Chapter 95

HE'D KNOWN how this had to go, had known it for... he couldn't remember, didn't know where the knowledge came from, but it was no less real for its ephemeral origin--you either killed the monster or the monster ate you.

Dreams, he supposed. Too damned many dreams. Too damned many times walking through someone else's nightmares not knowing if you were the monster or the sacrifice, just knowing your feet wouldn't move fast enough and you couldn't scream.

Dallin was watching, too obviously afraid, but he didn't move away, didn't back down. "It's yours, it's in your hands, but.... Wil, it's only a name. Is it worth the risk?"

Only a name. Only everything.

Dallin didn't understand. How could he? He had one--pride's people, from the valley, brave--made of the hearts of mountains, and he never had to wonder.

Wil snarled. "It's mine!"