We push and push against the flanks of soldiers. I rush forward again. Their ranks thin slightly before us. They seem to understand what we’re doing, and I can hear them shouting desperately at one another, calling for the rest of the guards around the palace to abandon their posts and help them here. But it’s too little, too late. I can see the courtyard beyond the masses of soldiers. I strike out with the metal blades of my wings. Soldiers go down before them in a wave.

The rebels push again. The soldiers try to close the widening gap. But we keep going until—finally—I see a glimpse of a clear path between the soldiers.

Talin! I realize I’m calling for her in our link. Talin!

She doesn’t answer—but she doesn’t have to. Because one second she’s somewhere invisible behind me, and the next she’s surging past me. The soldiers have no way to stop her. She cuts right past them and slaughters the first Ghost that dares to cross her path.

Up on the roof, the soldiers open fire. Their aim is uncertain when Talin moves so quickly, but one of the bullets catches her on the shoulder. The sting trickles through her right to me, and I find myself twisting as if the injury were mine. My heart leaps in fear for her. But she ignores it—doesn’t even look at it—and hurtles toward the side entrance to the palace.

Behind us, the ranks of soldiers begin to close again. The rebels are being pushed back as the swell of soldiers strengthens. Off in the distance, I can still hear the roar from the fires set by the explosion. A faint tide of hope fills me. We are going to do it. We are going to get into the palace. Talin is going to hunt down the Premier, and there’s nothing he can do to stop us.

And just then—

—right as I feel the first tenuous hint of victory—

—a silhouette on the rooftop catches my eye.

I halt, my gaze darting up. No. I couldn’t have seen it. Could I?

But it’s unmistakable. Outlined against the red dawn, with wings outstretched, are two other Skyhunters. Their eyes glow blue in the dim light.

Everything in me turns to ice.

Constantine had these weapons lying in wait. Of course he had.

I look at Talin in a panic and start shouting for her. “Talin!” I scream. I do the same through our link.

Talin! Talin! Look out!

She glances at me over her shoulder, her run faltering for just a second. Then she looks up to where my eyes are focused. She sees the other Skyhunters.

Her face drains of color.

I don’t think. I bolt forward. I break rank and surge ahead just as the first of the Skyhunters hurtles into the air. The other voice in me rises now.

Your only purpose is to give Talin time. And that, you are going to do to the very end.