Page 28 of Heatbound Hearts

Pride and fear war within me. She's a fighter, but these aren't the orcs she's used to. These are Nythorran bandits, desperate and unpredictable.

"Bronwyn, stay close!" I shout, blocking a strike aimed at her head.

My wings become both shield and weapon as I fight. I use them to buffet the attackers, creating space and confusion. My fists connect with flesh, my claws raking across arms that get too close.

A bandit slips past me, heading straight for Bronwyn. My heart leaps into my throat.

"No!" I roar, pivoting on my heel.

I launch myself at the attacker, tackling him to the ground before he can reach her. We roll, a tangle of limbs and wings. I come out on top, pinning him down with a snarl that would make a ursini proud.

"Zyx, watch out!" Bronwyn's voice cuts through the chaos.

I whirl around to see another bandit bearing down on me, blade raised high. There's no time to dodge. I brace for impact, but it never comes. Instead, I hear a solid thunk and the bandit crumples to the ground. Bronwyn stands over him, her improvised club still raised.

Our eyes meet, a moment of connection amidst the frenzy. A grin tugs at my lips despite the danger. She's magnificent.

I pivot, my wings flaring wide as I assess the chaos around us. The forest has become a battlefield, shadows dancing between the trees as the bandits unleash their dark magic. My muscles tense, every sense on high alert.

A tendril of shadow whips towards me, and I duck, feeling it whistle past my ear. I spring forward, my claws slicing through the inky darkness. It dissipates with a hiss, but two more take its place.

"Kairos, on your left!" I shout, spotting a bandit trying to flank the demon.

Kairos reacts instantly, his own shadow magic erupting from his hands. The two forces collide in a spectacular display of power, sending ripples of energy through the air. I use the distraction to close in on another attacker, my fist connecting with his jaw in a satisfying crunch.

Naia's voice rises above the fray, chanting words of power. The air around her shimmers, and suddenly, the shadows seem less substantial. Her magic is creating pockets of light, disrupting the bandits' abilities.

"Nice work!" I call out, grateful for her quick thinking.

But there's no time to celebrate. A massive shadow construct, shaped like a monstrous wolf, lunges at me. I meet it head-on, my wings becoming razor-sharp as I slice through its form. It's like fighting smoke, but I can feel the malevolent intent behind each attack.

Bronwyn's shout draws my attention. She's holding her own against a bandit, her makeshift club keeping him at bay. But another is creeping up behind her, hands wreathed in shadow.

My heart leaps into my throat. Without thinking, I launch myself across the clearing, my wings propelling me forward with incredible speed. I tackle the shadowy figure just as he's about to strike, my momentum carrying us both into a nearby tree.

The impact knocks the wind out of me, but I recover quickly. The bandit struggles in my grip, his shadow magic seeping into my skin like ice. I grit my teeth against the pain, tightening my hold.

"Not today," I growl, slamming him against the trunk once more. He goes limp, the shadows dissipating.

I turn back to the battle, ready for the next threat. Kairos and Naia are working in tandem now, their combined magic creating a dazzling display of light and shadow. Bronwyn has managed to disarm her opponent, wielding his own weapon against him with surprising skill.

Pride swells in my chest, but I push it aside. The fight isn't over yet. More shadow constructs are forming, taking the shapes of twisted beasts and writhing tentacles. I spread my wings, ignoring the ache in my muscles, and prepare to face them.

"Stay close!" I shout to the others. "We're stronger together!"

As one, we face the encroaching darkness, ready for whatever comes next.

I scan the chaotic trail, my senses on high alert. The clash of metal and the crackle of magic fill the air, but something else catches my attention. A flicker of movement in the corner of my eye. I turn, my heart nearly stopping as I spot a bandit creeping up behind Bronwyn, blade glinting wickedly in the dappled light.

Time seems to slow. Bronwyn's focused on fending off another attacker, completely unaware of the danger at her back. I don't think, I just move.

"Bronwyn!" I roar, launching myself towards her with every ounce of strength I possess.

My wings propel me forward, faster than I've ever flown. The distance between us vanishes in an instant. I see the bandit's eyes widen in surprise as I hurtle towards them, but it's too late for him to change course.

I throw myself between Bronwyn and the attacker, my wing snapping out to form a protective shield around her. Time catches up in a rush of pain and sound.

The bandit's blade slices through the delicate membrane of my wing. White-hot agony explodes through me, radiating fromthe point of impact. I can't hold back the cry that tears from my throat, a sound of both pain and fury.

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