Cosmic Odyssey : Beyond The Star Lies The Unknown

Chapter 13

The Night of Slaughter

The moon cast an ominous glow over the Eldrid clan's ancestral estate, illuminating the manicured lawns and ornate fountains. Laughter and warmth filled the grand hall, where children played and elders shared tales of old. The air was thick with the scent of roasting meats and freshly baked bread.

Within the mansion's walls, Thrain and Lirien Eldrid, the patriarch and matriarch, beamed with pride. Their children, Lyrien and Kaida, chatted with cousins and aunts, enjoying the rare gathering. Lyrien, with his mischievous grin, was regaling his cousins with tales of his adventures in the nearby woods. Kaida, with her wild curls and bright smile, was laughing with her aunts, who were teaching her traditional Eldrid dances.

But outside, darkness gathered. Umbra Collective agents, clad in black, crept through the shadows. Their leader, the enigmatic Archon, stood at the forefront, eyes aglow with malevolence. "With me, we take the Eldrid bloodline," the Archon whispered, his voice carried by the wind.

The agents swept into the mansion, swords drawn. Panic erupted as the Eldrid family scrambled to defend themselves. Shouts and screams filled the air. Thrain, a seasoned warrior, charged forward, sword flashing in the moonlight.

"Protect the children!" Lirien cried, her voice ringing through the hall.

Lyrien and Kaida cowered in a hidden alcove, praying for dawn. They clung to each other, their hearts racing with fear.

The Archon stalked through the halls, his presence seeming to draw the light out of the room. His eyes locked onto Thrain.

"You are the last of the Eldrid lineage," the Archon sneered. "Your blood will seal our power."

Thrain charged forward, his sword flashing in the moonlight. The Archon drew his own sword, its blade seeming to drink in the light around it.

The two enemies clashed, their swords ringing out as they exchanged blow after blow. Thrain fought valiantly, his sword slicing through the air with deadly precision. But the Archon seemed to be absorbing his attacks, growing stronger with each passing moment.

Thrain's sword bit deep into the Archon's shoulder, but the Archon barely flinched. He retaliated with a swift kick, sending Thrain crashing to the floor.

Thrain sprang to his feet, his sword flashing. He launched himself at the Archon, their blades clashing in a flurry of steel and sparks.

The Archon's sword sliced through Thrain's defenses, biting deep into his chest. Thrain stumbled back, his eyes widening in shock.

And then, just as it seemed the Archon was about to deliver the final blow, Thrain summoned his last ounce of strength. With a mighty roar, he swung his sword in a desperate arc, striking the Archon with a blow that sent him stumbling back.

The Archon's eyes flashed with anger, and he raised his sword, ready to strike...