Page 103 of Of Blood & Stone

“Swords up!” Kharis shouted.

A sudden flash of white scales pierced her eyes.

Streaks of light blurred as the serpentums struck, the Dynameis utilizing their orodytes to fight the monsters, slicing at impenetrable scales. Sylzenya’s heart faltered: Elnok stood in the middle of the creatures, dodging the serpentums’ strikes. His speed was impressive, especially for someone without power, but he wouldn’t last long, even with the Dynameis weakening the creatures.

Your poor little thief will be the first to go.

Sylzenya gritted her teeth, refusing to speak to him as she pounded against the barrier, writhing against Distrathrus’ blood.

“Don’t stop, Elnok,” she shouted, sweat dripping down her neck as she dug her nails into the dirt.

He picked up his speed. But then, two serpentums simultaneously struck. Their fangs missed, but the impact sent him into their wall of hard scales. Blood spurted from his mouth, his body sliding to the ground.

“No!” she screamed.

Tensing her muscles, she fought harder, trying to climb the barrier only to lose her grip, falling into darkness.

Distrathrus’ voice snaked through her,Time’s running short, and I need you to return home.

“Let me through,” she demanded.

Silence met her instead.

“Aim for their throats,” Kharis shouted as he raised his sword, the orodyte shining bright on his chest plate.

One of the warriors fell from the air, landing on the ground with a loud thud. His torso was torn in half, entrails spilling out into a pool of blood.

Marlo.

Westley stood back to back with Kharis, yelling in anguish for his dead friend.

“You’d let your own warriors be killed for this?” Sylzenya shouted.

I’ve killed many things for you, Sylzenya.

Dark dread dripped down her throat.

“Westley,focus,” Kharis commanded, “Let the prince fend for himself. Distrathrus only needs Sylzenya alive.”

Her insides burned bright and hot—power and blood.

And yet, her power wasn’t enough.

I’ll let you save them,Distrathrus’ whisper seeped into her mind,because I care for you. I want you to understand this above all else.

“You’ve never cared for me,” she seethed, fighting back tears.

How far from the truth you are.

Suddenly, the barrier crumbled, a rush of golden power overflowing into her limbs.

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

Gold light circled her arms, her torso, her entire body, digging deep into the flesh of her back. She held back her scream, commanding Aretta’s power through the air and sending it into the ground, the heartbeat pulsing with the compass’ light.

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