Free Endfall by Colin Ososki Page A

globe that she gave Milo.
                  Lyrah searched the top of the desk, but to her astonishment, the snow globe was not there. She looked intensely around the room, finding nothing but papers and books. Maybe I could ask him. She did not know whether or not to try to communicate with him, for he seemed to not like it much when she was able to get into his mind. Then she heard again the sounds of Salem and she quickly decided that it didn't matter.
                  Milo! Milo, if you can understand this, please, you need to help me. She was screaming in her head, as she looked out the frosted window. Outside, Salem was on fire. She could hear the screams of helpless people, the shouts of the Parliament, and the shouts of Mr. Charlie. Her gut was enclosed in a texture of grit and disgust.
                  Lyrah! It was Milo, sounding worried but also delighted to hear from her. Where are you? What’s happening? I can see the lights from Salem. Is that fire?
                  Where is the snow globe I gave you? Salem is in trouble, I’m trying to get out, but I need the snow globe! Her screams echoed in Milo’s mind.
                  What kind of trouble? Milo was struck with a hair-raising wave. Lyrah, are you in danger?
                  Don’t worry about me, she began, where is the snow globe?
                  Where are you, exactly?
                  Right by your desk. You have too many books here.
                  Reading is fun.
                  Where the hell is the snow globe?
                  You’re by the desk? Take about three steps back. Lyrah rolled her eyes and followed his directions.
                  Milo-
                  Hey, he said. Lyrah stood still. Look up.
    Above, the snow globe was fixed to the ceiling. “He found it,” she whispered, a bit surprised. Lyrah leapt up on Milo’s bed and reached up to grab it, but found she was too short. She jumped and grabbed it. The floor creaked and she froze; it was far too quiet.
    What is happening? Milo asked. Is my father okay?
                  Okay, if you can hear me, just know that I am okay and that I will see you- a crack of fire and wind came from behind her, whipping debris everywhere and pushing her aside. The Parliament had reached the Parker house. Screams from the streets soared through the night like sharp arrows. Lyrah stood, covered in black smoke and dirt, and she saw that the fire was advancing into the room. The desk caught fire soon after. The door to the hallway was no option; it was already on fire along with everything else. Her second thought was the window.
                  A sudden, sharp noise startled Lyrah. At first she didn’t know what it was, but then came the familiar sounds of someone’s footsteps, coming from the roof. Then came the clash of metal against cold steel, and following was an eruption of glass. When she looked, the window was completely shattered.
                  She already knew who it was; Rezzifer. She stood, and his familiar voice came quickly, “Hurry!” She leaped up to the window, climbing out in a quick motion. Rezzifer was there, fitted in steel, and already at the edge of the rooftop waiting for her.
                  “Are the others alright?” She asked. Rezzifer nodded and leaped down into the street. Lyrah climbed down the side of the house. The sight on the ground was surreal; Salem was burning in every direction.
                  Mr. Charlie’s voice broke through the snow and fire, “ GIRL! ”
    It was a disgusting sound. Lyrah slowed her running to a stop and turned. “We have to go,” said Rezzifer. But Lyrah was already advancing at Mr. Charlie.
                  She did not speak, but she raised her hand Mr. Charlie. They all felt it; the dark, twisted contortion of air. In