They moved swiftly through the dense shadows of the twisted woods, feet scraping against uneven ground, their bodies leaning forward with the sheer force of their willpower. Each step was heavy, sluggish—yet relentless. Despite the days of retreat, they hadn’t stopped moving. Not really. To stop meant to die, and none of them were ready for that. Not yet.
Jonny’s breath came in harsh bursts, his legs screaming with every step. His sword, Alex’s sword, weighed heavily at his side, bouncing against his hip, reminding him of every inch they had crossed—and every inch they had yet to cover. His hand kept going to the hilt, feeling the cold metal beneath his fingers, finding reassurance in its solidness, even though his muscles begged him to let go. Behind him, the faint, staggered footfalls of the others echoed through the stillness of the air.
"We’re almost there," Coral’s voice cut through the suffocating silence. He was just behind Jonny, close enough that Jonny could hear the strain in his voice despite the paladin’s usual composure. "Half a day more."
Half a day.
The words were meant to comfort, to reassure. But all Jonny could hear was the distance stretching out before them, the hours still separating them from the safety of Calaedria’s border.
Half a day could be an eternity.
The land around them was dark and oppressive, the trees twisted and skeletal, like something pulled out of the worst kind of nightmare. Even the air felt wrong, heavy, thick with an unspoken threat. It clung to their skin like sweat, making each breath feel like a battle in itself.
They had been retreating for days—days of running, of barely any rest, their nights haunted by the looming presence of the Darkborn lieutenant pursuing them. Every sound, every rustle in the wind, reminded them that they were being hunted, that their enemy was never far behind.
Ahead of them, Gavin moved with unnatural grace, his mechanical form barely seeming to register the uneven terrain that made the others stumble. His eyes glowed faintly in the dim light, always scanning the horizon, always alert. He was tireless, his body immune to the fatigue that was slowly crippling the rest of them. But even Gavin, with all his precision, couldn’t outrun the enemy forever.
Behind him, Jessie lagged. Her pale face was slick with sweat, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. Her legs shook, the last reserves of her strength barely keeping her upright.
"I… I can’t…," she rasped, her voice barely audible. She stumbled, catching herself against a tree, her fingers gripping the bark as though it were the only thing keeping her from collapsing entirely.
Jonny slowed, casting a glance over his shoulder. Jessie’s face was drawn, her eyes heavy-lidded with exhaustion. They hadn’t had a proper rest in days—not since the last encounter with the Darkborn minions—and Jessie had used up nearly all of her magic. She had nothing left now, no spells to fall back on, no energy to even walk without support.
Dave, ever watchful, was already at her side, one arm wrapped around her shoulders, helping to steady her. His face was tight, lines of worry creasing his brow.
"We’ve pushed too hard," Dave muttered under his breath, his eyes flicking nervously toward the rear of their group. "She’s spent. We all are."
Jonny nodded grimly, though he didn’t stop moving. None of them could afford to stop—not for long, anyway. They were close, so close to safety. Half a day more. They just had to keep going a little while longer. They would cross the eastern border—the same border they had slipped through what felt like an eternity—back into the reach of Calaedria’s border where reinforcements awaited.
Coral glanced back, his jaw clenched. "We’ll make it," he said, though the strain in his voice betrayed his own weariness. "We don’t have a choice."
Dave gave a weak, humorless laugh. "Half a day," he murmured. "Might as well be a lifetime."
---
They continued for another hour, their footsteps heavy in the stillness. The silence around them was unnerving, broken only by the occasional snap of twigs underfoot or the soft rustle of leaves in the wind. The farther they went, the darker the land became, as though even the trees had given up on life. The air itself felt thick, like it was pressing down on them, squeezing the energy from their bodies with each passing minute.
Jonny’s legs burned. Every muscle in his body ached. His head pounded with the rhythm of his heartbeat, and his throat was raw from breathing the stale, acrid air of Darkborn territory. He knew the others were feeling it too. He could see it in the way Coral’s steps had become less sure, in the way Dave’s usually sharp eyes were dulled with fatigue.
