❝under their armor is a shining beacon of hope❞
A realm still suffering the aftermath of the original demon invasion. A world splintered from the core. A people frightened of the monsters that would one day rule their lands. A life ostracized from s...
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Daxelle felt the hackles of her magic rise at the woman in front of her. There was something wrong—seriously wrong. The woman's dark eyes were muted and tinted in red. Her black eyes glowed with unholy light as her black clawed hand remained outstretched midway in the air.
"Don't move, or I will kill you," the woman's hoarse voice rasped, her voice tinged with an unnerving screech.
Her fingers curled and a chill ran down Daxelle's back.
"Malia, what are you doing?" Gwydion asked, peering at his half-sister.
The woman—Malia—didn't even react to her brother's pleading words.
"I must collect the Destroyer," Malia growled, slashing her hand in the air again. Adahlia's face paled. "And you are all in the way. The Sin is coming and it will kill, for it thirsts for Fae blood."
Daxelle glanced at Iaelie and was glad she wasn't the only clueless one.
Iaelie moved her hands behind her back and Malia's gaze snapped to her. "Don't move." Her hand hovered dangerously in the air and dread filled Avanth's eyes. Daxelle peered at the air surrounding Malia's hand, seeing nothing but the translucent gas.
"Malia, please stop," Gwydion said, his arms rising slightly to put a stopper on some of the tension. His sister let out a dangerous laugh.
"Malia. Such a pretty name for such a weak mortal. She did not resist the Sin. But you? Oh you will fight."
Gwydion stiffened, looking over his sister again. He didn't seem to see the red-rimmed eyes and clawed fingers. They seemed to be the only ones seeing the hellish creature before them. Daxelle held up her hands as well, quietly dropping low into her power. And from the vacancy in Adahlia's eyes, Daxelle could see that she had also dove into her well of magic.
Malia didn't take her eyes off Adahlia though, monitoring her every breath.
Avanth, noticing the stare, provided a distraction. "So, like, you want to kidnap us?"
Malia glared at him, "I do not understand you incompetent half-mortals."
Avanth was pale. There was a slight tremor in his hands as he smirked. "Oh, I'm sorry. ¿Hablas español?"
Malia snarled, her void-black eyes flashing.
"Parlez-vous français?" Avanth asked. The only thing giving his confident performance away was the slight sheen of sweat on his forehead. "你會說中文嗎？"
It was honestly kind of impressive.
A growl ripped from Malia's throat. "Do not think me stupid, Faeling. I am capable of much more than only you and the girl can see."
Daxelle gave Avanth a questioning glance, but his eyes widened, the scent of fear drifting from him and Adahlia. She gulped. Malia seemed to revel in their trembling.
