Page 69 of Isle of Beasts and Shadows

“Who are you, really?” she questioned, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and defiance. “You’ve yet to inflict any true physical harm upon any of us but Sirius. All you’ve done is resort to manipulation to evade direct confrontation. Are you lacking in strength, or is there more to your tactics than meets the eye?”

Just as she finished her words, a commanding female voice pierced through the tension. “Shadow, return to me,” it demanded, resonating with authority.

Out from the darkness of the surrounding trees stepped a figure cloaked in dark robes. Her complexion was as fair as porcelain, her locks a deep black cascading gracefully, and her eyes shimmered violet, holding an otherworldly allure. There was a distant, almost ethereal quality to her presence as she regarded Airella.

Airella’s gaze narrowed at the newcomer, a scowl forming on her face as she anticipated the next move. With swift reflexes, she dodged Alikad’s incoming attack, the rush of movement stirring the surrounding undergrowth.

The elegant woman’s crimson lips curved into a serene smile, her shadow, whom they’d originally known as Father, coiling protectively around her arm.

“So, you’ve pieced it together,” she remarked, a hint of amusement in her voice. “You are perceptive, indeed. You are the first to uncover my centuries-old secret.” A soft chuckle escaped her as she maintained her composed facade, a mask of friendliness concealing deeper intentions.

Airella met the enchantress’s gaze with a mixture of defiance and wariness. “What? Like it was hard?” she retorted boldly, her stance unwavering despite the tension crackling in the air.

The enigmatic woman’s tone shifted, a subtle undercurrent of power lacing her words as she teased, “Shall I offer you a reward for your insight?” Her voice held an almost hypnotic quality, sending a shiver down Airella’s spine as she struggled to maintain her composure.

“Who are you?” As Airella braced herself for the impending revelation, a sudden jolt of pain lanced through her. She cried out as Alikad’s attack grazed her forearm, serving as a stark reminder of the perilous dance she was entangled in.

The woman’s eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint at the sight of Airella’s blood, a cruel smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

“My name is Conivx,” she purred, her voice tinged with a hint of darkness, “a sorceress of no small talent. You were but a pawn in my shadow’s game. He dances to my tune, a puppet to my will.” With a flick of her wrist, she summoned her sword from its sheath, the dark blade gleaming ominously in the dim light. “Manipulation,” she declared with a sly grin, “is an art I have mastered. Shadows, minds, the very fabric of reality—all playthings in my hands.”

Airella winced, her grip tightening on her wounded arm as Alikad lunged forward, his attack relentless. Desperation fueled her resolve as she struggled to stem the crimson tide, her eyes locked on Conivx’s malevolent form.

“Wait,” Conivx murmured, her voice a velvet whisper that seemed to echo in the air, lifting the enchanted purple gem that rested in her hands.

Instantly, Alikad froze, his movements stilled as if by an unseen hand, his gaze vacant and distant.

“Now, my dear,” Conivx taunted, her laughter chilling, “you were spoiling for a fight, weren’t you? Bravery and foolishness often walk hand in hand.” With a mocking twirl of her jeweled sword, she circled Airella, her steps graceful and predatory.

Airella knew she was outmatched, and she could feel her strength ebbing with each passing moment. The toll of the battle weighed heavily on her shoulders, her human form ill-suited for the conflict that loomed before her. Yet, with a fierce determination that belied her weakened state, she raised Dawnbreaker, steeling herself for the inevitable clash.

“That’s the spirit!” Conivx cheered as her shadow seeped from her arm, a dark, ethereal mist swirling around her. “No worries, I’ll play fair. But first, I must thank you for bringing me these fresh human souls. I would’ve done it myself, but I seem to be tied to this forsaken island. It’s as if invisible chains bind me here, preventing me from venturing beyond its shores.”

“And why’s that?” Airella exhaled, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of apprehension.

“My heart beats at the core of this island, darling. I am intricately linked to its very essence. All of those years ago...” Conivx’s voice trailed off, a mix of nostalgia and mischief dancing in her eyes as she reminisced. She suddenly broke into a fit of laughter, the sound echoing through the eerie landscape. “It’s quite a long story, filled with twists and turns that I’ll have to regale you with another time.”

“There will be no next time, at least not for you.” Airella’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of determination masking the fear that gnawed at her core. The two women circled each other, a silent tension hanging heavy in the air.

“I think you’ll find it extremely difficult to end me, dear Airella. I’ve honed my swordsmanship over centuries, and my immortality grants me a resilience you can barely comprehend.” Conivx’s grin widened, a mixture of arrogance and amusement playing on her lips. “Your only glimmer of hope of defeating me would lie in turning my magic against me. But let’s be honest,have you taken a good look at yourself? Your powers are but a flicker compared to mine. It’s almost comical, really!” She let out a booming laugh that reverberated through the desolate surroundings.

Airella gritted her teeth, her heart pounding in her chest. She dashed at Conivx, Dawnbreaker raised high, ready to strike. However, in a sudden blur, she vanished from sight, leaving Airella bewildered. With a sense of unease creeping over her, Airella spun around frantically, only to find Conivx standing calmly behind her, her back turned. Conivx stood in a poised stance, as if she had just completed a forceful attack, lowering her sword with a confident air. Airella’s eyes widened in shock as she noticed the lower half of her golden hair cascading to the ground, cleanly severed just above her shoulders.

“Look at all that beautiful golden hair. Such a waste,” Conivx remarked, facing Airella with a taunting smile.

“When did you—” Airella’s voice trembled with uncertainty.

“Don’t underestimate me,” Conivx retorted with a smirk, swiftly closing in on Airella once more, vanishing at an astonishing speed, and ending up behind Airella in the exact position as before. Airella found herself frozen in place, unable to react in time.

This time, Airella’s gleaming golden armor was effortlessly sliced from her body, collapsing with a heavy thud on the ground. All that remained on the blonde warrior was fabric and chain mail, glinting in the dim light.

“Your sword...” Airella voiced her shock.

“Oh, this old thing? It has a name. Umbra. I forged it myself many years ago. Quite handy, isn’t it?” Conivx repliedcasually, a cunning smile playing on her lips. “Alright, I’ve had my fill of amusement. It’s time to end this.” With a deft twirl of her sword, she lunged at Airella once more, determination gleaming in her eyes.

Like before, Airella had no time to react.

With a swift, calculated movement, the elegant woman thrust her dark sword through Airella’s stomach, her eyes gleaming with a sinister intent. The blade twisted cruelly, igniting a searing pain that tore through Airella’s body, setting every nerve ablaze with agony.

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