Page 106 of Thorn Season
“I have no choice.”
As if reading my thoughts, Tari groaned. I loosened the internal grip on my specter, and it rushed up, rushedout—
Too fast.
I panicked, yanking it back before it reached the Ansorans. My breath snagged sharply, and Tari shot me a questioning look.
I squeezed my eyes shut, blocking the distractions. But my specterrioted along my bones now, swelling under my skin; I couldn’t get a grip on it.
A low grumble sounded, and I opened my eyes to find a hole forming through the mound. Osana was panting between her teeth, and guilt stabbed at me. I’d caused this. But I didn’t dare add my wild power to her efforts now.
Once the gap widened enough, Lye nodded toward me. “Go.”
I pushed Tari forward first, then scrambled after her. As my hand brushed Osana’s power, my specter churned toward the surface again. I swallowed it thickly, a sharp pain splitting behind my brow.
The Ansorans clambered after us and the wall caved in, spraying earth in every direction. I blinked grit from my eyes.
“It’s this way.” Tari strode forward when another roar shook the walls.
“Move!” Lye dropped his torch and sprang.
They crashed to the ground before the ceiling collapsed between us. Powdered earth flurried, washing everything in foggy brown.
“Tari!” I lurched forward.
Osana’s strong hand held me back. “Get in my way and I’ll leave you here to rot.”
The earth parted again under her power, but slowly—so painfully slowly.
“Can’t you go faster?” I said.
“You’re welcome to get your nails dirty,my lady.”
I glimpsed Tari through the growing gap, tangled around Lye and struggling for purchase. I labored through, then dragged her close to my side, feeling her long limbs for injuries. She looked dazed but unhurt.
Osana breathed heavily behind me, holding the torch. “Let’s go.”
We staggered ahead until the exit appeared, and I could’ve sobbed with relief.
Lye grabbed my waist with both hands, ready to hoist me upon the ladder. I shoved him away and pushed Tari forward instead. She climbed with wobbling legs, and I didn’t exhale until she’d hiked over the lip.
Lye gave me a leg up, and I was halfway to the top when another rumble sounded.
A crack in the ceiling barreled toward us. Osana trembled—sending another wave of power out to meet it.
I paused, foot dangling.
“Keep moving, lockpicker,” Lye called, arms outstretched beneath me.
“She can’t hold it.”
“Neither of us can help her. Just go!”
I hurried through the climb and hauled myself up, grass scratching my palms. Tari was on her knees, hacking up bile and grit. I had no strength to go to her.
Lye and Osana collapsed after us, wheezing under their masks. Osana’s hood had fallen back, revealing a loose bun of dark braids.
Lye rushed to Tari. He thumped her back, eliciting a barking cough. “That’s it.” He rubbed a circle between her shoulder blades. “Get it out.”
