Mark Of Vesper

ling shot through her fingers and zipped down her arm like

ark g

the symbol, like it had com

eathe, she fell to her knees. Her ribs were gripped by her hands. Colors were melting and smearing al

ng had

lone in her

shed into her head so f

ire, roaring li

silver-spilling

. Howling. Snarling. E

apped in shadow, a glowing crescent

es. Silver. Not

d right in

and rough like thunder

are m

ly stopped as soon as it appeared. Sweat trickled down her cheeks. Her skin felt

y and raised herse

ust ha

did I

ing against the wall. Her hand reached out,

when sh

ma

crescent moon inside a jagged ring, etched above

part of

een carved in

at it, he

she wh

d gently. Like

ce heavier. The cave seemed to lean in, listen

h

e you dow

with panic, cal

ing. More voices followed

had seen

ed as she retreated from the glowing sign. Her e

! I'm oka

sure she

lashlight beams swept through

her teammates call

er up, her legs climbed without thinking. The glowing

orange. Ash fell like snow. Flames crackled in the trees, but re

gered to

er. Some hugged her. O

se inside her chest. L

ad changed

chose

as only th

een trees, spraying foam and shouting commands. Someone handed Aria a warm drink. Tea or

were sti

ls asked questions. Medics checked her

st vani

ht through t

. I don't think I hit my head. I d

ughts weren

und room, staring at the symbol.

down to hide it. No one had

't want them

understood w

ked, the vo

by w

ground, near the edge of the camp. People were running to

without re

iar voice br

u o

tu

rom his neck. One side of his face was s

d seriou

d. "Yeah.

her. "They said you

even see the ground open. One s

raked a hand through his soo

smile. "That's

didn't f

lt...

around her, the feeling lingered-like unseen ey

thing was

rm. "You sure you'r

a minute,"

I'll get you

Aria looked down a

ill glowed-soft, steady

he fe

ng at her. Leading

eyes closed,

ilver

wo

fi

d figure at

st a m

arn