Page 134 of A World of Ruins

This world.

CHAPTERFIFTY-EIGHT

The ground beneath my boots quivers as we approach the looming silhouettes of the scorched lands, surrounded by Helland volcanoes. The Rivernorth lake lies at our side, and the air is thick with the scent of must and sulphur. To my right march shifters and mortals with full-fledged dragons by their sides, and to the left, my two remaining brothers, my friends and Darius come to a stop. All of them wear silver armour, in contrast to the armour I have on.

The gold and black breastplate I wear belonged to Aurelia. Its intricate pattern resembles dragons, while the shoulder pauldrons sweep back in regal arcs that remind me of wings. They are tipped with gold, just like the gilded gauntlets that extend over my forearms, flexible yet unyielding.

With the looming battle on our hands, we only had days to prepare. Meredaysof plotting and planning while we waited for the Thalorians to arrive.

Speaking of Thalorians, behind my friends is Kirian with his troops, all on horseback and wearing dark gear that features their emblem of a star.

Darius dons armour like Kirian’s, save for the helmet which Kirian has placed over his head.

My hair flows freely behind me as the first sign of Aurum’s approach comes from the volcanoes. There’s a shift in the air, where his dragons soar across the sky.

I tighten my grip on my sword – a weapon I carved and forged with Idris’s tools. My pulse quickens at each shriek and the drumming of hooves from where the Undarions appear with their legion. Hedris is at the forefront of his army, malice dripping from his gaze. To his right are the Aerians and their leaders.

My eyes go to Lorcan, but he remains stoic while staring at his aunts. Col and Ara hold on to staffs imbued with ancient rubies that match their fighting gear.

‘Nara, Darius.’ Aurum approaches us. His eye, cold and devoid of mercy, finds mine across the battlefield, his usual gold eyepatch covering the other eye that I took from him. Shadows bask in his glory as he grins at the people by my side. ‘I see you chose correctly.’

I step forward, my stance unyielding. ‘You killed my brother.’ Even now, I can’t contain the rage festering deep in my veins.

He shrugs, his lips twisting into a mocking smile. ‘He got in the way.’

That is all it takes.

As soon as he utters those words, my anger erupts and I raise my sword and let out a cry that echoes throughout the skies. Darius charges and shifts midair, followed by everyone else as they cut through the enemy ranks. I run at them with a ferocity that blooms within me.

Clashes of steel and magic rage on as my power weaves through soldiers like an animal capturing its prey. Light pierces through their armour, and I enjoy each gurgle and cry that emits from their lips.

‘Mrs Nara!’

I whirl to the sound of Tibith’s voice.

He comes forth with a dozen of Silaria’s Tibithians behind him, all parading in their own kind of battle gear with leaves and paint smeared on their fur.

I grin.

‘Where do you want us, Mrs Nara?’ he shouts, right as one of Hedris’s men comes for me, and I shoot my hand out to blast him.

‘Safe!’ I shout back, my gaze searching for Freya, who now has her hand raised. She fires a ball of purple-dusted magic at someone while leading a batallion of Venators. ‘Head to Freya! And stay by her side!’

Tibith nods at my order as I run in search of Aurum. I call for Fernah and the ground trembles as the opposing sides each use their powers. She comes by swiftly and scoops me up into the air and I scan the terrain. Kirian and his troops have dominated the Undarions, shadows and blood becoming one.

Through the haze of ash and ember, I spot Aurum by the river, watching the battle unfold.

‘Fernah, down!’ I order, her roar unleashing fire across the ground. I hold on to her, my gaze locked on Aurum as she dives for him.

Fernah’s wings beat with a rhythm that matches my racing heart. As we spiral downwards, a shockwave of her fierce cry sends ripples through the air. But then, at that moment, a sudden warmth pierces through the dust and ash.

A phoenix rises from the ground, its cry a clarion call that makes me wince as Fernah veers away from it. I cling tighter to her, feeling the searing wind that trails in the phoenix’s wake. It circles above Aurum as if guarding him, and I let out a guttural growl of anger.

Fernah lands back on the ground, and I leap off with my sword in my hand. I strike, dodge and slice across throats as I pass through enemies.

Up ahead, Darius is unleashing his flames upon Aurum’s dragons. He looks ethereal in the sky, raining terror on themall. Shadows and water drawn from the rivers fill the air around him, and I wish to be up there by his side.

But my focus quickly catches sight of Link, outnumbered and struggling, the glint of his armour dimming beneath the swarm of Hedris’s soldiers. The noise that bursts from my throat is frightening. I sprint towards him, propelling myself to where Link parries and dodges a soldier’s attack.

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