But Jessie… Jessie was struggling the most. She stumbled again, barely catching herself on a low-hanging branch. This time, her legs gave out, and she sank to the ground, too weak to stand.
"We have to stop," Dave said, his voice firm, though there was a note of desperation in it. "She can’t keep going like this."
Coral wanted to argue, wanted to say that they couldn’t afford to stop, that every second they wasted brought the lieutenant closer. But when he looked at Jessie, slumped against the tree, her eyes half-closed in exhaustion, he knew they didn’t have a choice. If they didn’t stop now, she wouldn’t make it another hour.
"Fine," Coral muttered. "But only for a few minutes."
Gavin, who had been silent until now, turned his head slightly, his glowing eyes scanning the area around them. "It is unwise to linger here."
"We know," Jonny replied. "But we need this. Just a little longer."
Gavin said nothing more, but his gaze remained fixed on the horizon, ever vigilant.
The group huddled beneath a small ridge, taking what shelter they could find. Coral stood watch, his sword resting against his shoulder, though Jonny could see the exhaustion in the way his hands trembled slightly. Nearby, Dave knelt close to Jessie, his concern etched into every movement as he carefully offered her water and adjusted her cloak to shield her from the biting wind. His eyes rarely left her, scanning her pale face for any sign of worsening fatigue. Meanwhile Jonny sank to the ground, his back resting against the rough bark of a tree. His limbs felt heavy, his mind sluggish. Every part of him screamed for rest, for sleep, but he knew they didn’t have that luxury.
They could only afford a few minutes. Any longer, and the lieutenant would be on them.
---
The air grew colder as they sat in silence, their breath misting in front of them. The darkness pressed in closer, the shadows growing longer, deeper. Jonny’s grip tightened on the hilt of his sword, his knuckles white from the strain.
Gavin, who had remained standing, suddenly stiffened. His eyes glowed brighter, scanning the distance. Jonny felt a chill run down his spine. He knew that look.
"It’s here," Gavin said, his voice calm but urgent.
Jessie, who had been half-asleep, jolted awake at the words. Coral’s hand immediately went to the hilt of his sword, his body tensing.
"How much time?" Jonny asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Gavin’s eyes narrowed, his mechanical systems processing the data. "Not enough."
The words hung in the air like a death sentence. Jonny felt his heart sink. They had known this was coming, known they wouldn’t be able to outrun the lieutenant forever. But knowing didn’t make it any easier to face.
They had no choice now. They would have to fight.
"Get ready," Coral said, his voice low but commanding. He rose to his feet, his sword gleaming faintly in the dim light. "We hold the line here."
Jessie struggled to her feet, her legs wobbling beneath her, but she managed to stand, her staff clutched tightly in her hands. She had no spells left, but she wasn’t going down without a fight.
Dave slipped into the shadows, his daggers at the ready, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of movement.
Jonny unsheathed Noctisbane, the familiar weight settling in his hand. His heart pounded in his chest, his muscles screaming in protest, but he forced himself to stay focused. They were so close. So close to the border. Just half a day.
But they weren’t there yet.
Gavin stood at the front, his mechanical form steady, unshaken by the exhaustion that plagued the others. He was their shield, their last line of defense.
The ground trembled beneath their feet, a low, ominous rumble that seemed to come from the very heart of the land itself. The Darkborn lieutenant was close now. Too close.
Jonny’s grip tightened on his sword. They couldn’t run anymore. There was no escape.
---
The lieutenant lunged, and Gavin met it head-on.
Their collision was like thunder in the quiet darkness, the ground shaking beneath the weight of their impact.
Gavin's metal arm shot forward, aiming for the lieutenant's chest with the precision of a war machine. But this Darkborn was not the weakened Rylkoth he had fought before.
The lieutenant dodged, its movements unnaturally fluid for something so large.
A twisted grin spread across its grotesque face as it sidestepped Gavin's attack with ease, countering with a strike so fast that Jonny barely saw it.
