THE SHADOW PATHThe canyon walls felt like they were leaning in, trying to squeeze the air out of my lungs. Above us, the sky was just a thin ribbon of purple, fading fast into black.

"Watch your step," Silas whispered from behind me. "The shale is loose here."

I didn't answer. I couldn't. Every breath felt like I was swallowing hot sand. My boots were worn thin, and I could feel every sharp pebble through the soles. But I couldn't stop. If I stopped, the fear would catch up to me.

"Esmeralda," ...