hardly had time to register what the name meant before a man materialized in front of him, wisps of shadow still clinging to his loose shirt. His dirty brown eyes gleamed as he plunged a serrated dagger into Asher's abdomen and twisted the blade.

The world dissolved as searing agony shredded through Asher's body. He screamed and shoved the man—Kain—away, but the assassin managed to punch his stomach first, driving the wind from his lungs. Asher collapsed, gasping for air. He watched through a film of pain as Kain drew a bastard sword from his belt and moved toward Wade, a wicked smile on his face.

Rivas appeared beside Asher and pinned him to the ground, drawing something from his cloak. Idris stood behind him, a curved dagger in each hand as she moved toward Wade, who was desperately parrying Kain's fierce blows.

Asher snarled and groped for the magic, trying to push Rivas off of him. A shockwave of energy burst from his hands, sending Rivas and Idris stumbling away. He used the opening to create three shards of ice, sharp and hard as any blade, and send them flying toward Kain. The man paused but made no move to dodge them. Asher watched in confusion and horror as the ice passed directly through the Valkir's body, as if he were made of nothing but smoke.

Wade ducked around Kain, his face white, and ran to Asher's side. He slashed at Idris as he passed her by, forcing her a few more steps backward. Rivas, however, was far enough away to send a blast of dark light at the boy. Asher scrambled to his feet, tears of pain springing to his eyes, and redirected the stream back at the assassin. He shoved Wade behind him and backed against the trunk of a tree, trying to keep all three Valkir within sight.

"Kain," Rivas growled, pausing to consider the two boys, "stop fooling around. This needs to end quickly and quietly."

"You're no fun, Rivas." Kain's eyes flashed, and he grinned at Wade. "We should at least give that one a chance to fight back."

"Kain."

Kain's smile faded. His body wavered; in seconds he had disappeared again. Asher dove further into the magic, trying to detect the man's energy. He sensed Kain running around his left and sent a jet of boiling water at the assassin. There was a cry of pain, and Kain reappeared, clutching his sword arm. His face twisted in shock and anger, and he tossed his sword to his other hand.

Idris thrust her hand into the air, and a blinding light flared to life around her arm. Asher shrank away and shielded his eyes, trying to keep track of the Valkir and Wade. He dug tendrils of magic into the earth and tore it apart, trying to throw them off balance. There was a muffled cry and a thud—Kain, perhaps.

A fearsome roar erupted from above, driving the light away. A great rush of wind blew over Asher, and his eyes adjusted just as Aurum descended from above, teeth bared. The dragon landed beside Idris, who hadn't moved, and launched a series of fierce attacks. She danced out of the way and slashed at his forelegs, silver light flashing off her daggers.

Asher had little time to rejoice; Rivas had come closer while he was blinded, sword in hand. He slashed at Asher's legs, only to meet Wade's blade. Wade bared his teeth and pushed the Valkir back before retreating behind Asher, casting a concerned glance in Kain's direction.

Asher lunged at Rivas, tackling him to the ground and rolling away as quickly as he could. The man's sword dug into the side of his arm as he scrambled upright, but it didn't seem to be a major wound. Rivas got to his feet at the same time as he did, eyes narrowed.

"You're bleeding out," he said quietly, circling around Asher.

"I know," Asher replied. Weariness pulled at every inch of his body, and no amount of adrenaline could completely stifle the excruciating pain that ripped through his middle. "Don't care."

"Stop!"

Asher whirled around. Aurum was still locked in combat with Idris, already bleeding from several cuts. And Wade . . . Wade was unarmed, held tightly in place with Kain's sword set against his neck, his sword lying uselessly in the mud at his feet. His lips were pressed together, his eyes flinty.

"This kid's important to you, is he not?" Kain snarled. "Surrender, or he dies."

Rivas lifted his sword. Asher flinched and backed away, but the Valkir only ran to Aurum. The dragon and Idris both seemed to be suffering—blood soaked the ground beneath their feet.

"Five seconds," Kain spat. Asher swallowed: something in the man's tone told him that this was no bluff. With one last glance at Aurum, he slowly lowered his hands.

Wade moved a little, and Asher's gaze turned to him. His friend was slowly shaking his head, a determined spark in his eyes. His free hand drifted to Kain's belt; his fingers brushed against the hilt of a small dagger.

