Divine & Wicked: The Strayed Memories (Book2)

《 Chapter XXV: "The Big Boss" (Part3) 》

Clair moaned in agony, her body immobilized, and her thoughts scattered. Every inch of her felt ablaze. As she cracked open her eyes, smoke swirled hazily above her. She gasped for air, catching a whiff of burnt flesh that made her moan once more. Gradually, her vision cleared, and memories began to flood back. Zach's image surged into her consciousness, prompting her to summon her strength and scan her surroundings. It didn't take long for her to find him, only a few steps away, sprawled unconscious on a pile of snow near her feet.

"Z-Zach," she gasped.

Despite the searing pain, she forced herself to crawl toward him, the horrifying moment replaying in her mind. Electricity had violently coursed through her body, and she realized that he had been struck as well. Horrified, she hesitated, afraid that touching him again might trigger another shock. Burns covered his face and arms, while his clothes were charred in several places. A deep sense of dread settled over her as the possibility of losing him became unbearable.

"Zach? Zach, no," she cried out, scanning desperately for anyone who could help. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked back at Zach lying motionless on the ground.

"No, no!" Her scream echoed through the air as she struck the ground with her fists, torn between the desperate urge to hold him and the fear of causing him further harm. It was driving her to the brink of madness.

"Fil, help him. Please... Per... Anyone!" she called out desperately. Then, a loud clang of metal echoed through the air. She quickly rose to her feet again and scanned the source of the noise. In the distance, she spotted the grounded helicopter, and nearby, she saw Ark and Cerro restraining Mr. Volkov. In that moment, something inside her snapped, and an indescribable rage erupted, consuming every part of her. With a piercing scream, she allowed the dark power within her to break free. When she opened her eyes, they were blood-red, burning with a fierce.

Cerro sensed it and swiftly located its source. Horror gripped him when he found her.

"No! Claireth, stop!" His scream echoed as he saw her charging towards them.

Ark was equally stunned. Cerro pushed Mr. Volkov to the ground and flew towards Clair. They collided, both stumbling hard. Cerro held onto her tightly as she tried to rise. He managed to pin her down, but she resisted fiercely. "Stop, Claireth!" he shouted amid her screams. He watched in horror as the dark power crawled through her skin, forming jagged black fissures that seared his own skin. "No, Claireth! Please, don't do this!" he pleaded desperately.

She managed to wrench one arm free and delivered a powerful blow that sent him tumbling away from her.

Ark lunged towards her, managing to restrain her until Cerro regained his grip.

"What's happening to her?" Ark asked through the pain of his burns, sustained from holding her infected skin.

"I... I'm not sure," Cerro replied, struggling to maintain his hold.

Per arrived and looked down at the chaos unfolding below. She was about to descend when her eyes caught sight of Zach lying alone and motionless on the ground. Although she was worried about Clair, she chose to go to him first.

Mr. Volkov chuckled as they attempted to restrain Clair, then burst into laughter. He knew she was coming for him. "So, that's the dark power," he murmured.

"Hey, Clair! Stay with us!" Ark groaned.

Clair folded her wings, then unleashed them with such force that Cerro, on top of her, was knocked down. She swiftly pierced Ark's arm with her sharp claws, causing him to scream. With a sudden burst, she broke free and charged at Mr. Volkov. She yanked at his leg, sending him crashing to the ground. Leaping onto him, she clutched his neck with her left hand and poised her right arm, claws ready to strike. Rage burned in her eyes, and her fanged grin spoke of deadly intent.