Page 93 of What Lies Within Blood & Heirs

Extending her fiery arms wide, Alora took a step. “Haven’t you heard?” They stumbled backward as a voice like stars devouring the world declared, “I already burn.”

Her fists closed.

An explosion of flame tore to the stars, burning around them, scorching every surface and diminishing it all to ash beneath her feet as death entered the forest.

Above their wailing, someone else was screaming.

Only when her throat felt raw did she realize it was her.

Every damn thing these males had ever done—to her—to others.They deserved this.

Alora released another burst of starflames. Charring further into the forest. Feeling her powers rip through everything in its path. Hoping the Celestials would understand. Hoping they would show her mercy in the Stars Eternal.

Hoping camp would see. Thatsomeonewould see.

Garrik … hehadto see.

Every last bit of rage exploded out of her. Starfire lit up the sky—tore across it. Rattling through every glistening star as if she commanded them to gleam. And they didn’t stop rippling. Not until she called her stars and flames to calm amongst the ruination. Until her lungs turned to ash from her screams and tears boiled down her face.

Until it was over.

Over.

Over.

It’s finally over.Alora staggered along the charred dirt, gripping the stick still embedded in her side. Her legs collapsed, falling to her knees as she flattened her palms into the ash.It’s over.She didn’t need to be strong anymore.

It’s over. It’s over. It’s?—

“Impressive.”

Her eyes widened in shock. Cautiously, her pale face raked to where the tents had been. Alora believed she was seeing a ghost. Because it … it shouldn’t be possible …

The male pushed through the heavy smoke, paced around the bodies, and tsked, “That shocked look on your face, it’s quite pathetic.”

No.Alora lifted her palm, calling to her fire, but that constant rush of burning flames in her veins was gone.

Arzen knelt and grabbed a dagger from Rune’s body, whose ice-blue skin was covered in ash in the ruins of the campsite. “You see, Marked One. I am aMade for Magnelis—a null. These fools were simply brutes. Soldiers. Expendable. We have plenty of those, their deaths mean nothing. Except for Rune here.” Arzen grinned and stabbed Rune in the thigh.

To her surprise, Rune groaned.

She watched as the young male paced with a pleased gleam in his eye as he knelt over one of the blonds. Chuckling, he drove the dagger into his gut.

He, too, groaned.

“Hope you don’t mind,” Arzen said to her. “I wanted to kill them myself.” And stood, gray eyes swept to hers. “And now that I know you have powers, which I have rendered entirely ineffective, you and I will be heading straight to Galdheir. Magnelis will find great pleasure in ripping you apart.”

Alora lifted her palm, pleading to her magic?—

“Try as much as you like. It won’t work.” Arzen’s attention fell on the last Raven before he turned and stormed to him, dagger in hand.

A shimmer of silver sat three feet from her. But Arzen had twisted his head over his shoulder, peering back at her. She didn’t dare trail her eyes to it for fear he’d see it, too. Whatever it was.

“So that’s all you’re good for? Shielding magic?” She let out a taunting laugh, throwing her head back enough to glimpse the silver without him noticing.

Perfect.Kyr’s weapon. The one Rune had thrown to the side.

Sapphires half-lidded, glaring up at the Raven as she shook her head, and taunted, “How terrifying. The High King’s elite? AMadefor Magnelis. I bet you can’t even use that sword.”

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