Once the wave passes, I race down the steps, keeping one hand on the wall in case I’m pulled under again. The mage lights flicker on as I approach and fizzle out as I race by, as though this newfound power is already at work, stretching into the world. Away. I have to get away from everyone until Tairn finishes…whatever he and Sgaeyl are doing. I stumble out of the stairwell and emerge at the foundation walls of the citadel. Snow fills the sky, and I tip my head back, savoring the brief
