Halfling (editing in process)

Chapter Forty-Five

The field was too beautiful and serene to be the place where they would do battle. The snow was beautiful and white, yet untouched by footprints or the blood that would surely be spilt. The trees were beautiful, coated in white and holding frozen crystals on their branches. Aria stared out, gripping the hilt of her blade as she waited. Payne was back with the dark elves, the demons having yet made their appearance. They needed to wait, have the opportunity of surprise. Aria let her hand move up, rubbing the swirl over her heart as she stared at the field, her heart racing madly in her chest. He would come soon. She could feel his rage as if was a part of her, and knew if their plan didn't work, if he somehow got hold of her and dragged her back to hell, she wouldn't survive. She would be just like the copy of herself in his dreams, broken and lost to an insanity too chilling for her to think about.

The pulse of energy that rocked through the field was unnecessary and nearly knocked her off her feet. She kept on her feet though, watching as Lucien appeared in the middle of the field, his rage pulsing over her skin like fire.

"You take me for a fool Aria." Lucien hissed. "And you are much more daring and rebellious than I had previously thought, but stupid none the less. I caught wind of your little plan, did you really think, even with an army of dark elves, that you will be able to win against my army? We have been gaining power in the time you have been hiding."

A portal opened behind him, similar to the one that had opened at Maven's old home, and demons poured from within. They piled behind him, ranging from scantily clad leather to complete nudity.

"You can save all the innocent lives here Aria, at least for today. I will let them go, allow them to live another day untouched if you come willingly. If not... Well..." He grinned. "I am not responsible for what my army will do to those beautiful dark skinned elves."

Aria paused, staring at him, her eyes slipping closed for just a moment, and the first arrow flew. Within a moment, the field erupted into pure chaos. Aria slipped into the shadows a moment before one of the demons reached for her, reappearing beside Payne a few moments later. Her hands erupted into flames and she burnt a place in the ground. "Now!" She yelled.

One of the dark elves nearby activated the summoning spell; the demons Catherine had gathered appearing. They ranged from humanoid looking creatures to things that Aria had seen in her worst nightmares. Blood had already been spilt, both elven and demonic, and their bloodlust that they had been holding back for so long finally erupted with a mighty roar. Aria watched the chaos unfold, her heart racing in her chest as she watched the carnage. Archers were hiding in the trees, shooting where they could while trying to dodge the incoming magical attacks that were directed towards him. Aria found Javen on the ground, switching between a bow and a sword, looking every bit the part of a warrior. Aria wished Maven was here to see him, she would be proud.

Aria took to motion after a moment, the actions that were once slowed down speeding up and sound returning to her. She drew her sword and began the dance that had been drilled into her head for two months; the elegant moves to dodge the strikes and magical blows, the power to strike at just the right moment to gain the advantage. Blood flowed onto her hand as she fought, a small smile coming onto her face as she saw Payne's eyes swirling with lust and fury as she unleashed her anger upon whoever drew too close.

She fought for a few moments before delving into the shadows once more, moving quickly to aid the ones that were too overwhelmed. She moved up in the middle of the field, and held out her arms, unleashing her horde of shadow creatures on the field. They looked up at her with a childlike innocence she knew they didn't possess.