A Surrender Of Hope, page 29
I lean forward, trying to keep Creed in sight as he draws his double swords and starts to battle the creatures. My stomach rolls as the screams of Creed’s men join those of the hideously ugly demonic birds as the deadly sharp talons of the Ulama attack from above.
“The Phoenix,” Vivian says simply, the words surprising me enough that I look away from the bloody attack and watch in awe as bright golden feathers launch up from the rooftops. A dozen or more birds take flight, their gold and orange feathers catching the sun's light and making it appear as if their bodies are alight with flame. The largest of them spirals down, wings extended as Vivian reaches out, letting the enchanting creature land on her forearm as it releases a soft trill of welcome.
Viv smiles and brings the bird close, stroking its shimmering feathers and whispering something under her breath before she lifts her arm up, and the bird takes flight in a flurry of magical red sparks.
“Holy shit,” I whisper, watching as the large Phoenix quickly catches up to the others. Its sound is more like a song erupting from its small beak as the wave of red Ulama turns and advances on them.
“Indeed,” Viv agrees with a small laugh as she moves all three arrows to her bow, strings them, and takes aim. Just as the Ulama are about to crash into the leader of the Phoenix, Vivian releases her arrows, and I startle when not one but hundreds of arrows follow her lead, hitting the red-winged creatures just as the Phoenix group bursts into flames. The sky lights with an inferno of heat and fire as the Ulama scream and tear through the mythical birds.
“Draw,” Vivian calls again, her hands already clasping another three arrows as several Ulama break free from the fight against the Phoenix and race toward the castle. I watch them as I bring a knife up and take aim, realizing they are even larger than I initially thought. “Deep breath, Meyer,” Viv whispers, and I listen, smiling as her calm tone relaxes me and keeps my trembling hands steady. “Fire!”
I wait for the arrows to fly, watching as one large Ulama, in particular, dives and escapes the deadly attack, its sights set on Vivian. Releasing my breath, I throw my blade, feeling something dark stir in my chest as my weapon lodges itself between the Ulama's beady black eyes. I grin and throw the next blade, the Ulama growing too close for comfort. My blade lands, taking out another, and I feel Vivian’s fingers circle my wrist and tug me back as soldiers step forward in a protective circle.
“The Warrior Legion command is yours, Lieutenant,” she rasps. Reaching behind her, she clasps the handle of her long sword, drawing it from its sheath as a hiss of gold magic lights its blade. I follow suit, grabbing my own sword, surprised at how light it is in my hand.
“There’s too many,” I whisper, watching the Ulama with a wary eye before looking to the soldiers on the rooftops. We are severely outnumbered.
“More than I thought,” she agrees and then grins. “It should be a fun and challenging fight. Don’t get hurt,” she clips out, and I grin back at her. “They will have one more wave of arrows, and then it's time to fight. Go into the castle if you think you can't handle it. I told Nox you would be safe with me and I intend to keep that promise.”
I look at the flock of deadly birds and shrug. Are they terrifying? Yes, but they have nothing on the Beastia outside the city walls.
“I’ve got this,” I firmly state.
“Very good. You will earn more respect fighting than hiding,” Vivan murmurs in approval, her thin fingers clasping the hilt of her sword as the Lieutenant calls for the archers to draw, and then fire. Seconds later, the Ulama attack, swooping down with deadly sharp claws that shred through a man's fighting leathers in seconds, making him snarl in pain as he reaches out and grabs the bird, tearing it in two with his bare hands. I bring my sword up, trying to remember what Creed taught me as the birds attack. I slash and dodge the first set of claws that come for me, twisting to my right as the soldiers around us join in the fight.
“Spread out. Don’t let them breach the castle,” Vivian roars, her voice so loud that I shiver as excitement runs down my back. I can feel something cord through me, the mark on my wrist itching for a moment before the odd feeling moves to pain—heat courses through me as an awareness settles over my mind. I duck and spin, moving my sword faster than I thought possible, taking out two more ugly birds before grabbing a blade and throwing it at an Ulama, attacking a man who had fallen beside me.
