"GO GO GO!" I drive my heels into the Ferredon's ribs. The animal fires forward. The force snaps my neck back. The desert blurs.
Everyone follows. Full panic gallop.
"IT'S NOT GONNA MAKE IT, BOSS! NOT GONNA MAKE IT!" Oliver screaming behind me.
I look over my shoulder. The white wall is coming. Same crystalline mist from days ago. Faster this time. The leading edge eating the desert behind us—sand, rock, scrub, everything going to white glass in a second flat.
The inselberg appears. Six hundred fifty feet out. Rock formation tall enough to shield us.
"INSELBERG! INSIDE THE ROCK! NOW!"
The Ferredons round the formation. I jump from mine and grab Lola by the vest, pulling her clean off the saddle. Oliver dismounts rolling. Rhayne is already on the ground. She uses the cloaked cape over herself as if it could protect her from the mist.
We press between the stones. We are flat and holding our breath.
