“I got lucky. Saved by moss.”
“Moss?”
“What can I say? First the sap, then the moss. The plants in the sky love me. Cass would be jealous.” I forced another wobbly smile. “I may never leave.”
Gavin tightened the knot around my arm with enough force to finally stop the bleeding. I sucked in a breath from the pain, blinking against the sting in my eyes. But this time, he didn’t tease. His palm cupped the back of my neck, his features etched in something unshakable.
“We are leaving. Let’s get the shard and go home.”
Home.
The word speared through me, sharp and cruel because I wanted it. More than I’d ever let myself admit before. More than anything.
I nodded. “Lead the way, partner.”
Chapter 42
Marin
The tunnels that climbedthrough the rock mountain ended at the entrance to the Moat of Clouds. Behind us stood the maze, silent and still now that the creatures had settled back on their perches. It seemed they were bound to the maze, leaving only the wind as my enemy as I peered across the expanse of clouds.
A hundred feet, maybe a little more, was all that stood between me and the castle gate. But it was nothing but open air, wispy clouds, swirling with tendrils of mist. There were even spots where I could see straight to the ground. Was I supposed to avoid those like holes in a bridge? Or does the token work there, too? I tried to remember if there were any clues about where to step in the visions, but it was all a blur.
Sunlight beat against my back and glinted off the castle spires. The castle itself loomed like the giant inside, massive and sinister. A strange mix of ugly jagged rock and brilliant stained glass.
I glanced behind me at the doorway carved into the cliff. A rune was etched into the stone above it. Relief loosened the tension in my shoulders. The exit I’d seen in the mirror existed. Gavin wouldn’t have to go back through the maze to leave. He could walk straight to town, climb the vine, and be home in amatter of days.
My plan was going to work this time. There weren’t any loose iron rails to account for, or a well-minded friend telling my adversary about my plans ahead of time. I had the element of surprise. If it wasn’t so morbid, I’d be thrilled!
Marin Nichols had finally beaten Gavin Blackwood in a game.
Too bad it was a hollow victory. A feat like that deserved the praise it was due.
“Good thing neither of us is afraid of heights,” Gavin said, hands on his hips as he stared at the cloud walk. He winked. “Do you still want to flip a coin to see who goes first?”
“Only if I get to call heads.”
Gavin made a face. “Never mind. It’s not as fun now that you know all my tricks.”
I blew out a shallow breath, nerves twisting in my stomach. I’d stalled long enough. If I waited any longer, Gavin might try to cross or get suspicious. And this plan was solid, it was the ground I had concerns about. I was betting a whole lot on a magic coin we’d picked up at a merchant’s stall.
What if Gavin's grim suspicions were right and the token was faulty, or the wrong kind? Just because we’d paid a fortune for it didn’t mean it would work, and the kicker? It’s not like I could return it for my money back if I was plant food. This whole thing might be a magical coin scam of epic proportions.
A strangled laugh caught in my throat. Hell, only one way to find out.
My fingers closed over both pouches as I removed them from my satchel. I didn’t look at Gavin, or I'd lose my nerve. I didn’t look down because I’d definitely throw up. I just leaped. A plea burned on my lips, my heart lodged somewherebetween them, and my throat.
I landed hard, the force rattling up my legs as the wind clawed at me. The cloud walk was soft, yet solid, almost like sand shifting under my feet. I threw my arms out for balance, my knuckles clenched as I clutched both pouches in my fist.
The tokens worked.
Gavin took a half step forward. I swung my arm toward him.
“Stop, Gavin! You can’t cross.”
His brow creased. A flicker of confusion flashed over his features before it drained away, leaving me gutted by the look on his face.
“What did you do, Mare?”
