Page 112 of Of Blood & Stone

A low voice echoed through the clearing.

Do not kill her.

Sylzenya ceased her screams, lungs burning. She’d recognize that voice anywhere—the one that once comforted her, told her pretty lies, and shaped her into a monster.

I need her, as do you,Distrathrus commanded.Leave her and I will collect.

The arachni seemed to have heard the god’s words, removing both its legs from her flesh. She groaned in pain, the flaming sensation flooding her skin as the arachnis chittered together.

Suddenly, one of them shrieked.

She lifted her head. Unlike the others, it skittered towards her, fast and unrelenting.

Donotharm her,Distrathrus’ voice raged in her mind.

The other arachnis jumped for it, attacking their own kind. But this one was strong and evaded every attempt, its speed quicker than the others. Fangs dripping heavy black poison, it leaped into the air, aiming for her neck.

She was going to die.

Sylzenya, reach for your power,Distrathrus commanded.I’ll give you the strength you need.

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

Hope flooding her heart at the sound of her goddess’ heartbeat, she pressed her palm to the ground—but then she stopped. Her life, which she’d thought to be one of grandness in which she saved her people, in which she brought life to her kingdom, had been nothing but death and destruction. Distrathrus needed her to carry out his plan, so perhaps her death would be a blessing.

Maybe he wouldn’t be able to take the continent if she was gone.

“I don’t want your strength,” she whispered.

Distrathrus’ voice echoed all around her.Sylzenya, your people need you.Ineed you?—

Her breaths slowed, as did everything around her. Distrathrus’ barrier vanished, his presence absent while her goddess’ power flooded over her.

Thump.

Thump.

She didn’t respond. Instead, she retreated into her own body.

The arachni looked sluggish as it flew through the air, like it was gliding through water. Something warm surged through her body, her limbs, and her veins. Strange. She’d thought her moments before death would be quick, perhaps a brief remembering of her life. Or maybe this was simply a moment to offer one last prayer.

Aretta, save Estea. Save Druenia.

She closed her eyes.

And please, save Elnok.

Silent darkness ruled over her senses.

Silence and darkness.

Silence and darkne?—

Thump.

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