“Meyer! With me,” Viv calls out, and I rush to her just as she freezes and frowns, looking around us. Black blood drips from her sword, matching the dark drops on her face as she looks at me with wide eyes.
“What?” I ask, concerned that she might be injured.
“Something's wrong,” she rasps, then twists to her Lieutenant, her voice shaking with fear for the first time.
“Where is the Varack Legion?” The big warrior frowns, snatching an Ulama from the air and throwing it to the ground, where he stomps on it like it is little more than a pest to him.
“Guarding the servants' corridors,” he responds, then frowns, looking at his Queen with concern. “Why?”
“The cave’s been breached. Something is in the castle that doesn't belong,” she rasps, face paling as golden magic sparks at her fingertips. A horn blows on the southern fields, and the Lieutenant snarls, eyes widening as he bellows his orders.
“To the Queen and Princess. Now!”
“No! We have to get to the caves and ensure they aren't damaged! If they destroy them, we fall!” Vivian snarls, grabbing me by the hand and turning us back toward the doors we came through just as they explode outward with a blast of red magic.
“No!” I reach Vivian as we are knocked off our feet and tumble to the ground.
“Wraiths!” Someone yells as my vision swims, and I shove myself back to my feet. The heat in my wrist triples as several black-cloaked figures emerge on the rooftops, red magic circling the demon warriors and shredding them to bloody bits in the blink of an eye!
“Meyer!” Vivian's scream comes just in time for me to turn and see a tall, cloaked creature behind me, its flail clasped in its skeletal hand raised to strike a fatal blow. I stumble back, my hand reaching for one of the black blades, and trip over the body of a guard lying lifeless behind me.
“Shit!” I dive to the side, my body colliding with the gray stone of the castle wall as I try to get out of the way of the Wraith, who descends on me like a reaper sent from the devil himself. Chunks of stone and dust erupt in the air as the pronged steel ball attached to the chain strikes the ground where I landed seconds before. A high-pitched shriek fills the air as the Wraith crouches before me, allowing me a glimpse of the rotted-out face and black sharpened teeth of the monster hidden under the cloak. “Oh, fuck!”
“Meyer!” I hear Vivian scream again, but I don't have time to look at her as I clasp one of the silver blades the Demon Queen had given me and throw it at the Wraith. I hit my mark and send black blood arcing into the air, the putrid blood hitting my face and hands as the creature snarls and raises its weapon to strike again, my silver blade lodged in its ungodly face.
I roll to my right, desperately climbing to my feet as my eyes focus on the fighting around me. My wrist still burns, my vision fuzzy as I spin and meet the Wraith head-on, bracing myself as warmth courses through me. This time, instead of pushing the weird, hot pain away, I embrace it and yank it forward, a scream tearing from my throat as fiery pain sears through my veins and my fingertips glow red.
I gasp for breath as the Wraith lunges for me, and instead of diving out of the way, I launch myself at it, my finger touching its leathery skin that hangs loosely from its skeletal frame. A bright red light explodes around me, the pain only increasing as my mouth opens; a whimper is all that breaks from between my lips as the Wraith releases an inhuman sound of rage and agony.
One moment, the tall figure is lording above me, flail in hand; the next, the light vanishes, and the cloak drops to the ground, the twitching Wraith curling in on itself, hands grasping at its chest as fire consumes its rotting body. The smell of burning flesh makes me gag as I stumble back, the arms of a guard catching me just as Vivian reaches my side. I gape at my hands then shake them a bit, trying not to freak out. First claws, now weird red magic that just melted a Wraith. Fuck, my head hurts.
Vivian’s green eyes alight with shock as she looks at the burning Wraith, which slowly stills and then crumbles to ash at our feet. “How did you do that?” she whispers, looking at me then freezing, a look of pure confusion crossing her face. Her mouth moves as I try to get my ears to stop ringing, and my heart stutters then drops as I read her lips. “Archer?” she rasps, stepping to move around me as I force my body to move despite the pain wracking my every limb.
