We made swift progress through the dark. Beyond the Fields, I could see the blurred lights of the fishing towns in the distance, and the deeper black shadow of the hills beyond Malas Lake.

Lariel’s head jolted drunkenly in front of me as we rode. Her hair was matted with blood above her left ear, and the rain washed red streaks down her neck. At least her body helped to keep me warm; I could feel my hands and feet growing numb, my back chilled from the rain. In spite of my discomfort, I felt drowsy; the swaying strides of the Cat and the relentless cold dulled my brain.

How strange and terrible to think that Finn’s execution had occurred less than a day ago. When my eyes drifted closed, frozen images flashed through my mind. Verje bringing my flesh to her lips, Lariel pulling the trigger on the crossbow. Finn burned and dead, the Renewal Wards, Declan Lars and Finn merging into one pale, shambling …

I forced myself awake.

“Millie?” I called.

She turned her head toward me.

“It’s too cold. Don’t doze off, okay?”

“No risk there,” she said. “Not with this ice block stuck to my back anyway.”

“I resent that,” said Finn.

We had reached the top of the hill. Below lay the orchards, and the Moon Pillar woods. I strained my eyes. I couldn’t see any light ahead; the valley was buried in shadow. My teeth chattered.

“It’ll be better under the trees,” I said. “At least they’ll offer a break from the wind.”

My mount padded down the muddy road, and I nudged her toward the woods with my knees. The wind whipped over my skin. Although she joked, Millie looked a mess; her lip was split, and her face had turned wan and bloodless. Finn might be impervious to the cold, but it was obvious that we needed shelter, or at least more warmth. The Cats would help; even wet, their bodies remained hot. If we could escape the wind and the worst of the rain, we would be okay. I hoped. Sunrise was only a few hours away.

We came to the edge of the woods. The trees groaned and dripped. I lifted Lariel down and climbed off my Cat, rubbing my arms to restore circulation. My hands had stiffened gripping the saddle. I grimaced and stretched my cramping fingers. Finn helped Millie to the ground.

“I don’t think we’ve been followed,” I said. “If we’re lucky, the Order will focus their attention on the city for now. Buy us some time.”

“Time for what?” asked Finn.

I made a vague gesture. He leaned down and picked up Lariel, easy as lifting a small child. Her head moved, and she moaned.

“Back with us so soon?” he asked.

She did not answer.

I led my Cat deeper beneath the trees, and the wind eased. I was shivering violently. The Cat nudged me with her snout, and I stroked her head.