Chapter 37

Chapter

Thirty-Seven

SAGE

T eeth and claws flash as the Nythrax beast rushes at me, blazing red eyes and rows of knifelike teeth coming my way.

Screaming, I scramble backward, trying to get out of its way, but it's coming too fast. My heart bangs in my ears, drowning out my cries. I call to my ability, but nothing happens—only the fear beating into me, paralyzing me.

It's going to kill me. Frantically running away, I keep glancing back, and suddenly, my three monsters fly at the creature's side with such force they send it reeling sideways. It loses its footing, stepping into a ditch, and tumbles down a small ravine.

Wolfe is at my side in an instant, dragging me against him, and we all move away from the creature, me panting for breath. Killian is staggering, with huge gashes across his torso, and he's bleeding blue. He glances at me, pain etched into his features as he scrunches up his face as though he's barely holding on.

"Killian… shit, shit!" I cry out, rushing to his side. He leans against a tree, and fear tumbles through me.

A guttural shriek comes from the ravine, where already I see the creature climbing out, and my skin crawls.

"I need to find you somewhere to hide." My voice wobbles. "We're not going to win against that animal."

"We have no option," Killian groans. "Don't you see? We walk away, we're dead. So, we fight to the end. To save you, to keep you safe… that's our mission."

"Are you insane?" I yell. "You're going to die saving me, then leave me here at the mercy of my fucking father? Don't you dare leave me or die, or I'll come for you in whatever afterlife Shadowfen have and haunt you. I'm serious!" I'm breathing so fast, hyperventilating, and dread consumes me.

Killian reaches over, his hand heavy on my shoulder. "I love your fierceness. I love everything about you, my pretty little monster, but I won't let you die."

I'm tearing up, tears falling freely now, feeling like my world is collapsing.

"Don't any of you leave me," I whisper, voice breaking. "Now, we need to get you somewhere safe. Lean on me."

A brutal roar slices through the morning, and my attention snaps back to the dark beast on all fours, staring at us amid the trees between us, his gaze blazing with fury.

Wolfe and Nyko are already stalking toward the beast while I'm desperately scanning the woods, spotting more exposed rock, for gaps, anything we can hide in.

"All right, let's move."

Killian's bleeding badly, but he still pushes along with me, refusing to place his weight on me, the stubborn ass. He staggers, wincing with each step. We pick up our pace when shouting comes from behind me. I glance back to Nyko and Wolfe charging to the right, away from us, from the galloping beast behind them.

Except, when the creature doesn't take the bait and has its gaze on us, my stomach drops.

"Oh, fuck! We need to run!" I call out.

Killian grunts, and he tries, but the moment the other two catch up, they practically carry him between them. We madly run for our lives. The forest is a blur of dark shapes and filled with snarls. Branches snap, paws pound the ground, and I hear the damn thing crashing through the underbrush behind us, getting closer.

"Faster!" Wolfe shouts.

Reaching the open rock face, we run alongside it, and I'm scanning it when I spot a lofty fissure in the wall, a black gap beyond it.

"Here," I call out, already shoving myself into the hole in the rock, fitting through easily, and I pop out into a cave. It's cold and musty, and I pray there's nothing else here.

Seconds later, my true mates are desperately shuffling through sideways to fit in. Wolfe's last, and he bursts out, stumbling as an explosive roar bellows from the gap. A shadow falls over the opening where the beast pauses, scratching at the wall with those huge claws.

I rush over to Killian, who's propped up against the wall, looking ready to fall over. Every inch of me shudders at his injuries. My heart is still racing, my breaths coming in ragged gasps. Wolfe's there, as is Nyko.

"Fuck, that looks bad," Nyko states the obvious.

"Please tell me Shadowfen have fast healing or something," I murmur.

Killian shakes his head, clutching at his wounds while Wolfe's getting him to lean on him.

"Let's get you to lie down. We need to stop the bleeding." His hands are already on Killian's wounds to apply pressure.

"Stop fussing. I'll survive," Killian groans, panting for air. His brow glistens with sweat from the sliver of light coming through the crack in the cave.

I rip off my shirt, thankful I wore a tight sleeveless shirt underneath. All eyes are on me, but I'm too busy folding the fabric and using it as a makeshift bandage. Applying it to his wounds, I press lightly to help stop the bleeding. The sight of so much blood makes me slightly nauseous.

