Venin.
My heart seizes. We haven’t found them out on patrol—because they’re already inside.
“They’re within the walls!” Tairn bellows.
“Already figured that out.” I swap my daggers for two alloy-hilted ones at my thighs and move quickly to hand one to Sawyer. “None of us die today.”
He nods, taking the blade by the hilt.
“Maren, protect Sawyer,” Rhiannon orders. “Cat, help whoever you can. Let’s go!”
“Guess I’ll just…stay here?” Sawyer calls after us, muttering a swear word as we take off sprinting between the rows of infirmary beds.
We’re the first to make it to the doors, where Winifred holds the wailing infantry cadet by his upper arms. “Violet, don’t go out there—” she starts.
“Lock the doors!” I shout as we run through.
“Like that’s going to stop them?” Ridoc challenges as we enter the tunnel, then all three of us skid to a halt at the sight before us.
The blankets on every overflow bed down the hallway have been thrown back, revealing desiccated bodies. My stomach plummets. How did this happen so fast?
“Oh shit.” Ridoc draws another dagger at my right as two more riders sprint through the infirmary doors behind us, both from Second Wing.
I reach for Xaden and find his shields not only up but impenetrable.
Frustrating, but fine. I’m perfectly capable of fighting on my own, and I have Ridoc and Rhi with me.
“You do not have a conduit,” Tairn reminds me. Which means I can’t pinpoint my lightning strikes, especially not indoors.
“I’ve always been far more accurate with daggers than my own power. Warn whoever s riders guard the wardstone.”
“Already done,” he replies.
“Check the bridge!” Rhiannon commands the two from Second Wing, and they take off toward the Riders Quadrant.
This story is from the Winter 2025 edition of Cosmopolitan US.
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This story is from the Winter 2025 edition of Cosmopolitan US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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