Page 23 of Hazel's Choice
Still, I ignore my physical response and focus on my targets.
The aura of the one on the end closest to me indicates that he’s a naga—a type of demon shifter that can transform into a massive snake. My forearm twists, and my blade slices across his neck. Black blood pours from the wound as I reposition to jab his heart.
Oathkeeper doesn’t technically need to connect with the heart to harvest someone, but it does hasten the process.
The troll who was positioned in the middle takes a swipe at me with a clawed hand. My sword is still collecting the soul of the first fool, so I use my wings to lift off the ground and slam my boots into the troll’s chest.
Oathkeeper glows with silvery-white light, and I can already tell the transfer was complete by the vibration of energy that pulses from the weapon into me. It refuels me, and I pull the blade free, spinning to run through the bear shifter on the end.
My entire body stiffens as I recognize the face of the woman with her back to the brick wall.
Hazel.
The witch from Spellbound.
Oathkeeper works swiftly to suck up the soul of the corrupt bear shifter, but noise comes from behind me. The troll must have reached his feet.
Hazel raises a hand, sending a pulse of smoky black magic at the troll.
Ahh, so she’s shadowborn.
I’m not sure why I assumed she would be a lightbringer. Technically, it doesn’t mean anything. A witch’s affinity is determined by when they were born under the moon cycle, nothing more.
I give her a nod of thanks and move on now that the bear is fully harvested.
My nostrils flare.
That scent.
It’s burned into my memory from the night Levi was murdered. It lingered around the clearing where I found his body, searching for any clue that could lead me to understand what happened.
The creature must be around here somewhere. It could even be responsible for egging on these monsters.
Dammit.
Am I responsible for Hazel being attacked?
The thought causes a pit to form in my stomach as my head swivels, and I search for the creature. Not only did it kill one of my best friends, but it’s now attacking anyone I reach out to for assistance in tracking it down.
Something hard slams into my temple in my distraction.
I pivot, ramming my blade through the troll’s ribs. It’s not a perfect connection with the heart, but Oathkeeper begins to drain his life force as my head thunders.
Gods.
I forgot how painful it is to take a solid hit from a troll. Giants are the one monster that might be worse. Well, those and orcs.
The venom of Oathkeeper’s magic prevents the troll from fighting back. At least beyond some light twitching as he tries to break free.
My gaze settles on the little witch once more.
She’s backed up to the wall with her palms resting on the brick. It looks like she’d be willing to climb inside the wall to get away from me.
Hopefully notfrom me.
I’m sure she’s just overwhelmed with appreciation at being rescued.
I offer a soft smile. “Thank you for the assist.”
