The King's Gilded Warrior || Wattys 2023

CHAPTER TWO

A palpable sense of dread grips Lyra as they approach the door to the back room of the ship. The remains of the shadow creatures cling to their bodies, mingling with the sweat that trickles down the side of her face. The suffocating silence weighs heavily upon them, intensifying the foreboding atmosphere.

"It's too quiet," Jaxon whispers, his words barely audible amidst the tension. His eyes dart around, scanning for any sign of danger or hidden adversaries.

Lyra takes a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. She knows they can't afford to waste another moment in uncertainty. "Let's keep our focus and get the job done," she says, determination lacing her voice as she kicks the door open, unwilling to wait any longer to discover what awaits them and if Cael is unharmed.

The door swings open with a resounding crash, revealing a spacious, office-like room. Lyra's sharp gaze immediately locks onto the scene before her. Dread seizes her heart as she witnesses Cael's struggle, trapped in the merciless grip of Azazel. His throat constricted, Cael's desperate gasps for air mingle with the sight of blood staining his front, a chilling testament to the open wound on his stomach.

A surge of adrenaline courses through Lyra's veins, igniting a fierce protectiveness within her. She slices through the tense atmosphere with a cold demand, her voice carrying unwavering strength. "Release him!" she shouts, the echoes of her command reverberating off the walls, an unyielding declaration of her resolve.

Azazel's malevolent gaze shifts toward Lyra, a sinister smirk playing upon his lips. His fingers tighten their grip around Cael, who struggles, clawing and scratching at his captor's hand in a desperate bid for freedom. Cael's face drains of color, his wide green eyes reflecting a haunting mixture of fear and courage.

"Even amidst the chaos of battle, you remain a captivating warrior," Azazel taunts, his voice dripping with malice. His blood-red eyes roam over Lyra's form, their gaze laden with a disturbing blend of obsession and lust. Beside her, Jaxon emits a low, menacing growl, his voice resonating like a warning in the tense air.

Azazel's sadistic grin widens as he revels in his sadistic pleasure. "Such a fierce little fighter he is, harboring such rage in his eyes even as I squeeze the life out of him," he taunts, relishing in the agony he inflicts upon Cael.

Lyra's fury burns hotter than ever. With a steely resolve, she steps forward, her swords gleaming in her grasp. Determination blazes in her eyes as she stares down Azazel, ready to unleash her own brand of justice upon him. The battle for her friend's life has reached its climax, and she will stop at nothing to save him from the clutches of this sadistic monster.

A chilling silence settles over the room as Azazel's sadistic grin widens. Without a moment's hesitation, he tightens his grip on Cael's throat, his fingers exerting a grotesque pressure that causes a sickening crack to reverberate through the air. Cael's body goes limp, life extinguished in an instant.

Lyra's heart shatters as she witnesses the horrifying sight, a cry of anguish escaping her lips. Anger surges through her, fueling her resolve to avenge her fallen comrade. Besides her, Jaxon sidesteps and raises his ax ,ready to launch his attack, but he isn't quick enough. With a sudden motion, Azazel hurls Cael towards Jaxon, forcing him to drop his ax to catch his wounded friend. Above them, Azazel raises his sword, poised to end both their lives. But Lyra , renowned for her swiftness, intercepted the strike with her own blade. She exerted her strength, pushing back with her right sword, forcing Azazel To stumble. Without missing a beat, she thrust forward with her left sword, slashing a deep gash across his hip. A hiss of anger escaped his lips, yet it failed to hinder his relentless assault as he retaliated with even greater intensity. The clash of their blades reverberated through the room, each strike resonating like thunder.