The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 39: Solstice Nova

In the vast, darkened woods, Clara sprinted through the underbrush, her breaths sharp and uneven. Panic flickered across her face, but a part of her held firm—now was not the time to fall apart.

Her green cloak billowed violently behind her, the wind tugging at it as if trying to drag her back. Cold air howled past her ears, whispering warnings and slowing her stride. She pushed forward, her boots crunching against roots and fallen leaves.

Then, from deep within her chest, a single word tore free:

"Ivy!"

It wasn't just a call—it was a plea, her voice echoing through the trees, swallowed by wind and shadow.

For a heartbeat, the forest fell still.

Far from Clara's path, beyond tangled boughs and ancient roots, a pair of amber eyes blinked open—burning through the dark like twin suns.

The air shifted.

The small, fox-like creature stirred beneath a blanket of moss. In a heartbeat, Ivy's body pulsed with energy, her form rippling and expanding like roots reaching for the sky. Mossy green fur thickened, and her limbs stretched with silent power.

She grew, and grew—until the once-small familiar became a towering guardian.

Now standing as tall as Great Elk, Ivy's powerful frame shimmered with life. Her fur bristled with magic, wildflowers blooming across her shoulders and down her tail. Each step she took made the earth tremble faintly beneath her padded paws.

The wind shifted again, carrying Clara's voice on its breath.

Ivy's ears flicked.

With one smooth motion, she turned toward the sound—and ran.

Her great body moved with effortless grace, a blur of green and gold weaving between trees and over ridges, closing the distance in long, thundering strides.

Finally sensing Ivy's faint presence in the distance, Clara let out a sigh of relief. It would still take time before Ivy arrived. Her thoughts turned to Valerie, who had stayed behind to buy her time. Clara could only hope that the dark figure hadn't already caught up.

Then—suddenly—a sharp prickle raced up the back of her neck.

A whisper of air, like a blade slicing wind, came straight for her head.

Clara dropped instantly, ducking low as something passed just inches above her. She scrambled to her feet, heart pounding, and bolted. As she ran, she dared a glance over her shoulder.

Her worst fear was confirmed.

A woman in a black robe was behind her, gliding across the ground with unnatural grace. The air around her pulsed with dark magic—thick, suffocating, and wrong. Clara's golden eyes narrowed, sensing the aura. This woman—this thing—was not completely human.

"Great reflexes, little one," the woman said with a voice like smoke and rot. A dark chuckle followed.

A chill slid down Clara's spine, but she forced the fear down. If Valerie did not come to find her earlier, it would be the end for her.

Then her palm glowed with green light as her gaze darted toward a nearby Venus flytrap—an idea striking in that instant.

She extended her hand. "Germinate."

The plant surged into a monstrous form. Its jaw-like leaves snapped shut, swallowing the black figure—if only for a moment.

A furious series of slashes erupted from inside the plant, tearing it apart in wet, leafy chunks. The woman stepped from the wreckage, untouched, and continued her silent pursuit.