Kingdom of Ash

skyward.
But as the last of the glow faded,
disappearing out through her toes, Aelin fell
to her knees.
Fell to her knees in the utter silence of the
world, and curled onto her side.
She had the vague sense of strong, familiar
arms scooping her up. Of being carried onto a
broad feathery back, still in those arms.
Of soaring through the skies, the last of the
mist rippling away into the afternoon sun.
And then sweet darkness.