Crimson Compass

ed from the stalactites, and the crimson sigil flared, bathing the chamber in a hellish glow. Kael stumbled

ore them-Veyra, alive and impossibly r

etched with runes that pulsed faintly, and her hair spilled like ink over her shoulders. Those red eyes pinned

ced his tone steady. "This thing's no key.

thief. It always finds a fool to turn its lock." She gestured to the chest, where a shard of re

s bulk tense. "What's she on

had used him. That whisper-Find the Vault-wasn't a promise; it was a trap. He tighte

ing." She raised a hand, and the crystal pulsed. The carvings on the floor ignited, red lines snaking outward, climbing the w

stone. Kael rolled, dodging a spike that impaled the spot where he'd stood. Torv wasn't so lucky-a chun

ash it-damn the consequences. But Veyra was faster. Her hand snapped out, and an invisi

undo me? I've waited centuries, bound by fools who thought

s coat, its heat searing through leather. Her eyes flicked to it, narro

ked, and he flew back, crashing into the dais. The chest tipped, the crystal wobbli

ed, thrashing. "You want

er gaze. "They're scattered, drowning, or dead. Yo

island, facing those skeletal things. Guilt clawed him, but he shoved it down. No time for that. He ha

buying time. "Why

en like you-ones who'll chase a whisper to the edge of the world." She stepped closer, her brea

ed. Kael dropped, gasping, and lunged for his dagger. He didn't think-just slashed, catching her arm. The bla

oor cracked, a fissure racing toward him. Kael dove aside, the gap swallowing air inches from his

, stone grinding, as if the island itself raged at their escape. Kael risked a glance back-Veyra stood by t

gone, but the hum buzzed louder, the cliffs trembling. Torv leaned on Kael, panting

erked, pointing not to the cliffs but along the shore. "It's st

n. Jyn's. It came from the east, faint but unmi

heart thudded. "

last, its crest crowned with red light-Veyra's power, unleashed. It cras

ward. The compass blazed, its voice a

and the world