“No!” I shout, turning and seeing the lighter version of Razar I had seen in my dream and on the wall before he released that arrow at his brother. His hood is down, light brown hair spilling over his shoulders as he watches his mother with vacant black eyes, arrow drawn and pointed at her chest. The gleam of onyx makes bile rise in my throat, the echo of pain radiating down my spine as I recall the impact of an arrow just like this lodging itself deep into my back. “Vivian, don’t!” I shout, grabbing her wrist and yanking her to me the moment Archer releases the arrow.
TWENTY-NINE
Valen
Ihold my hand in front of me, watching the formation of Beastia while letting my magic flow freely. The darkness envelops my prey as it destroys everything in its path, eradicating them to dust before they can run from the black tendrils. There is a darker power at play here, something I can sense yet not touch with my magic. It hides in the recesses of the Beast's minds, turning them into mindless puppets for their master's personal use.
My magic hums beneath my dark skin, my Shade form pressing forward in relief to be set free once more. I’ve kept it on a tight leash, my emotions a jumbled mess since Meyer’s death. But out here, I don't have to worry about my control. I can let go and feel the souls rush through me as I ensnare them in my grasp.
My eyes shift to my brother as he cuts down a large Beastia, his ax slicing through its neck with ease as he spins and sets his sight on another. The manic gleam in Lennox’s eyes tells me he has been feeling just as out of control as I have, and I can’t help but be glad for this fight to expel our pent-up rage and frustration. Raz’s Beastia stalks behind our brother, his black eyes watching his every move, his bloody muzzle dripping with acid as he snarls and lunges for a beast stupid enough to get too close.
The events of our lives are entirely out of our control. Mi Sol is in constant danger, and it seems no matter what we do, she keeps getting injured. But this… I look back at the monstrous army before us as Father calls back his soldiers, letting Nox, Raz, and me handle them ourselves; this we can control. Not only do we excel in battle, we long for the rush of death. I may not have as many primal instincts as my brother, but I am still a Demon who lives on the thrill of the hunt and spilling the blood of my enemies.
Hordes of Beastia stream onto the battlefield, Father’s armies funneling them to us, and Jesthren ensuring they are split into smaller groups so we aren’t overrun with more than we can handle at one time.
“There are more here than we can handle alone,” I finally admit after fighting for a time; sweat dots my brow as my magic sings inside me at the death and destruction we have caused.
“Yes,” Father agrees, spinning to the left and bringing his hammer down on a random Therion that has joined the mix of Beastia. Its skull pops and makes a mess on the ground at Father's feet, making him chuckle as he nods at the path of destruction my magic has left behind us. “That was impressive.”
I smirk and nod my thanks as I wave my hand in front of us, tearing the souls from the handful of Beastia rushing toward us and pulverizing their flesh until they are nothing more than a sticky puddle at my feet. Lennox and Razar have moved to the right, taking out almost as many Beastia as I have, the two dripping in black blood as they move through the southern fields with a lethal grace I cannot replicate with a weapon. My magic, yes, but it stops there. Sure, I can fight. I was trained to become a killer, strong enough to rule if I ever wanted to, but my magic is and will always be my strongest weapon.
“I’ll call in Jesthren’s army. Let's push them toward the wall and corner them between us and Creed. Watch the southern gate for me. It was damaged on the last attack, but I want to get rid of these bastards and back to our girls,” Father grumbles. He nods at General Vega, who rides his Nuckelavee behind him, always there to guard his King’s back. The General brings a rawhide horn to his lips just as a sound echoes over the sprawling valley, chilling my blood with their call. I spin on my heel just as my father snarls, eyes flashing with magic as he turns in the same direction, watching the castle with intent eyes.
“I don’t see anything,” I rasp out just as Razar tips his head back and releases a haunting howl that carries through the air, making the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.
“Your mother won’t ring the bells for nothing,” he grinds out, worried eyes scanning the area around us, looking for the threat Mom has seen. Nox is already fighting his way back to us just as the Helitike Forest shifts to the left, and a burst of bright red rises in the air, human-like screams making my teeth grit in fury as a monstrous flock of Ulama flies toward the castle.
