Page 67 of Favored By the Stars

"Thorn?" she murmured as she sat up.

"Stay close," I ordered as I positioned myself protectively in front of her. I wished I could do more, but if what she needed was for me to be her shield, then that was what I would do.

The rustling intensified, a low growl resonated through the darkness like thunder rumbling across an angry sky. My pulse quickened as fear coiled tightly around my gut. Whatever stalked us was not just a creature of shadow; it carried weight and intent.

Senara placed a hand on my arm, grounding me as if sensing my rising anxiety. "We'll face it together."

The growl morphed into something more primal, a howl that echoed through the trees like a death knell of any hope we had left. In that moment, every fiber of my being screamed for action; we couldn't wait any longer.

"We move now!" I barked out without hesitation.

With one last glance at Senara, I led them forward into uncertainty as we prepared for whatever nightmare awaited us beyond those twisted roots and jagged branches.

The underbrush crackled and shadows swirled just beyond the edge of our small clearing. Whatever lurked out there was no mere animal; it was born from this blighted land, something that hungered for fear.

I took a deep breath, trying to focus my mind. "Wyn, can you feel its magic?"

She nodded, her expression grave. "It's dark... corrupted."

Volker clenched his fists at his sides. "We need to prepare for a fight."

I shifted into a defensive stance as I scanned the darkness. My heart thundered in my chest, each beat echoing the pulse of urgency that thrummed through me. Shadows twisted and turned like smoke in a tempest, teasing my vision with glimpses of movement.

A grotesque figure slithered from the shadows. Its skin glistened like oil under an unseen light, each sinewy limb contorted into impossible angles. I swallowed hard as its gaze locked onto me. Its eyes were glowing orbs of malice that seemed to drink in every flicker of hope within our group.

"Thorn!" Senara's voice broke through the haze of terror threatening to engulf me.

Before I could react, it lunged forward with a speed that took my breath away. Time slowed as I raised my sword just in time to intercept its clawed hand. The force sent shockwaves up my arm; I gritted my teeth against the pain as we collided.

With sheer willpower, I pushed back against its weight while glancing at Senara over my shoulder. "Get behind me!"

But she didn't hesitate, she surged forward instead, calling forth magic from within herself. The Crescent Diadem shimmered around her head as light spilled forth from her hands like molten silver.

"Thorn!" Her voice rang with authority despite the chaos surrounding us.

My heart swelled with pride even amidst fear as she channeled power I had seen her wield before, a power born not just from strength but from a belief in herself and our cause.

The creature recoiled momentarily under her radiant energy, giving me an opening to push forward again with renewed vigor.

"Now!" I shouted over the din as we both launched our attacks together, my blade cutting through shadow while her magic blazed bright against the darkness encroaching around us.

The creature twisted, screeching as Senara's magic collided with its dark form. I pressed forward, blade gleaming in the shifting shadows, each step fueled by adrenaline and the determination to protect her.

"Wyn! Volker!" I shouted, rallying them to our side.

They sprang into action, Wyn raising her hands and instead of just her usual light, arcane symbols glimmered in the air around her. Volker charged ahead, a furious roar escaping his lips as he struck at the beast with unwavering ferocity, combining his fists with his magic.

Wyn's magic crackled with energy, but there was an erratic edge to it, wild and unpredictable. "Thorn, Volker, I need you to hold it steady!" she yelled. Her magic might recharge faster than normal, but that didn’t mean these battles didn’t take a toll on her.

"I'm trying!" I grunted, thrusting my sword into the creature's flank. The impact jolted through me as it thrashed against my attack.

Volker moved like lightning, slinging spells that kept the creature off balance. "Don't lose control!" he barked at Wyn. "We need precision!"

But I felt it, the surge of Wyn's power flickering dangerously close to Senara. It spiraled outwards like a storm ready to break loose.

"Wyn! Focus!" I called out, glancing back at Senara to ensure she was safe.

"I'm trying!" Wyn shot back, frustration edging her voice. The light from her hands dimmed for a heartbeat before flaring back to life. "Just hold it off a bit longer!"

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