The wind screamed at the edge of the cliff, cold and sharp like a blade drawn beneath moonlight.

Violet didn’t care.

Her boots were planted dangerously close to the drop, the dark sea crashing far below like the heart of something ancient. Her violet eyes — a mirror of the stars overhead — glinted with thrill as she turned toward the only person reckless enough to follow her here.

“Race you,” she said, already grinning.

Clare crossed her arms. “To our deaths?”

“To the river,” Violet corrected. “If we die, that’s just a bonus.”

Despite herself, Clare huffed a laugh. She should’ve known better. Violet never walked when she could run. Never climbed when she could fly. Never thought twice when once was already pushing it.

And Clare?

Clare always followed.

“Where do you think you are going? Her fathers voice echoed in her mind, but she could swear the entire universe trembled.