“We can do this!” Rogue’s conviction burned bright.
I looked at each of my friends, iron in my eyes.
I wasn’t an ignorant miner, as one might think. My parents were the most educated people in this camp, and they’d poured everything into me. Taught me all they could. They’d said I was different from other children—I walked at two months, spoke at three, could read at one year. They kept this hidden, terrified of what would happen if anyone knew. I spent my toddler years inside our humble hut, tucked away. My parents worked different shifts to care for me, to prepare me for a life they knew they’d never see.
“Remember the map,” I instructed. “Remember every name on it. Every landmark.”
7
MAX
Four days ago…
We werehundreds of feet below the surface in the oldest shaft. The heavy air smelled of earth, metal, and sweat. Rough-hewn walls pressed in from all sides. Even crouched, I felt the ceiling looming.
After a decade living and working like a rat down here, I still hadn’t gotten used to it.
I led Rogue, Kaid, and Desta toward the secret tunnel we’d dug over years of labor, their hard breaths falling on the back of my neck. I could hear their hearts pounding like drums—my hearing had always been too sharp.
I really wasn’t normal like them.
Of course you’re not,the demon chimed in, giddy about the escape.
Usually, it talked more when I was on the surface.
“All right. Stay calm,” I said, my voice low. “Check your packs. Everything on the list? Food, water, tools, weapons.”
I was giving them something to do. Something to focus on besides the fear.
We didn’t have much to pack other than an extra set of clothes each and today’s portion of water and food. Other miners had pressed their own rations into my hands when they heard. I still felt the weight of those small bundles, saw their hollowed cheeks and cracked lips pulled into hopeful smiles. Water was scarce in the Utah mines, but they’d given what they could.
If we rationed carefully, the food and water would last a day and a half. We could stretch it to a week if we had to. We all knew how to survive hunger.
“Even if you forgot something, it’s no big deal.” Their breathing slowed. “We’ll make do. You good? We’re almost there.”
“Good.” Desta first.
“Good.” Kaid.
“Good.” Rogue.
Their voices came together now, steadier than before.
The miners working in the same shaft watched us pass and nodded in silent farewell. They wouldn’t betray us, knowing what kind of person I was. If we made it, I’d come back for them. I didn’t know how or with what help, but I’d come back for my sister and all of them.
Some had promised to look after Missy. A sharp pain burned in my chest at the thought of leaving her behind.Losing my parents had carved a deep scar in me. If I lost my sister, I’d never be whole again.
We turned into the secret tunnel. My friends stopped behind me as I paused at the entrance. Coldiron shimmered along the frames of the opening, a natural ward that would keep anyone else from following. Only I could see the sentient metal, only I could hear its call.
Max! Max!Coldiron hummed excitedly.We guard here like you told us!
Good job,I praised it.
Good job!The metal chimed with pride.Good job! Good job!
The witches and overseers didn’t know about Coldiron. I kept that secret close. I’d discovered the metal when I first entered the deepest parts of the mine, searching for my parents after the shaft collapsed and buried them.
The metal had called to me. That was when I realized I had a way with metal—any metal. I could temper it, command it. But Coldiron was the only sentient kind. Chatty little things.
