Preface I frantically glance behind me. My breath comes out in ragged gasps, and my wings feel like boulders, weighing me down. I look down to make sure the satchel is still there. Fortunately, the sun reflects off the gem, and I sigh in relief. It’s still in there, hanging off of my neck. Good, I think. It’s safe and sound- for now. I look back to see that as I begin to slow down from exhaustion, my masked pursuer seems to gather speed. He’s almost close enough to grab my tail feathers. I swerve to the right, diving down. The move distracts him for a few seconds, so I have the chance to fly away... straight into a tree. I yelp in pain as I crash into the branches. The gem flies out of the satchel and I dive out of the tree. I wince as my wings make a loud rustling noise and my attacker dives after me. I see the gem, and concentrate to enhance my speed by pressing my wings together behind my back. It’s a risky move, but I have no choice. All of Øyenes depends on this. On me. The gem splashes into a stream, and I see it caught in the current. “No!” I scream. I look around for Kai, but he’s caught up in a battle with a griffin. I haven’t seen Lumi since she disappeared in that snowstorm. Rowan is clawing fiercely at an Ice Serpent. No one can help me now. I’m on my own. I hear the masked Phoenix quietly approach me. He chuckles. “You’re all alone, Em. Who’s to help you now?” I inhale deeply. I know that voice. That nickname. I turn around to face him. He takes off his mask, and my heart sinks like the Lost Temple of Carnelian.