“Fuck!” I move to dart around Father, needing to get closer to Mi Sol, but he holds his hand out and stops me.
“No! Your mom can handle this, and you need to let her prove herself. The people won’t respect her otherwise.”
“But I—”
“No, Son. If this were a situation I believed your mother couldn’t handle, you know I would be the first to turn back. Ulama are dangerous but easily beaten. Let Meyer try to figure this out… alright?” he asks, scowling, throwing his hammer, the weapon sailing over my head, ruffling my hair just before it collides with the Beastia who was trying to sneak up on us. The General yells at his men who have surrounded us the moment I lost focus, killing the Beasts for us while my father talked me down.
In the next moment, Nox is by my side as I clench my fists together, trying not to look at the Ulama attacking the outer wall or the large number who are almost to the castle. “Creed’s men took out over half, and the Phoenixes have arrived… she’ll be okay,” he rasps, eyes jumping from the battlefield to the castle, and I grunt, unconvinced. I know Meyer well enough by now and, sure she is getting better at fighting and hand-to-hand combat, but our girl is a magnet for trouble, and the fact that I can’t lay eyes on her and that I’m not there fighting at her side makes my magic feral.
Darkness swirls around me as I turn back on the Beastia and Therion keeping me from Mi Sol. “Can you take them out?” Nox asks, voice husky as he shifts back and forth on his feet. His concern is palpable, and I suddenly have some more respect for my brother as he growls, his hands trembling at his sides. Nox is the only one wholly mated to Meyer. I have a half-formed Legion bond and can barely think of anything other than her right now. I don't think I could stop myself from running to her side if I were in his shoes.
Bloody ax clasped in his hand, Nox snarls at the fresh wave of Beastia that runs at us, and Razar bulldozes two of the enormous monsters away before they can get too close. He tears one’s throat out before attacking the other, his black, poison-tipped claws raking through its side.
“I don't know. There are more here than there were back on Earth, and I’m still unsure how I accomplished it before. My Shade was in complete control. I’m still running the party right now,” I admit. Nox growls in irritation but nods, slapping me on the shoulder before turning to attack the next wave of Beastia.
“No Wraiths?” Nox asks, and I frown, looking around. I hadn't thought about it until Nox mentioned it, but there are only monsters on the fields with us, not a black cloak in sight. My father typically keeps the undead mages under his control with the power granted to him. They are bound to the Royal family to protect and serve, but he dismissed the Wraith clans from the castle since they were being turned against him, choosing to lock as much of the castle down as possible until he knows who is betraying him.
“Push them toward the wall for easy slaughter,” Father shouts to his men, pulling me from my thoughts as I let my magic rush out in a deadly wave, stealing the breath then life from the monsters before me.
Father nods at Nox and me, eyeing us like he's unsure if we will actually stay and help or ditch the moment he turns his back. As much as I want to do the latter, I agree with his assessment of Meyer earning the soldiers' respect. If we swoop in to save her every time there is danger she will appear weak and will be left open to challenges when Nox ascends the throne.
“Protect the south gate,” he reminds me; his soldiers surround him as Jesthren’s men swarm the field, pressing the Beasts back, killing them with a practiced ease that suggests this isn’t my eldest brother's first time leading these men into a battle against the Beastia.
Like a vengeful god, Jesthren descends on the feral monsters, his broad sword cutting them down in seconds, and I chuckle, adding my magic to the mix to help keep the area near him clear to have the room to wield his weapon correctly. Most men see Nox’s ax or Jesthren’s sword and want to use it themselves. However, most don’t understand the strength and skill needed to wield such a large weapon.
“I want the Warrior Legions to move in once we have them cornered. Signal Creed to have his archers at the ready. I want this to end by nightfall!” Father bellows to be heard over the drums and bells. The screams of the Ulama torment me as I continue fighting, but when Father falters in his step, his hands moving to brace his head as he groans and almost topples to the ground, I freeze, then sprint to his side.
“Father!” Nox roars, rushing after me, Razar on his heels, and General Vega catches Father’s elbow to help support him. “Where are you hurt?” Nox skids to his side when I reach him, but he’s not looking at us. “Father!” Nox roars again, making our father shake his head and yank his arm from Vega’s tight grip.
