Celestial Guardians: Uniting Dimensions (Celestial Guardians Series, #1)

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Jamaica's POV

The world seemed to slow, the chaos of shadows and Lyra's mocking smile fading into the background. I could feel the crackle of energy in the air and see the determination burning in Nel's and Kevin's eyes. They were fighting for me—for humanity—and I wasn't sure I deserved it.

Lyra echoed in my head: "Do you truly believe you can save humanity?"

The question clawed at my confidence, but there wasn't time for doubt. I had to act.

A shadow lunged at me, its jagged, writhing form aiming for my throat. I stepped back instinctively, my wings flaring wide. I pushed my hands forward without thinking, and light exploded from my palms. The shadow dissolved, leaving behind only a faint wisp of smoke.

"Focus, Jamaica!" Nel's voice rang out, sharp and commanding.

I nodded, swallowing my fear. Focus. I could do this.

Kevin was a force of nature, swinging a makeshift weapon with a fury that belied the fear I knew he must feel. Nel was precision incarnate, every move calculated, every burst of energy perfectly timed. And then there was me, standing in the middle of the chaos, glowing like a beacon but feeling utterly unprepared.

Lyra watched us, her expression shifting from amusement to something closer to irritation. "How tedious," she said, flicking her wrist. The shadows recoiled, regrouping around her like loyal soldiers. "Do you truly think you can win? You're children playing at being heroes."

Something inside me snapped at her words. I wasn't playing. This wasn't a game. People's lives—my life—depended on this.

"You talk too much!" I shouted, words surprising even me.

Lyra's eyes narrowed, and I saw something flicker in her gaze: interest.

The shadows surged again, faster and more coordinated this time. I gritted my teeth, raising my hands as light poured from them in blinding arcs. I didn't know where the power was coming from, but it felt like a part of me, something ancient and unyielding.

"Jamaica, behind you!" Kevin's voice cut through the chaos.

I spun around just in time to see a shadow tendril lashing toward me. My wings moved on their own, shielding me from the impact. Pain shot through me as the tendril struck, but the light radiating from my feathers burned it away.

"Keep your guard up!" Nel yelled, his voice carrying a mix of frustration and concern.

I wanted to scream back that I was trying, but there wasn't time. The shadows kept coming, and Lyra wasn't even breaking a sweat.

"You're wasting my time," Lyra said, her voice low and dangerous. She stepped forward, her presence overwhelming. "If you don't bow, I'll make you."

She raised her hand, and the air around us grew impossibly heavy. I felt it pressing down on me, suffocating, crushing. My knees buckled, and I thought I was going to collapse.

"Get up, Jamaica!" Nel shouted, his voice cutting through the oppressive weight.

I forced myself to stand, my legs trembling. "I'm not giving up," I muttered, more to myself than anyone else.

Lyra smirked. "Such spirit. Let's see how long it lasts."

The pressure intensified, and I could feel my strength waning. But then, something shifted. The light inside me flared, brighter and hotter than before. It pushed back against Lyra's power, creating a small space bubble where I could breathe.