Clouds descended from the sky, the Celestials running toward them—if mounted, they would catch us. Stumbling to a halt, I channeled my energy into a fierce wind that swept around the soldiers, halting their advance. Beside me, Wenzhi’s magic flowed, summoning a blizzard of hail, the jagged shards riding upon my gale, striking down those in pursuit. We moved as seamlessly as we used to, when we had fought together in the Celestial Army—when I had believed him honorable and trusted him with my life.

“The traitorous Captain Wenzhi,” Wugang called out in a gloating lilt from where he stood, a distance away. “No surprise, that you’d keep such treasonous company. The emperor will be most pleased at this proof of your treachery. Those who consort with the Demon Realm are our enemies too.”

“Better a Demon in name than one by nature. Striking the innocent, preying on the weak.” I did not deny his false accusations; it would do no good.

“Those who get in my way only have themselves to blame,” Wugang taunted. “A lesson you would do well to remember, as should your unfortunate attendant.”

A vicious darkness engulfed me, seething with hate. Perhaps this beast existed in us all, roused once we were driven to its depths. One thought blazed clear, that Wugang would pay for what he had done. As I grasped my magic, stalking toward him—Wenzhi caught my arm, his fingers searing like frost.

“Let’s go,” he commanded, in the voice that countless soldiers had obeyed unquestioningly.

“No. He hurt Ping’er,” I bit out.

“And he will hurt you. He wants you to retaliate; it’s a trap.” Wenzhi nodded toward the Celestials who were already stumbling to their feet. Too many for us to fight.

Swallowing my rage, I wrenched free of his hold, racing away from the soldiers until my calves burned. Wenzhi kept pace beside me as we barreled through the trees, ducking beneath the low-hanging branches. Outside the forest, my mother and Shuxiao were waiting upon a cloud, Ping’er lying beside them. As Wenzhi and I leapt upon it, Shuxiao cast a swift wind to bear us along. A dark mist flowed from Wenzhi’s palms, thickening as it closed behind us, concealing our path.

A low groan broke from Ping’er’s throat. I fell to my knees beside her, clasping her hand, so ashen and cold. More blood leaked from the wound at the base of her skull, my throat tightening at the sight of the torn flesh.