“The Phoenix,” Vivian says simply, the words surprising me enough that I look away from the bloody attack and watch in awe as bright golden feathers launch up from the rooftops. A dozen or more birds take flight, their gold and orange feathers catching the sun's light and making it appear as if their bodies are alight with flame. The largest of them spirals down, wings extended as Vivian reaches out, letting the enchanting creature land on her forearm as it releases a soft trill of welcome.
Viv smiles and brings the bird close, stroking its shimmering feathers and whispering something under her breath before she lifts her arm up, and the bird takes flight in a flurry of magical red sparks.
“Holy shit,” I whisper, watching as the large Phoenix quickly catches up to the others. Its sound is more like a song erupting from its small beak as the wave of red Ulama turns and advances on them.
“Indeed,” Viv agrees with a small laugh as she moves all three arrows to her bow, strings them, and takes aim. Just as the Ulama are about to crash into the leader of the Phoenix, Vivian releases her arrows, and I startle when not one but hundreds of arrows follow her lead, hitting the red-winged creatures just as the Phoenix group bursts into flames. The sky lights with an inferno of heat and fire as the Ulama scream and tear through the mythical birds.
“Draw,” Vivian calls again, her hands already clasping another three arrows as several Ulama break free from the fight against the Phoenix and race toward the castle. I watch them as I bring a knife up and take aim, realizing they are even larger than I initially thought. “Deep breath, Meyer,” Viv whispers, and I listen, smiling as her calm tone relaxes me and keeps my trembling hands steady. “Fire!”
I wait for the arrows to fly, watching as one large Ulama, in particular, dives and escapes the deadly attack, its sights set on Vivian. Releasing my breath, I throw my blade, feeling something dark stir in my chest as my weapon lodges itself between the Ulama's beady black eyes. I grin and throw the next blade, the Ulama growing too close for comfort. My blade lands, taking out another, and I feel Vivian’s fingers circle my wrist and tug me back as soldiers step forward in a protective circle.
“The Warrior Legion command is yours, Lieutenant,” she rasps. Reaching behind her, she clasps the handle of her long sword, drawing it from its sheath as a hiss of gold magic lights its blade. I follow suit, grabbing my own sword, surprised at how light it is in my hand.
“There’s too many,” I whisper, watching the Ulama with a wary eye before looking to the soldiers on the rooftops. We are severely outnumbered.
“More than I thought,” she agrees and then grins. “It should be a fun and challenging fight. Don’t get hurt,” she clips out, and I grin back at her. “They will have one more wave of arrows, and then it's time to fight. Go into the castle if you think you can't handle it. I told Nox you would be safe with me and I intend to keep that promise.”
I look at the flock of deadly birds and shrug. Are they terrifying? Yes, but they have nothing on the Beastia outside the city walls.
“I’ve got this,” I firmly state.
“Very good. You will earn more respect fighting than hiding,” Vivan murmurs in approval, her thin fingers clasping the hilt of her sword as the Lieutenant calls for the archers to draw, and then fire. Seconds later, the Ulama attack, swooping down with deadly sharp claws that shred through a man's fighting leathers in seconds, making him snarl in pain as he reaches out and grabs the bird, tearing it in two with his bare hands. I bring my sword up, trying to remember what Creed taught me as the birds attack. I slash and dodge the first set of claws that come for me, twisting to my right as the soldiers around us join in the fight.
“Spread out. Don’t let them breach the castle,” Vivian roars, her voice so loud that I shiver as excitement runs down my back. I can feel something cord through me, the mark on my wrist itching for a moment before the odd feeling moves to pain—heat courses through me as an awareness settles over my mind. I duck and spin, moving my sword faster than I thought possible, taking out two more ugly birds before grabbing a blade and throwing it at an Ulama, attacking a man who had fallen beside me.
“Meyer! With me,” Viv calls out, and I rush to her just as she freezes and frowns, looking around us. Black blood drips from her sword, matching the dark drops on her face as she looks at me with wide eyes.