Killian grimaces, and Wolfe's sitting next to him, doing the same on the other side of him with his bare hands. Nyko's pacing near the entrance, watching the Nythrax.

It slams that spiky tail against the cave walls, the impact making the ground tremble beneath us. Dust rains down from the ceiling with every hit.

"How the hell are we supposed to defeat it when we haven't pierced its skin once?" Nyko roars.

"Unless…" Wolfe begins. He's staring at me, and I know exactly what he's about to say. "You're so powerful, so strong. We've seen it, and you need to remember the energy you used to tap into it. Use me, drain me, whatever you need, because right now, your power might be our savior."

I nod, trying to steady my breathing, but the fear is suffocating.

The beast roars outside.

"I tried before, but it's not working."

"Try again," Killian croaks. "You've got this."

I attempt to center myself, feeling my true mates' energies humming around me, their strength. Closing my eyes, I concentrate on the feelings I experienced when facing the snake creature back on the vessel.

The ground shakes, and all I can think is that the Nythrax beast is coming for us.

My insides are on fire, my mind screaming, and that light, familiar sensation wraps around me as though I'm floating… as if I can walk on water. I recognize the power. It's there but so faint that it's barely there. I reach for the power swirling within me, but it's like trying to grasp smoke.

My hands are shaking, my thoughts spiraling. "I can't… I can't do it," I stammer, tears stinging my eyes.

"Yes, you can," Wolfe insists firmly. "You have to for you, for us, for your sister."

A spark, a flicker of power blooms inside me, and I cling to it. Please work… please.

Killian stares at me, his eyes filled with pain and desperation. "Is there anything unusual you remember when it happened the first time?"

Nyko joins us, kneeling beside me, back in his human form.

"Well," I begin. "The snake was attacking me, and I freaked out. Next thing I know, it's there—the shadow. I'm so scared right now that I can't feel much else. Just the fear of losing all of you, and there's nothing I can do about it."

The world seems to be pressing in around me, not just in this cave but in my own mind. Every growl outside, every tremor around us from the beast outside, is a reminder of how much trouble we're in. The thought of losing them, of seeing them torn apart, is unbearable. That's when I know I have to make my power happen.

A tremendous roar comes from outside as the beast slams its tail into the cave with such power the walls begin to crumble. The noise is deafening, and I sense the vibrations in my bones.

Nyko embraces me, his lips on my ear. "You're beautiful and so strong, my princess. Focus on how much we adore you, how much we love you, not the fear."

The beast's tail smashes against the entrance again, and cracks spiderweb across the walls. The sound of rock grinding against rock fills the air, and the cold grip of fear tightens around my heart.

"I have a plan." Wolfe's voice is barely audible over the chaos outside. "Nyko and I are going out to draw the beast away from the cave. Sage, you and Killian are going to start your descent down the mountain."

"No, I'm not leaving you." I stiffen.

Killian groans. "Look, I already feel better." He goes to move but winces from the ache, and a tremor races down my spine, shuddering all the way down to my stomach, knowing he's going to struggle to make it out, let alone face the thing outside again. I reach over and grip his arm, staring at the hard lines of his jaw, at those captivating blue eyes, at the scars on his body. He's not a monster to back down from a fight, no matter his injuries—which is what worries me.

"Sounds like a plan to me," Nyko says in an unenthusiastic voice. "Let's do this."

"And then what?" I ask.

"We'll come up with something," Wolfe says, glancing over at Nyko. I see the ache in both their eyes, the fact that they're willing to sacrifice themselves to save me and Killian.

Are they insane?

"No, I'm not going anywhere without you two," I cry. "Don't do this. I'm going to try harder to reach my power. Please!"

Wolfe's eyes glisten, and he glances at Killian, who, in turn, reaches over and clasps my hand. "I think it's a solid plan."

I rip my hand from his and turn on them, fury rising through me. "Sacrificing themselves for us is not a fucking plan!" Shaking from anger, I reach for Wolfe once more, clasping his hand. "Please, I can't lose any of you. I just need a bit more time to work on reaching my power. Give me that." I'm frantic, my emotions tugging in every direction.

"Then we try again," Nyko suggests instantly, grinning at me, and I know he hates the plan, too. "What do you say?"

Wolfe finally nods, getting up, breathing heavily. "Of course. I'd do anything for you, Sage, and that means ensuring you aren't hurt. No matter the cost."

