Chapter 24

“It seems I have yet again underestimated you,” she seethed, turning the fire of her gaze on him. Io felt a chill trickle down his spine. He took a step back. “I really should stop doing that, then again…” She shrugged. “By the time the sun comes up on the new day you’ll be long gone. No longer a thorn in my side. No longer standing in my way.”

For every step she took in his direction, Io took one back, until he connected with the railing. Water lapped at the boat’s side. Of all the ways he thought his long life might end, he never once contemplated drowning. Would he even die? Or just lie at the bottom of the lake, always conscious, aware, and haunted by the passage of time? He sure as hell wasn’t going to stick around to find out. Io spread his wings, meaning to take flight. Ran’imy had other plans. She lunged for him, her moves quicker than he expected.

White hot pain blossomed in his side.

Ellis called his name.