“What?” I ask, concerned that she might be injured.
“Something's wrong,” she rasps, then twists to her Lieutenant, her voice shaking with fear for the first time.
“Where is the Varack Legion?” The big warrior frowns, snatching an Ulama from the air and throwing it to the ground, where he stomps on it like it is little more than a pest to him.
“Guarding the servants' corridors,” he responds, then frowns, looking at his Queen with concern. “Why?”
“The cave’s been breached. Something is in the castle that doesn't belong,” she rasps, face paling as golden magic sparks at her fingertips. A horn blows on the southern fields, and the Lieutenant snarls, eyes widening as he bellows his orders.
“To the Queen and Princess. Now!”
“No! We have to get to the caves and ensure they aren't damaged! If they destroy them, we fall!” Vivian snarls, grabbing me by the hand and turning us back toward the doors we came through just as they explode outward with a blast of red magic.
“No!” I reach Vivian as we are knocked off our feet and tumble to the ground.
“Wraiths!” Someone yells as my vision swims, and I shove myself back to my feet. The heat in my wrist triples as several black-cloaked figures emerge on the rooftops, red magic circling the demon warriors and shredding them to bloody bits in the blink of an eye!
“Meyer!” Vivian's scream comes just in time for me to turn and see a tall, cloaked creature behind me, its flail clasped in its skeletal hand raised to strike a fatal blow. I stumble back, my hand reaching for one of the black blades, and trip over the body of a guard lying lifeless behind me.
“Shit!” I dive to the side, my body colliding with the gray stone of the castle wall as I try to get out of the way of the Wraith, who descends on me like a reaper sent from the devil himself. Chunks of stone and dust erupt in the air as the pronged steel ball attached to the chain strikes the ground where I landed seconds before. A high-pitched shriek fills the air as the Wraith crouches before me, allowing me a glimpse of the rotted-out face and black sharpened teeth of the monster hidden under the cloak. “Oh, fuck!”
“Meyer!” I hear Vivian scream again, but I don't have time to look at her as I clasp one of the silver blades the Demon Queen had given me and throw it at the Wraith. I hit my mark and send black blood arcing into the air, the putrid blood hitting my face and hands as the creature snarls and raises its weapon to strike again, my silver blade lodged in its ungodly face.
I roll to my right, desperately climbing to my feet as my eyes focus on the fighting around me. My wrist still burns, my vision fuzzy as I spin and meet the Wraith head-on, bracing myself as warmth courses through me. This time, instead of pushing the weird, hot pain away, I embrace it and yank it forward, a scream tearing from my throat as fiery pain sears through my veins and my fingertips glow red.
I gasp for breath as the Wraith lunges for me, and instead of diving out of the way, I launch myself at it, my finger touching its leathery skin that hangs loosely from its skeletal frame. A bright red light explodes around me, the pain only increasing as my mouth opens; a whimper is all that breaks from between my lips as the Wraith releases an inhuman sound of rage and agony.
One moment, the tall figure is lording above me, flail in hand; the next, the light vanishes, and the cloak drops to the ground, the twitching Wraith curling in on itself, hands grasping at its chest as fire consumes its rotting body. The smell of burning flesh makes me gag as I stumble back, the arms of a guard catching me just as Vivian reaches my side. I gape at my hands then shake them a bit, trying not to freak out. First claws, now weird red magic that just melted a Wraith. Fuck, my head hurts.
Vivian’s green eyes alight with shock as she looks at the burning Wraith, which slowly stills and then crumbles to ash at our feet. “How did you do that?” she whispers, looking at me then freezing, a look of pure confusion crossing her face. Her mouth moves as I try to get my ears to stop ringing, and my heart stutters then drops as I read her lips. “Archer?” she rasps, stepping to move around me as I force my body to move despite the pain wracking my every limb.
