How I Married KING Of HELL

Shadow of Retribution

Chapter 46

The camp buzzed with unease as the morning sun crept over the horizon, casting an eerie glow on the forest. Emily sat by the dying embers of the ritual fire, her mind lingering on the broken bond. Though the King of Hell no longer had a claim on her soul, she could feel his presence like a distant storm, gathering strength for his next move.

Cassius approached, his eyes shadowed with concern. "Mira said the ritual broke the bond but didn't banish his presence entirely," he murmured, his voice barely more than a whisper. "He's watching, waiting for the perfect moment to strike."

Emily nodded, her jaw clenched. "He's furious. I felt it when the bond shattered. But this time, we'll be ready for him."

Cassius held her gaze, his determination unwavering. "We'll make sure of it."

As the day wore on, Mira prepared the camp for the barrier spell, gathering herbs and symbols of protection. She called the soldiers together, instructing them on how to reinforce the perimeter, marking the trees with symbols that would strengthen the camp's defenses.

"Tonight, when the sun sets, we'll cast the barrier," Mira explained to the gathered soldiers. "It's a ritual of immense power, and each of you will play a role. The King of Hell cannot break through if we stand united."

The soldiers nodded, a mixture of fear and determination in their eyes. They had seen Emily's bravery the night before and were inspired to protect their leader and the camp with every fiber of their beings.

As twilight fell, the air grew heavy, an ominous energy creeping over the camp. Emily felt it, too—a chill that crawled up her spine, whispering of the King's fury and his impatience. She stood near the edge of the clearing, Aelios cradled in her arms, watching the soldiers as they took their places around the perimeter, each one prepared to stand their ground.

Mira moved to the center of the camp, her voice calm and commanding. "Emily, you must stand with us. This spell draws on our collective strength, but as the one who defied him, you are key to its success."

Emily nodded, passing Aelios to Cassius, who held the child protectively, his eyes never leaving her. She took her place beside Mira, feeling the weight of her responsibility but drawing strength from those around her.

Mira began chanting, her words ancient and powerful, filling the air with a hum of energy. The soldiers joined in, their voices rising as the symbols around the camp began to glow with an otherworldly light. Emily closed her eyes, focusing on the warmth and strength of the people who stood with her, feeling their energy intertwining with her own.

The barrier's glow intensified, forming a protective dome around the camp. But just as the spell neared completion, a shadow fell over the clearing—a sudden, suffocating darkness that snuffed out the moonlight. The air turned icy, and a deep, menacing voice echoed through the trees.

"Did you really think you could escape me, Emily?" The King of Hell's voice slithered into her mind, filling it with dread. "You are mine, and no spell can protect you from my wrath."

Emily's heart raced, but she stood her ground, her voice steady. "I've broken the bond, and I will never belong to you. You cannot control me anymore."

The darkness around them coiled tighter, as if testing the strength of the barrier. The soldiers gripped their weapons, ready to defend their leader, but Emily could see the fear in their eyes. She could feel the barrier waver, the strain of the spell pulling at her energy.

Mira's voice rang out, steady and defiant. "You have no power here, not while we stand united." She raised her hands, channeling her energy into the barrier, reinforcing it as the King's presence pressed against it.

But the King's laughter echoed through the camp, chilling them to the core. "You are fools to defy me. If you will not surrender, then I will tear this place apart piece by piece until you beg for mercy."

Emily felt his gaze settle on her, a weight that seemed to crush the air from her lungs. But she drew on the strength of everyone around her—their loyalty, their courage—and pushed back, pouring her energy into the barrier with renewed determination.

"We will never surrender," she whispered, her voice fierce and unyielding.

The King's roar shattered the stillness, a sound of pure fury. The darkness swirled around the barrier, battering it from all sides, but the camp stood firm, their voices rising in defiance as they held their ground. The barrier flared brightly, resisting his assault, and the King's presence began to wane, retreating slowly as dawn approached.

Finally, as the first light of morning broke through the trees, the darkness dissipated, leaving the camp bathed in the soft glow of dawn. The soldiers cheered, their relief palpable, and Cassius pulled Emily into his arms, his eyes filled with pride.

"You did it," he whispered. "You faced him, and you won."

Emily leaned into his embrace, her heart still racing. She knew this was only the beginning. The King of Hell would return, his vengeance far from satisfied. But for now, she had won a small victory, and she would cherish it.

In the quiet of the morning, surrounded by those who had stood with her, Emily felt a flicker of hope. She was not alone in this fight, and as long as she had her family, her friends, and her own unbreakable spirit, she would continue to defy the darkness.