"What are you going to do to us?" Asher asked. Kain looked directly at him, and his sword drifted the tiniest bit away from Wade's neck.

That was all it took. With a sharp cry, Wade drew the dagger and stabbed Kain's side. It wasn't a deep cut, but Kain's grip slackened nonetheless. Wade tumbled to the ground and scrambled away, trying to reach his weapon.

Kain's sword found him first. It slipped through his chest, just under his ribcage. Wade screamed and dropped to the ground, pressing his hands against the wound. Within mere moments his fingers were coated in a slick layer of blood. The boy fell still, his chest heaving. Kain wrenched his sword free and turned to Asher, sneering.

The world stilled. Asher reached out with his mind, easily finding Wade's blazing energy amongst that of the forest's. It was still there—dim, flickering, but there. With one hand, he tore through the magic and seized each of the Valkir's bodies, freezing them where they stood. Three opposing forces instantly pressed against his chest, but in that moment it didn't matter. He looked at Aurum and directed his thoughts toward the dragon, praying that this would work.

Aurum, he said.

Aurum's golden eyes widened, and he struggled to his feet. His legs and sides were covered in deep cuts, but his wings seemed mostly intact. Asher? How are you doing this?

Aurum, you need to go. Asher's eyes slid over to Wade. Blood was soaking the ground beneath him. Take him to Serafina and get out of here.

I—

Aurum, I can't hold them much longer!

Self-resentment flashed through Aurum's mind as he realized that Asher was right. He crept to Wade's side, his tail flicking out to strike Idris' leg. There was a sharp crack, and she screamed. Kain seemed to fade as he became insubstantial once more. After a moment, Rivas did the same.

Aurum snarled at the Valkir and clasped Wade's shirt between his teeth. He lifted the boy into the air and spread his wings, casting one last glance at Asher.

"Go!" Asher screamed aloud. "Go, Aurum!"

A fierce pain squirmed in the dragon's eyes, but he jumped anyway. He drove his wings downwards and shot into the sky, quickly blending into the darkness of night.

Asher coughed and doubled over as the Valkirs' combined power twisted his heart. Rivas began to break free, sparks of energy gathering around his hands.

With one final effort, Asher released the Valkir and made to sprint for the trees. A root tore free from the ground and wrapped around his ankle. He cried out as he struck the earth and twisted around, sending a burst of flames at Rivas. The Valkir easily deflected the fire and growled something under his breath. A long, slim chain appeared in the air above Asher, shining in the dim light. It twisted around his left arm and wrenched him into the air. The wound in his abdomen burned like fire; Asher screamed and kicked out blindly, clawing at the chain. He lashed out with magic, and the metal snapped in two. He fell back to the ground with a cry of pain.

"Grab his legs!" Rivas shouted.

"On it," Kain grunted. He ran forward and wrestled Asher to the dirt, digging an elbow into his back. Asher cursed the man and tried to wriggle free, but it was no use. His strength had finally failed him.

Rivas knelt next to his head, and Asher felt a needle pierce his neck. What little magic he'd been able to hold onto drained away, fading into obscurity. He closed his eyes, pain overwhelming his senses for a couple of seconds.

"Drink this."

Asher cracked his eyes open. Rivas had produced a vial filled with an amber liquid and was holding it to his lips.

"I'd rather die," he mumbled.

"That can be arranged," Kain hissed, pressing him further into the earth. Asher groaned as the pain in his midriff spiked.

Rivas sighed. Something wrenched Asher's jaw open, and he tipped the contents of the vial down his throat. Asher tried to spit it back out, but Rivas clamped a hand over his mouth and nose. His lungs burned, and before he knew what he was doing he'd swallowed the liquid. It tasted oddly sweet on his tongue. Everything seemed to dim, and he relaxed.

Rivas moved back and stood. Kain slowly released Asher and followed suit, rolling Asher over with the tip of his boot. Asher kept watching, struggling to remain conscious, as they exchanged a look.

"You need to heal him now," Rivas said.

"Do I have to?"

"Yes." Rivas rocked back on his heels and turned around. "I'll go make sure Idris is alright. Then we need to get going."

Kain muttered a curse and looked down at Asher. He shook his head, the malicious gleam in his eyes fading into exasperation. "Stop fighting it, kid. Go to sleep."

Asher's thoughts were muddy and thick. He only held out for a few more seconds; then the world crashed down around him, leaving nothing but darkness.