Chapter 33

ALEK SETTLED INTO THE FRONT seat and reached back to pat Catherine's knee. 'Okay?'

Two arms encircled his waist and he felt her press her forehead against his armour, mid back. She sighed. 'I'll do. Are we ready to go?'

'Almost, Gredel is finishing strapping Audrey in.'

'Where's Lucky?'

Loushka informed Alek that Kassandra had her in her bag. Just when he told Catherine this, they saw Lucky poke her head out the top of the pack and give a pitiful meow. Gredel then looked to Alek and nodded. Alek called out, 'All ready then? Let's go.'

I FELT LOUSHKA'S MUSCLES BUNCH and kept a tight hold on Alek's waist while I watched the griffon tuck her wings in. Then whoosh, Loushka sprang off the ground and clear into the sky, snapping her wings open the moment we cleared the canopy.

Holy COW! Breathe, breathe!

My stomach felt like it shot to my feet. I pressed my head firmly against Alek's backplate and held on tight. I heard the other griffons burst through like Loushka had and for a cou