The Chronicles of Onyx Book Two - Fight of a Hero

Chapter Thirteen

Jade let out an agonizing scream as Rok seared the gaping wound with a heated blade. The burning smell of flesh filled his nostrils as he pressed the blade deeper into Jade's thigh. The searing pain was excruciating, sending waves of agony through Jade's body as his muscles tensed involuntarily. His hands clawing at the frozen ground, desperate for any relief from the excruciating sensation.

"Hold him still Oldren!" He heard Rok command.

Upon the spoken words he felt the rough texture of calloused palms gaining a tight grip on his shoulders and holding him down against the uneven surface of a nearby tree.

He could feel his face contorting in agony as sweat poured down his forehead, mingling with the dirt and blood that covered his skin. His teeth ground together so hard it felt like they might shatter. Every nerve in his body screamed in protest, but he fought to stay still, trusting Rok despite the torment.

Jade's vision blurred, tears streaming down his cheeks. He bit down on his lip until it bled, trying to stifle the screams that tore from his throat. The pain was like a white-hot fire that seemed to engulf his entire being. He could feel himself slipping, teetering on the edge of his consciousness.

"Stay with me, Jade," Rok urged, his voice cutting through the haze of pain. "We're almost done."

Finally, Rok pulled the blade away, the wound now sealed with burnt flesh. Immediately he began to wrap the injury with strips of cloth. Even as Jade allowed his body to fall limp, Rok moved his hands with practiced efficiency.

"You did good, boy," he said softly, his tone gentler now that the worst was over. "Rest now. You'll need your strength."

Jade nodded weakly, his body trembling from the shock. The pain was still there, but it was a dull roar compared to the searing fire he had endured recently. He closed his Emerald eyes, letting the exhaustion wash over him, grateful for even a moment's respite.

As Rok finished securing the bandage, he glanced around, his earthy eyes scanning the surrounding area for any signs of danger. The battlefield was a chaotic blur of movement and noise, but for a brief moment, they had a small semblance of peace.

"We need to move soon," Rok said, more to himself than to Jade. "But for now, just rest. We'll get through this."

He placed a reassuring hand on Jade's shoulder, feeling the rapid rise and fall of his chest as he fought to steady his breathing.

In the distance, the sounds of battle still raged, but for this moment, they were a world away.

-ooooo-

Rok and Oldren crouched in the trees, their eyes fixed on the battlefield below. Jade lay between them, his breathing steady but shallow, his body still recovering from the brutal cauterization.

The forest canopy provided them with some cover, but the chaos of the battle remained uncomfortably close.

Oldren's sharp eyes scanned the tree line, alert for any sign of a lurking threat. He could hear the distant roars and clashes, but here in the woods, they had a momentary respite.

"We need to keep him safe," Rok murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "If the battle spills over here..."

Oldren nodded, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "We'll be ready."

Rok's gaze shifted from Jade to the scene unfolding below. Their eyes turned toward the field as a new wave of sounds reached their ears. A hush seemed to fall over the battle, a lull that carried an eerie sense of anticipation. Rok's heart pounded as he watched, his gaze fixed on the figure emerging from the snowy landscape.

Onyx.

His heart clenched as he saw her. She moved with a grace that was almost otherworldly, her presence commanding and terrifying. The air around her crackled with energy, shadows seemed to dance at her feet. The soldiers, both friend and foe, paused in their combat, eyes drawn to her as if under a spell.

"Is that..." Oldren's voice trailed off, disbelief etched across his features.

Rok's grip tightened on his weapon, his eyes narrowing. "Something's different."

This was not the Onyx he knew—the warmth and kindness that once filled her Golden eyes were replaced by a cold, unyielding gaze.

"Aye, Is that really her?" Oldren whispered, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Rok nodded slowly. "It is...I think... but something's very wrong."

They both stood still as Onyx raised her hand. A wave of dark energy surged forth, sweeping through the ranks like ink upon parchment.

"We need to get the wolves up into the trees!" Rok yelled at Oldren in a fury of emotions.

Oldren shook his head, his eyes wide with despair. "It's too late. Ye can't see anything. The fog is too thick."

Rok's heart raced as he glanced around, "We have to try!" Rok insisted, his voice trembling with urgency.

Oldren took a deep breath and nodded. "Over here!" he belted, yet his voice barely audible above the storm.

For a moment, everything seemed eerily still, as if the entire battlefield had been frozen in time. The only sound was the distant, muffled cries of the dying. The two held their breath as their eyes scanned the swirling darkness that blanketed the scene.

Then, slowly, movement began to stir within the dark haze. The faintest flicker of motion, a shadow within shadows. As their eyes adjusted, they could make out the forms of the wolves emerging from the inky blackness, climbing out from the dark smog and into the relative safety of the forest canopy.

Some limped heavily, their fur matted with blood, leaving behind dark, crimson trails on the pristine snow. Every step they took was labored; their breath visible in the cold air as they breathed heavily. Rok particularly noticed as Eclipsar paused for a moment, looking back towards the battlefield. Blood dripped steadily from a deep gash on his shoulder staining the snow beneath it.

Rok's gaze then fixed on Onyx as she wreaked havoc on the battlefield. Her power was overwhelming, a relentless storm that showed no mercy.

"That's not my Onyx," Rok whispered, a profound sense of loss gripping his heart.

"I should have stayed with her; this is my fault"