Page 21 of Chains of Nightshade

Aurel spins, using his tail like a whip. The soldier crashes into his companions with a sickening crunch.

My magic burns beneath my skin, desperate to help, but my body betrays me. Black spots dance at the edges of my vision. "Please... let me try..."

"Damn it, woman, stay still!" He catches an arrow inches from my face. "You've done enough."

More boots thunder down the stairs. A fresh wave of soldiers appears, their silver armor gleaming.

"There's too many," I whisper, my fingers weakly clutching his arm.

The magic writhes inside me, useless and painful. My ribs feel like they're splitting apart. I try once more to channel it, but only manage a weak spark that fizzles in the air.

"Save your strength," Aurel growls, his chest heaving against my cheek. "I won't let them have you."

Aurel sets me down against the cold stone wall, his muscles coiled with tension. "Stay here." His voice is sharp, commanding.

My fingers clutch at empty air as he pulls away. The arrow in my side throbs with each breath, but the pain dulls compared to the terror of watching him charge into battle.

His massive form fills the corridor as he meets the dark elves head-on. Steel rings against scales. Bodies fly through the air. I've never seen anything like it – he moves like liquid shadow, deadly grace in every strike.

"Traitor!" A dark elf shouts before Aurel's tail sends him crashing into the ceiling.

My vision blurs, but I force myself to stay conscious. A flash of movement catches my eye. A dark elf soldier lies sprawled before me, blood trickling from his mouth. His silver eyes lock onto mine with pure hatred.

"Worthless human," he spits, pushing himself up on trembling arms.

I try to scramble back, but the wall blocks my escape. The arrow shifts in my side, sending waves of agony through my body. A scream tears from my throat as his armored hand closes around my ankle.

"Aurel!" I cry out, but he's engaged with three other soldiers, his massive form blocking the corridor ahead.

The dark elf's grip tightens, drawing me closer. His other hand reaches for his dagger. I kick out wildly, but in my weakened state, it's like hitting stone.

"You'll pay for this betrayal," he snarls, blade glinting in the dim light.

The dark elf's fingers dig into my ankle, his sneer twisting his perfect features. "Look at you, pathetic creature. Can't even defend yourself."

My hand trembles against my side, fingers brushing against the small dagger I'd hidden in the folds of my dress. The one I'd stolen weeks ago but never had the courage to use.

"Always needing someone to save you." He drags me closer, silver eyes glinting with malice. "Your naga friend is busy. No one's coming to help you now."

The blade feels cold against my palm as I grip it. My other hand presses against the stone floor, trying to push myself away.

"Even now, you're shaking like a leaf." He laughs, reaching for my throat. "Weak. Useless. Just like always."

Something snaps inside me. Years of abuse, of being called worthless, of being treated like nothing – it all crashes through me like a wave.

I pull the dagger free and drive it into his temple with a scream. His eyes widen in shock. Blood sprays across my face, warm and sticky.

"Not useless," I gasp, yanking the blade out. "Not anymore."

He tries to speak, but I stab again. And again. Each thrust of the blade sends more blood spattering across my skin. My arms ache, but I can't stop. Won't stop.

The warmth trailing down my cheeks feels like freedom. Like power. A laugh bubbles up from my chest, half-hysterical, half-triumphant. For the first time in my life, I'm not helpless.

My hands tremble as I stare at the dead dark elf, his silver blood pooling beneath his head. The dagger slips from my grip, clattering against the stone floor. My chest heaves with each breath, and something burns beneath my skin – not pain, but power.

Magic crackles through my veins, electric and alive. It feels different from before, stronger somehow. The arrow in my side barely registers anymore.

"What... what's happening to me?" I whisper, watching silver sparks dance across my fingertips.

---