Underlord (Cradle, #6)

by Will Wight

[You're doing great work,] Dross said in his head. [So great. In about five minutes, when we run out of cloud madra and fall screaming to our deaths, I want you to remember that you died doing your best.]

The baby squirrel had finally left the nest and grown into a...well, squirrels never turned into anything scary. Call it an ancient sacred squirrel.

You probably could have used that warning a minute ago, but uh…lesson learned! Let’s call that a win for practical education.]

“Until only days ago, I convinced myself I could make the journey alongside you. But you move so quickly, and I am, after all…a turtle.”

Do you have a plan ready yet? [I'm running on the excess dream aura produced by your mind, so I wouldn’t say I’m drowning in power up here.

Her appearance reminded him of the time he'd met her, after she had been on the run for weeks.

She held nothing back, throwing herself into the fight as though this battle were her last. And her Shadow was her equal.

“Yerin, I don't know what I'd do if you were gone. When I think about the future, you're in it.”

I fight so I won't be worthless anymore,

There's no substitute for good training. Or practice. Or talent, can't forget about that.]

“Prince Kiro, who bravely managed victory over a handful of Golds.”

“You're cracked in the head. What if I'd been gone already?” “Then we would have followed you,”

“STOP RUNNING!” he roared. An arrow smacked him in the face. “No!” Akura Mercy said, and he felt her running again.

[Who are you? I’m warning you: I have a large sacred artist attached to me. He fights.]

“I am pleased by you already, Wei Shi Kelsa. And I cannot run.” He walked forward, brushing past her, facing her pursuers. “Not when I can fight.”