“No!” I shout, turning and seeing the lighter version of Razar I had seen in my dream and on the wall before he released that arrow at his brother. His hood is down, light brown hair spilling over his shoulders as he watches his mother with vacant black eyes, arrow drawn and pointed at her chest. The gleam of onyx makes bile rise in my throat, the echo of pain radiating down my spine as I recall the impact of an arrow just like this lodging itself deep into my back. “Vivian, don’t!” I shout, grabbing her wrist and yanking her to me the moment Archer releases the arrow.
TWENTY-NINE
Valen
Ihold my hand in front of me, watching the formation of Beastia while letting my magic flow freely. The darkness envelops my prey as it destroys everything in its path, eradicating them to dust before they can run from the black tendrils. There is a darker power at play here, something I can sense yet not touch with my magic. It hides in the recesses of the Beast's minds, turning them into mindless puppets for their master's personal use.
My magic hums beneath my dark skin, my Shade form pressing forward in relief to be set free once more. I’ve kept it on a tight leash, my emotions a jumbled mess since Meyer’s death. But out here, I don't have to worry about my control. I can let go and feel the souls rush through me as I ensnare them in my grasp.
My eyes shift to my brother as he cuts down a large Beastia, his ax slicing through its neck with ease as he spins and sets his sight on another. The manic gleam in Lennox’s eyes tells me he has been feeling just as out of control as I have, and I can’t help but be glad for this fight to expel our pent-up rage and frustration. Raz’s Beastia stalks behind our brother, his black eyes watching his every move, his bloody muzzle dripping with acid as he snarls and lunges for a beast stupid enough to get too close.
The events of our lives are entirely out of our control. Mi Sol is in constant danger, and it seems no matter what we do, she keeps getting injured. But this… I look back at the monstrous army before us as Father calls back his soldiers, letting Nox, Raz, and me handle them ourselves; this we can control. Not only do we excel in battle, we long for the rush of death. I may not have as many primal instincts as my brother, but I am still a Demon who lives on the thrill of the hunt and spilling the blood of my enemies.
Hordes of Beastia stream onto the battlefield, Father’s armies funneling them to us, and Jesthren ensuring they are split into smaller groups so we aren’t overrun with more than we can handle at one time.
“There are more here than we can handle alone,” I finally admit after fighting for a time; sweat dots my brow as my magic sings inside me at the death and destruction we have caused.
“Yes,” Father agrees, spinning to the left and bringing his hammer down on a random Therion that has joined the mix of Beastia. Its skull pops and makes a mess on the ground at Father's feet, making him chuckle as he nods at the path of destruction my magic has left behind us. “That was impressive.”
I smirk and nod my thanks as I wave my hand in front of us, tearing the souls from the handful of Beastia rushing toward us and pulverizing their flesh until they are nothing more than a sticky puddle at my feet. Lennox and Razar have moved to the right, taking out almost as many Beastia as I have, the two dripping in black blood as they move through the southern fields with a lethal grace I cannot replicate with a weapon. My magic, yes, but it stops there. Sure, I can fight. I was trained to become a killer, strong enough to rule if I ever wanted to, but my magic is and will always be my strongest weapon.
“I’ll call in Jesthren’s army. Let's push them toward the wall and corner them between us and Creed. Watch the southern gate for me. It was damaged on the last attack, but I want to get rid of these bastards and back to our girls,” Father grumbles. He nods at General Vega, who rides his Nuckelavee behind him, always there to guard his King’s back. The General brings a rawhide horn to his lips just as a sound echoes over the sprawling valley, chilling my blood with their call. I spin on my heel just as my father snarls, eyes flashing with magic as he turns in the same direction, watching the castle with intent eyes.
“I don’t see anything,” I rasp out just as Razar tips his head back and releases a haunting howl that carries through the air, making the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.
“Your mother won’t ring the bells for nothing,” he grinds out, worried eyes scanning the area around us, looking for the threat Mom has seen. Nox is already fighting his way back to us just as the Helitike Forest shifts to the left, and a burst of bright red rises in the air, human-like screams making my teeth grit in fury as a monstrous flock of Ulama flies toward the castle.
“Fuck!” I move to dart around Father, needing to get closer to Mi Sol, but he holds his hand out and stops me.
