22. Elowen

22

ELOWEN

I crouch behind a thick tree trunk, my heart pounding so hard I can feel it in my throat. Aldric stands beside me, his presence both comforting and electrifying.

The heat from his body radiates against my skin, a stark contrast to the cool morning air. Our squad is spread out through the trees, hidden and ready, each warrior a shadow among the foliage.

Across the clearing, I spot Jessa leading her own group, her fierce determination visible even from this distance. Her braid swings as she moves, signaling to her team with quick, precise gestures. I admire her strength, remembering how far she's come since we first met.

Above us, the air thrums with the powerful wingbeats of our aerial legion. Nikolai's imposing figure hovers over Jessa's position, his dark wings a stark contrast against the fading night sky. His presence is both reassuring and intimidating, a reminder of the raw power at our disposal.

Dawn's first light begins to creep over the horizon, painting the sky in soft hues of pink and gold. The wildspont portal shimmers in the clearing, its magic pulsing with an otherworldly energy that makes my skin tingle.

Our magic wielders are gathered around, but in order to reserve their strength, we've decided to launch our attack immediately. They'll focus on counteracting the spells that dark elves use while our squads focus on the hand to hand since the dark elves are weaker at that.

The air around it seems to ripple and dance, distorting the very fabric of reality. I hold my breath, muscles coiled tight, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. My fingers brush the hilt of my weapon, drawing comfort from its familiar weight. This is it, I think. The moment we've been preparing for. Whatever comes through that portal, we'll be ready.

Suddenly, the portal flares to life, its magic pulsing with an otherworldly energy that sets my teeth on edge. Dark elves pour through the shimmering gateway, their arrogant faces twisted with malice and cruel anticipation.

The sight of them ignites a fire in my gut, memories of past horrors fueling my rage. I don't hesitate for even a heartbeat. Without waiting for them to take more than a step onto our soil, I lunge forward, my muscles coiled and ready.

I dive straight into the fight, my blade singing as it cleaves the air. The first dark elf barely has time to register my presence before I'm upon them, my fury unleashed in a whirlwind of steel and determination.

My sword flashes in the dim light as I clash with the first dark elf. Our blades meet with a resounding clang. I duck under his swing, years of training guiding my movements. My blade finds its mark, slicing across his thigh.

Around me, chaos erupts. Vrakken warriors swoop down from above, their battle cries piercing the air. Jessa's squad charges from the opposite side, pinning the dark elves between our forces.

I spin, parrying another attack. My attacker's eyes widen in surprise at my skill. I use his moment of hesitation to my advantage, driving my sword deep into his chest.

"Elowen, watch out!" Aldric's voice cuts through the din of battle.

I whirl around just in time to see a dark elf raising his hands, crackling energy gathering at her fingertips. Before I can react, Aldric is there, his massive wings shielding me as he tackles the dark elf to the ground.

I fight with every ounce of strength I possess, my blade a blur of motion as I parry, thrust, and slash. Aldric moves beside me, his powerful wings creating gusts of wind that buffet our enemies. We're a whirlwind of destruction, but the dark elves keep coming.

"Look at the little human, playing at war," a dark elf sneers, his violet eyes gleaming with malice. I answer with my sword, slicing a deep gash across his cheek.

Another dark elf lunges at me, his blade whistling through the air. I duck, feeling the wind of its passage ruffle my hair. Aldric's wing sweeps out, knocking the attacker off balance. I seize the opportunity, driving my sword into his gut.

"You'll pay for that, bitch," growls a burly dark elf, his muscles rippling as he swings a massive axe at my head. I roll away, the blade embedding itself in the ground where I stood a heartbeat before.

Overhead, vrakken warriors swoop and dive, their battle cries piercing the air. But for every dark elf they take down, two more seem to materialize from the portal.

"Elowen, behind you!" Aldric shouts. I spin, barely deflecting a blow that would have taken my head off. The clash of steel on steel rings in my ears as I push back against my attacker's blade.

"Such a pretty little thing," the dark elf taunts, his breath hot on my face as we grapple. "Maybe we'll keep you alive. You'd make a fine slave."

Rage boils in my veins. With a roar, I headbutt him, feeling his nose crunch beneath my forehead. As he staggers back, I drive my sword through his chest.

But there's no time to savor the victory. More dark elves press in, their faces twisted with hatred and cruel amusement. Aldric and I stand back to back, surrounded on all sides. My arms ache, my lungs burn, but I grip my sword tighter.