His words strike hard, and I hate that I love him even more for them.

I look at them, my heart aching. We're beaten, bleeding, and exhausted. The beast is relentless, and I have to reach my powers. The weight of our situation crushes me, and the walls of the cave seem to close in, trapping us worse than before.

The two of them climb to their feet, and both lean down, stealing a kiss.

"I know you can do this," Wolfe whispers.

They move to the entrance, waiting for the beast to pass, then they slip out.

Sick to my stomach, I turn to Killian. "Hold my shirt to your injuries."

He's wincing, paling faster, but he reaches over and does as I ask.

"I never thought I'd find my true mate," Killian starts. "But here you are and more beautiful, more powerful than I ever expected. You just need to believe in yourself."

"That means a lot because I doubt myself often." I stand up and lean against a wall that's cool to chase away the fire I'm feeling. Closing my eyes, I search for that light sensation. I know it's there.

You need to get back, Elara abruptly cries in my mind.

I shudder, almost losing my footing, and slide off the wall.

"You all right?" Killian grunts.

"Yeah."

Elara, what's going on? I need your help with the Nythrax beast. It's got us trapped.

Fuck! Why aren't you using your ability? I've felt how strong you are. Why haven't you destroyed it yet?

I'm tired of being told that when I feel anything but strong.

Stop letting your fear block you. You have the power inside you.

I'm trying, but it's not working, and I don't know how to stop being scared when we're going to die. I don't have control of my ability.

You need to be at your full power to defeat it. She sighs. If I'd known you couldn't control it… Shit! Let me help. In an instant, a sharp pain jolts through me, electricity snapping down my arms. I collapse to my knees, heaving for breath, but something else stirs inside me. That light sensation from earlier—the power that lingers just beneath the surface.

"Sage?" Killian asks.

My heart's racing, my mind is in overdrive, and I feel different, lighter, as though I'm floating.

With a growl, I stagger to my feet, and instantly, the power flares through me, an explosion of electric energy rippling down my arms.

"Shit, Sage, are you—" Killian's getting to his feet, but I need to move, knowing what needs to be done.

"Stay here," I call out, rushing out of the cave and scanning the forests.

In the distance to my right, the beast has one paw pressed down on Wolfe beneath him as Nyko relentlessly attacks it.

I scream from my terror as the beast lifts its paw to finish off Wolfe.

In a heartbeat, I summon a shadow Nythrax beast, and it's here in the blink of an eye, right next to the real one. As I did back in the vessel when I faced that snake, I'm punching and kicking to indicate I want it to attack the beast.

My shadow lunges at the real one, their bodies clashing with a force that shakes the ground.

Nyko swoops down, grabs Wolfe, and they rush back to me. They're saying something, glancing my way, but I don't have time, not when every bit of concentration remains on the battle I can't lose.

The real beast roars, swiping its massive claws, but they pass right through its opponent's body. My shadow mirrors its moves, parrying every strike. It snarls, biting into the real creature's hide, using its solid form, just as the snake had done back on the vessel.

Green blood sprays, and I'm cheering that it worked. My shadow is savage and relentless, tearing into the beast with unmatched ferocity. It latches onto the back of its neck, ripping away a huge chunk of flesh.

I cringe as Nyko and Wolfe call my name, but I'm too busy punching the air to control it. I have no idea if my motions are needed, but it feels like I'm actually fighting.

The Nythrax pivots instantly and brutally bites down, fangs sinking into my shadow's side. It slices through me, the agony, the pain. I'm screaming, falling to my knees.

Shit, I experience its pain?

I reach to my side, expecting a hole, but instead, my body is airy and cold. Glancing down, I notice I look different. I gasp, my head spinning as I stumble back onto my feet.

My entire form resembles a void, as though I'm staring into space at the stars through myself. I have my body shape, but it's a dark, star-filled expanse. Against my fingertips, my body feels cold, and there's no substance I can reach into the void. I have no idea how I did this.

Wolfe and Nyko rush to my side.

"Princess, you finally turned into your monster form," Nyko coos.

"Fucking hell, you're everything." Wolfe smiles, shaking his head. "But how about you destroy the beast now?"

I swing my gaze to the animal who's attacking my shadow form again, every swipe of its claw plunging right through the body. Steeling myself, I prepare for the fight. The energy flares through me, a strange, exhilarating power.

I take a deep breath and reach out with my newfound power, and my shadow rises from the ground.

