The Dark Hunters

Chapter 34

Braden POV

As Odeya runs inside the palace, I kill one soldier after another. I slash chests, run through their bodies. Anything to survive.

I fight like this for quite a while, when finally, Kasel and I go back to back. Swinging our swords this way and that.

Eventually Kasel says, "I saw Odeya run into the palace. You need to help her. I'll try to make an opening for you."

"Ok Kasel, thanks." I say breathlessly.

Kasel and I start moving towards the palace entrance. But there are so many soldiers it will take forever to get there.

So, I summon all my emotion for Odeya. Using it to power my wind. I put my hands to my sides and squeeze my eyes shut tight. No blade touches me. My wind blows a path from me to the palace doors.

Without hesitation, I bolt for the doors. Running in, breathing hard, I slam the doors shut. I race down the hall to the sound of swords clashing, and women yelling.

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Odeya POV

I grunt and block Kerani's sword for slashing my side. I cut her arm with the tip of my blade, while she jabs out at my side again. I jump out of the way, and slash her leg. She cuts my arm and I reach out for her heart, but she blocks it, running the sword along mine.

"You think you can kill me?" She sneers. "Just try." She spits in my face.

With her sword on the outside, mine on the inside, she rams me into the wall.

Her sword pressing my sword against my throat.

I struggle trying to get free.
"Goodbye Odeya." She smirks.

Suddenly, there are footsteps coming down the hall, towards the bedroom.
Kerani looks up to see who it is, accidentally loosening her grip a little.

It's the distraction I need.

I bring my leg up, kick her in the stomach, shoving the blades away from my throat. But before she could fall to the ground, I grab her arm and run my sword through her chest.
I see the look of surprise crosses her face, shock, then anger.
I did it.
I killed her.
It's over.
We did it.
I am in shock. We win. Braden and I can be together after all. My vision was wrong I'm alive and she's dead. I'm lost in a daze. I hear "Odeya WATCH OUT!" But I don't fully process it until it's too late.

I stare at my hands as the sword drops from them.

Something sharp pierces my chest. I gasp and look down.
A dagger.
In my body.

I see Kerani collapse on the floor. Her eyes open, a sickening smile on her face.

I am fully conscious of what's happening now.

"ODEYA!" Braden screams, as I stumble backwards, falling into his arms. "Odeya, oh my god, Odeya. I'm so sorry I wasn't here in time." He cries.

A tear slips down my cheek, and my eyes softly, slowly open and close. "I'm sorry too." I rasp. "I should have told you. But I didn't." My body starts to shake. "I knew I was going to die and I didn't tell you." I start to cough up blood.

I look into his beautiful blue eyes, blood trailing down my lips.
I put my shaking hand on Braden's cheek. He puts his hand on top of mine. "I do not fear death." I croak. "You have to let me go. Nothing could have stopped this. I'm sorry. I should have told you..." My hand slowly drops from his cheek.

"Shush." He breathes, stroking my hair.

"Don't say goodbye. It's ok that you didn't tell me, but you can't leave me. You killed Kerani. We have won. You can't leave me now. Not yet. Not ever. We are finally free to love and be with each other. Do not go. Please." He begs, searching my eyes for hope that I would survive this.

I blink slowly. "I-I'm so sorry my love. I'm s-sorry it had to end like this. Do not forget me." I stutter, tears streaming down my face.

"Never." He whispers. "I will never forget you, and you are my only true love. I can never love again."

"Don't say that." I half whisper. "You must move on. You must......." I trail off, my eyes closing.

He holds my face in his hands. His thumbs tracing my lips, wiping the blood from them. "No!" He sobs. "Do not leave me! Please. I love you!"
And I die.