‘Try to distract your mind from the things that cause you most distress. You could try counting my wingbeats. The repetition should help calm you.’ Nolita clung to the suggestion like a lifeline. No sooner had they cleared the volcano’s rim than the ground fell away beneath them and her fear of heights loomed over her like a dark wave. It felt as if the crushing weight of it might crash down on her at any moment. Her stomach tightened and her breathing quickened. She had nothing left to throw up, but that would not stop her retching if she could not master the fear. Counting was a good idea, she realised. She could even count with her eyes closed, which would save her looking down. Her main worry with this was that the smooth, rhythmic rising and falling of Firestorm’s back might send her to sleep. Although it was not yet an hour past midday, she felt exhausted. Nolita had been the first of the four riders to be tested. Her nervous anticipation of today had kept her awake most of the previous night.