“No! Your mom can handle this, and you need to let her prove herself. The people won’t respect her otherwise.”
“But I—”
“No, Son. If this were a situation I believed your mother couldn’t handle, you know I would be the first to turn back. Ulama are dangerous but easily beaten. Let Meyer try to figure this out… alright?” he asks, scowling, throwing his hammer, the weapon sailing over my head, ruffling my hair just before it collides with the Beastia who was trying to sneak up on us. The General yells at his men who have surrounded us the moment I lost focus, killing the Beasts for us while my father talked me down.
In the next moment, Nox is by my side as I clench my fists together, trying not to look at the Ulama attacking the outer wall or the large number who are almost to the castle. “Creed’s men took out over half, and the Phoenixes have arrived… she’ll be okay,” he rasps, eyes jumping from the battlefield to the castle, and I grunt, unconvinced. I know Meyer well enough by now and, sure she is getting better at fighting and hand-to-hand combat, but our girl is a magnet for trouble, and the fact that I can’t lay eyes on her and that I’m not there fighting at her side makes my magic feral.
Darkness swirls around me as I turn back on the Beastia and Therion keeping me from Mi Sol. “Can you take them out?” Nox asks, voice husky as he shifts back and forth on his feet. His concern is palpable, and I suddenly have some more respect for my brother as he growls, his hands trembling at his sides. Nox is the only one wholly mated to Meyer. I have a half-formed Legion bond and can barely think of anything other than her right now. I don't think I could stop myself from running to her side if I were in his shoes.
Bloody ax clasped in his hand, Nox snarls at the fresh wave of Beastia that runs at us, and Razar bulldozes two of the enormous monsters away before they can get too close. He tears one’s throat out before attacking the other, his black, poison-tipped claws raking through its side.
“I don't know. There are more here than there were back on Earth, and I’m still unsure how I accomplished it before. My Shade was in complete control. I’m still running the party right now,” I admit. Nox growls in irritation but nods, slapping me on the shoulder before turning to attack the next wave of Beastia.
“No Wraiths?” Nox asks, and I frown, looking around. I hadn't thought about it until Nox mentioned it, but there are only monsters on the fields with us, not a black cloak in sight. My father typically keeps the undead mages under his control with the power granted to him. They are bound to the Royal family to protect and serve, but he dismissed the Wraith clans from the castle since they were being turned against him, choosing to lock as much of the castle down as possible until he knows who is betraying him.
“Push them toward the wall for easy slaughter,” Father shouts to his men, pulling me from my thoughts as I let my magic rush out in a deadly wave, stealing the breath then life from the monsters before me.
Father nods at Nox and me, eyeing us like he's unsure if we will actually stay and help or ditch the moment he turns his back. As much as I want to do the latter, I agree with his assessment of Meyer earning the soldiers' respect. If we swoop in to save her every time there is danger she will appear weak and will be left open to challenges when Nox ascends the throne.
“Protect the south gate,” he reminds me; his soldiers surround him as Jesthren’s men swarm the field, pressing the Beasts back, killing them with a practiced ease that suggests this isn’t my eldest brother's first time leading these men into a battle against the Beastia.
Like a vengeful god, Jesthren descends on the feral monsters, his broad sword cutting them down in seconds, and I chuckle, adding my magic to the mix to help keep the area near him clear to have the room to wield his weapon correctly. Most men see Nox’s ax or Jesthren’s sword and want to use it themselves. However, most don’t understand the strength and skill needed to wield such a large weapon.
“I want the Warrior Legions to move in once we have them cornered. Signal Creed to have his archers at the ready. I want this to end by nightfall!” Father bellows to be heard over the drums and bells. The screams of the Ulama torment me as I continue fighting, but when Father falters in his step, his hands moving to brace his head as he groans and almost topples to the ground, I freeze, then sprint to his side.
“Father!” Nox roars, rushing after me, Razar on his heels, and General Vega catches Father’s elbow to help support him. “Where are you hurt?” Nox skids to his side when I reach him, but he’s not looking at us. “Father!” Nox roars again, making our father shake his head and yank his arm from Vega’s tight grip.