The Nythrax lunges, and this time, I meet it head-on, both of them clashing head-to-head. I lash out, striking the beast with claw after claw, tearing into its hide. It's reeling, bleeding, but I don't back away, knowing if I don't remove the creature, it'll come after us.

The beast stumbles, legs wobbling. I can see bottle-green blood, the wounds I've inflicted finally taking its toll. With a final charge, the shadow slams into the animal, teeth to its throat, and rips it out.

I flinch. Did I just do that?

"Sage, you're savage. I love it," Nyko says behind me.

The creature crashes to the ground, letting out a deafening roar as it thrashes in its death throes.

I stand there, panting, my void form flickering with the remnants of the battle's energy, then it's gone, and I'm back to normal.

I stumble, breathless.

Nyko and Wolfe are there, catching me.

"My princess," Nyko admits, smiling with his eyes. "You realize what this means? I'm not dying because you didn't drain me. Neither is Wolfe or Killian. You're taking the energy from the universe, from the world, like all of us do."

I laugh, shocked, overwhelmed, scared. "I can't believe I did that." But ever since my sister helped me finally unlock my ability, it flowed so easily, like it has always been a part of me.

Wolfe kisses my face. "I knew you would be incredible in your true form. And we're going to celebrate, but now we must face the real monster. Your father."

Nyko darts into the cave and emerges moments later, carrying Killian, who's still conscious but barely.

I rush to his side just as bells are tolling loudly from down in the city.

In a flash, my vision blurs in and out, the edges dark, and the world in front of me vanishes.

I 'm on a balcony in the kingdom, where the bells ring louder. Screams echo in my ears as I clutch the railing, my body shaking.

Below in the streets, everyone is running around frantically, screaming and crying. The sky is deep purple and pink, almost bruised. Smoke rises from several burning buildings, dark plumes twisting into the air.

A deafening explosion rocks the air, and I stumble on the balcony. I whip around just in time to see my father's elaborate castle engulfed in flames. Pieces of the structure crumble and fall.

"Fuck!" I scream. "What's going on?"

My breath catches in my throat, and panic flares within me. I'm suffocating, the smoke and heat pressing down on me, even from this distance. Tears blur my vision as I watch the rising flames and the Shadowfen yelling on the streets, running like mad.

My heart feels like it's being torn apart, the weight of everything crashing down on me. So, I'm swaying on my feet. My thoughts are a frantic jumble. The castle is gone. Everything is falling apart.

Suddenly, my vision darkens, and I'm no longer on the balcony. I'm standing in the middle of the street, the sounds of the bells now mixed with the cries of the injured and the sharp clash of weapons. The smell of blood and smoke permeates the air. My stomach churns, and I fight the urge to retch.

People run past me, their faces filled with fear and agony. A woman stumbles, clutching her bleeding side, crying for help. I rush to her to help, but she runs right through me.

My heart shatters.

Then I see them—armed Shadowfen surge forward from the castle in the distance, a wave of monstrous figures savagely cutting through the chaos. There have to be dozens of them, and the locals are rushing away, terrified. As they get closer, I recognize the leader.

Clay!

Our vessel's captain.

My mouth drops open, shock ripping through me.

His blade glints in the dim light, and here I assumed him to be frail in his birdlike monster form.

What the fuck is he doing?

More monsters follow him, their roars mingling with the screams of the fleeing locals, and I recognize some faces from the vessel… they're attacking the kingdom. Does Wolfe know about this?

Why is no one stopping them while the castle burns behind them?

I flinch, stumbling back at their approach.

Eyes locked on to Clay, I spot what he's holding—a head with white hair.

My father's head.

The sight is like a punch to the gut, and I stagger, my vision swimming. He holds it high, a trophy, a symbol of their victory. My father's eyes are wide, his mouth open in a final, silent scream. I hate him for what he's done, for the pain he's caused, but seeing him like this … it's too much.

"What the fuck?"

The streets are chaotic, his men slaying anyone they pass, including people trying to escape them. I can see the dark purpose in Clay's eyes. He's not just here for revenge. He's here to destroy everything. To take the kingdom by force. To kill them all.

I scream at him to stop, but my voice is lost. I try to move, to do something, anything, but my feet are rooted to the spot. I can only watch as the Shadowfen carve a path of destruction through the city.

S uddenly, the vision flashes again, and I'm back in the mountains, bursting into tears.