I swing my blade in a wide arc, cutting down another dark elf. But as his body falls, two more take his place. My arms burn with exertion, sweat stinging my eyes as I struggle to catch my breath. Where's Aldric? I can't see him anymore.

"Lost your protector, little human?" a dark elf sneers, his violet eyes gleaming with malice.

I parry his attack, the force of it sending shockwaves up my arm. "I don't need protection," I snarl, driving my knee into his gut.

As he doubles over, I bring my elbow down on the back of his neck. But there's no time to celebrate. Another dark elf charges at me, his blade whistling through the air.

I duck, feeling the wind of its passage ruffle my hair. My muscles scream in protest as I twist away from another attack. There are too many of them. Fear claws at my throat, threatening to choke me.

"Aldric!" I shout, my voice lost in the cacophony of battle.

A dark elf's fist connects with my jaw, sending me staggering. I taste blood, spitting it out as I raise my sword to block his next strike.

"Such spirit," he laughs, pressing his advantage. "We'll have fun breaking you."

Rage burns through my veins, giving me a second wind. I lash out with my foot, catching him between the legs. As he crumples, I drive my sword through his chest.

But for every dark elf I take down, three more seem to appear. They circle me, taunting and jeering. I can't see Jessa or Nikolai anywhere. It's just me, surrounded by a sea of cruel, leering faces.

"Give up, little one," a dark elf with a scar across his face growls. "You can't win."

I grip my sword tighter, ignoring the trembling in my arms. "I'll die before I surrender to you," I spit.

He grins, revealing pointed teeth. "That can be arranged."

They close in, their blades glinting in the early morning light. Fear threatens to overwhelm me, but I push it down. I won't go down without a fight.

I fight with every ounce of strength I possess, my blade a blur of motion as I parry, thrust, and slash. The dark elves press in from all sides, their sneering faces a sea of cruelty. My muscles scream in protest, but I push through the pain, refusing to give in.

A burly dark elf swings his axe at my head. I duck, feeling the wind of its passage ruffle my hair. As I come up, I drive my sword into his gut. He grunts, surprise flickering in his violet eyes before they go dull.

"You'll pay for that, human bitch," snarls another, his blade whistling towards my neck.

I barely manage to deflect it, the clash of steel on steel ringing in my ears. The force of the blow sends shockwaves up my arm, but I grit my teeth and push back.

I hear him cackle as he bears down on me. "Such fire," he taunts, redoubling his assault. "We'll take pleasure in crushing your will."

Rage burns through my veins, giving me a second wind. I lash out with my foot, catching him between the legs. As he crumples, I drive my sword through his chest.

But for every dark elf I take down, two more seem to materialize. My breath comes in ragged gasps, sweat stinging my eyes. I spin, parrying another attack, but I'm not fast enough.

White-hot pain explodes in my side as a blade finds its mark. I stagger, warm blood soaking my shirt. The dark elf grins, his teeth pointed and cruel.

"Not so tough now, are you?" he taunts, raising his sword for the killing blow.

I won't give him the satisfaction. With a roar of defiance, I lunge forward, ignoring the agony tearing through my body. My blade slides between his ribs, the look of shock on his face almost comical.

As he falls, I stumble, my vision blurring. But I can't stop. Not yet. I force myself to stand, my legs trembling with the effort. Blood drips from my wound, but I raise my sword, ready to face the next attacker.

I grit my teeth against the searing pain in my side, blood seeping through my fingers as I try to stem the flow. The dark elves circle me like vultures, their cruel laughter ringing in my ears. I won't give up. I can't.

With a defiant roar, I lash out at the nearest attacker. My blade connects, but the blow lacks its usual strength. The dark elf hisses in pain, then grins wickedly.

"Look at the little human, still trying to fight," he sneers, kicking my sword from my weakening grip.

I scramble for my weapon, but another dark elf's boot comes down hard on my hand. I cry out in pain as bones crunch beneath the pressure.

"Where's that bravado now, human?" one of them mocks, seizing a clump of my locks and wrenching my skull backwards.

I spit in his face, tasting blood. "Get fucked," I snarl.

His response is a vicious backhand that sends me sprawling. I hit the ground hard, my vision swimming. The wound in my side screams in protest as I try to push myself up.

A boot slams into my ribs, flipping me onto my back. I gasp for air, each breath a struggle. Dark elves loom over me, their faces twisted with cruel anticipation.

"Time to finish this," one of them growls, raising his sword.

I close my eyes, bracing for the final blow. This can't be how it ends. Not after everything I've fought for.

Suddenly, a familiar voice cuts through the chaos. "Elowen!"