Page 77 of Lich's Mate

Is this it? Is this how it ends?

29

MEERA

“This can’t be how things end!” I run into the mansion, driven by a deep desire to do something that will help Kavian.

Come on, think! There must be something in here that will prove useful…

A memory jumps into my mind. Kavian once showed me his armory, proud of the many beautiful weapons stored in glass cabinets and displayed on the walls.

I rush to the armory, frustrated with my body which seems to move at a snail's pace. I hurry down hallways and past rooms, running so fast that I’m barely breathing.

As I turn a corner, I nearly collide with someone. Narrowly avoiding knocking the person over, I bring myself to a stop.

“What is happening out there?” Korval looks concerned and scared.

“We’re under attack. It’s Gorran. Call for help and a healer. Kavian’s been injured.” I yell at him, already running off again in search of a weapon.

I finally reach the room I’m looking for and slam the door open, my eyes scanning it for a good weapon.

The walls are lined with huge swords and shields, nothing I could ever hope to wield. There’s a giant crossbow mounted above a set of arrows and I sigh. There’s no way I could even pick that one up.

My eyes fall on something dark green to my right. A deadly spear with a gleaming dagger tip.

“Ah! Just what I need!”

I grab the spear, finding it to be surprisingly light despite looking lethal. It’s made of a shiny type of metal that doesn’t weigh much.

I lightly toss it in the air with one hand, catching it again to test how it would feel as I wield it.

Not bad. It’s clearly a good weapon but not too heavy for me. This thing can help me save Kavian’s life.

I turn the spear so I can closely inspect the tip. I run a finger along its edge and quickly withdraw when it cuts through my skin.

“Ow! Fuck.” I grin. “This is perfect.”

Armed with a deadly weapon now, I rush back outside with renewed energy and hope.

I’ll kill Gorran myself! I’ll end that bastard’s life today.

I exit the mansion to see Gorran on top of Kavian, beating him mercilessly. Forming a half-circle around him are his henchmen, all cheering him on.

Kavian is trying to fight back, but it looks like he’s overpowered. Gorran is big and his attacks are laser-focused. He’s clearly intent on beating Kavian to death.

I want to scream out Kavian’s name, but something in me compels me to be quiet.

You need the element of surprise or you’ll fail at catching Gorran off guard. Stay focused, Meera, no matter what happens.

I sneak towards the small trio of xaphan, who are so captivated by the fight that they don’t even notice me.

Good. I can’t afford to be distracted now.

Gorran is with his back to the mansion and can’t see me. He’s got Kavian pinned down, his fists connecting with the demon’s face repeatedly and brutally.

My heart breaks to see Kavian like that, bloodied and near defeat.

No, you can’t die! I won’t let you!

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