Page 111 of These Fractured Bonds

“Come on,” she whispered. “I know you’re there.”

She raised her head, squinting to see farther, and then there it was—a small glint of magic hovering about seven trees to her left and about twelve feet up in the air. Erbert crashed into a brush, arrows piercing it.

She sent a quick prayer that he was alright and moved. She snuck behind the trees, avoiding brush and branches until she was at the tree she was sure the archer was in. As she started climbing, a skirmish erupted in the clearing. The archer’s team had arrived; three enemies engaged her team. She paused, concern stilling her hands. It seemed even, but then arrows fell on her teammates. She had to stop the archer.

“Go!” Erbert shouted, reminding her of their trust in her.

She no longer hesitated, scaling the tree. Using low-hanging branches, she swung herself upward, making steady progress. The archer had noticed her the moment she had landed on the lowest branch, but he hadn’t stopped his assault on her teammates. Only when she was a few branches under him did he pause.

He was fully clothed in camouflage from head to toe, blending into the trees. Only his bright brown eyes were visible. She saw his hesitation as he glanced at the clearing below, where the fight continued; she threw one of the daggers strapped to her chest. It hit a branch, but it got his attention. If he ignored her, hewould pay dearly for it. She waited for his decision. If he jumped, she’d jump with him. If he pulled another arrow, she’d leap up to him. He dropped to the ground, and Yareli followed, tackling him before he could reorient himself, but he wasn’t like nox creatures. He was as ready as she had been. He hooked his legs around her waist, rolling them so he was on top.

Yareli raised her forearms, blocking his fist. She bucked her hips, throwing him off balance, and placed her hand under his left armpit. She pushed him to the right as she wiggled out on the left. Startled, he took a foot to his chin as she kicked from underneath him. She drew another dagger, ramming its hilt into his forehead and knocking him unconscious. He crumpled to the ground. She breathed hard as she patted him down, finding his yellow gem in the small pouch on his trousers. After tying his wrists and ankles together, she hurried back to where her team was tying up the rest of the archer’s team.

“Nice work, Ines,” Vanessa said.

“You too,” she replied, surprised at how easily she had taken down the archer. Her transformation within the span of a few months was astounding. What would her mom think?

She dismissed that thought. Her mom would probably tell her magic was the devil’s work. Izmari, her magic, and Fae would be another part of her life she would keep from her family. After all, none of it paid the bills, and bills ruled their lives. Shehadto return and fix it. Find a lucrative job and help pay for her brother’s education.

“Ines,” Dre said, beckoning her toward them where they huddled

She smiled, shook off the depressing thoughts, and joined them. She needed to stay focused.

Vanessa scanned their faces and nodded at whatever she found there, saying, “Alright, team, we’re heading straight into the predator’s den. Call in any blessings from the Great Treeyour ancestors may have had, because we’re going to need them.”

“Remember, Ines,” Erbert said, “Don’t look back.”

The intensity in his tone made his words come out with a fervor that spooked her, reminding her of the crucial part she played. She held their success, or failure, in her hands—literally. Part of her, the sane part, wanted to yell that it was just a game; they didn’t have to undertake a nearly impossible task, but that was a lie. Every single one of them had something to prove, something they had deemed worth their lives. It meant something. For lost loved ones, for dignity, for escaping an abusive father, and for herself, it was to prove something.

“Bring me one of their belt pouches,” she ordered. “And stuff some bandages in your own gem pouch.”

Their strategy was subterfuge, and she was going to add one more layer of deceit.

Chapter 43

Theystoodattheedge of the tree line, observing the ongoing battle between another group and Lieutenant Humn, a shorter-than-average male Fae who made up for his stature with thick muscle. He wielded two axes, handling the melee fighters while being barraged by ranged attacks with an ease that frightened Yareli. To their left stood a general, their cloak’s hood hiding their face from view. No magic radiated from them, further concealing their identity. Yareli cursed; there were too many variables.

“We can’t wait for another group to appear and take the general’s attention. Lieutenant Humn is playing with them. As soon as he’s bored, they’re goners, and our slim window of opportunity will be gone,” Vanessa whispered, giving a nod to Erbert, who cast the haste spell on Yareli.

“Ines, stay near the back until we send the smoke canister,” Vanessa said. “Then, go. Hesitation will cost us, got it?”

“Got it,” Yareli said, her voice quieter than she hoped it would be.

Understanding softened Vanessa’s face, and she patted her shoulder. “We all have our roles. There’s no guarantee we can hold the general long enough for you to scale the volcano. We’re giving it our best shot, and no one will blame you if we fail. We win as a team. We fail as a team.”

“As one,” Dre echoed, clapping her other shoulder.

Even Erbert gave her a curt nod. “Try not to die.”

Yareli snorted but conceded a small, amused smile. Out of everyone there, he seemed the most willing to die trying, so she could hardly believe he meant it, but she appreciated his attempt.

“Let’s go,” Vanessa said.

They picked their way through the trees until they were facing the general, their head already angled toward them. A shiver raced down Yareli’s spine; the general awaited them, shifting slightly, readying themselves for the upcoming attack. Yareli sent a quick prayer to the sky, unsure of who—if anyone—was listening, but if divine intervention existed, she needed it now.

Vanessa led the charge, sword in hand, and Dre trailed behind her, adjusting the straps of his gloves. Yareli followed Erbert, her bow held out with an arrow nocked. She released it as Vanessa and Dre reached the general. They cocked their head, dodging her arrow and Vanessa’s sword in one smooth motion. Thehood fell down, revealing Storm General Tonio, a wide smirk plastered on his face.

“My first challengers! Welcome!”