The blow landed hard against Gavin's chest, sending a metallic clang echoing through the trees. Gavin staggered back, his glowing eyes flickering as he recalibrated.
Jonny's breath caught in his throat. This wasn't like the night he lost Helena. Rylkoth had been wounded, weakened. They had stood a chance against him. But this one—this one was different. Its strength had been preserved, its power unspent.
The difference was painfully clear.
Gavin took another swing, this time aiming for the lieutenant's throat. But again, the Darkborn moved with terrifying speed, ducking beneath Gavin's arm and slamming its fist into his side. The strike sent a jarring shockwave through his frame. His cloak shredded where the blow struck, revealing distorted fabric of his shirt and the faint outline of warped metal beneath. The layer of clothing couldn't conceal the damage entirely; the fabric pulled tight against the dented plating, and a faint glow of exposed wiring flickered through the tear. Sparks briefly illuminated the edges of the cloak as Gavin staggered, his balance momentarily disrupted before he steadied himself, his mechanical resilience holding firm despite the assault.
Jonny winced at the sound. It was like hearing steel bend under too much pressure. Gavin's body, even at 40% reparation, couldn't withstand many hits like that.
"Fall back!" Jonny shouted, though the words came out more as a gasp. His heart pounded in his chest, his hands slick with sweat as he gripped the hilt of Noctisbane. He could see the strain on Gavin's face—if you could call it a face.
His glowing eyes flickered again, and Jonny knew: Gavin wasn't going to win this on his own.
"We need to help him!" Coral's voice was sharp, cutting through Jonny's fear like a blade.
The paladin didn't wait for a response.
Coral charged forward, sword raised high. Dave was right behind him, slipping into the lieutenant's blind spot with the ease of someone born to the shadows.
Gavin stepped back, recalibrating his systems, giving the others space to engage. He wasn't down yet, but even his mechanical precision couldn't predict the lieutenant's erratic movements.
Coral swung his sword in a wide arc, the blade glowing faintly in the dark air. The lieutenant snarled, blocking Coral's strike with a carapace arm, but Dave was already there, moving in from the side. His daggers gleamed as they flashed through the air, aimed at the gap that opened between the lieutenant's defenses.
Steel met flesh, but the lieutenant barely flinched. Dave's strikes were quick, precise, aimed for weak points— but this Darkborn was no ordinary foe.
It shrugged off the attacks like they were nothing more than minor inconveniences.
"Jonny!" Coral shouted, his voice strained as he parried a heavy blow from the lieutenant. "Get in here!"
Jonny didn't hesitate. He charged forward, Noctisbane raised, the weight of the sword familiar in his hands. He swung with all the strength he could muster, aiming for the lieutenant's side.
The blade connected, slicing through the Darkborn's flesh—but it was shallow, barely more than a scratch.
The lieutenant turned its glowing eyes on him, its lips curling into a sneer. It was barely hurt. Noctisbane, despite its magical edge, had only managed to leave a superficial wound.
This isn't enough.
Jonny gritted his teeth, swinging again, this time aiming for the creature's leg.
Again, the sword bit into flesh, but the lieutenant merely snarled, stepping forward as though it hadn't even felt the blow.
Behind them, Jessie stood with her staff raised, her hands trembling as she began to weave a basic spell. She was exhausted—anyone could see it in the way her hands shook, in the pale, drawn look on her face. But she pushed forward anyway, muttering the incantation through gritted teeth.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
A small ball of light shot forward from her staff, hitting the lieutenant square in the chest. It hissed, recoiling slightly as the magic seared through its armored flesh, leaving a faint scorch mark.
But that was all.
Jessie's spell, while powerful enough to leave a mark, didn't do enough damage. Not nearly enough.
Coral swung his sword again, grunting with the effort, but the lieutenant batted him aside with a casual swipe of its arm.
Coral staggered, barely managing to keep his footing.
"Jessie!" Coral shouted, his voice strained.
"I'm trying!" Jessie gasped, her voice barely above a whisper. She was pale, her eyes glazed with exhaustion. She had already pushed herself far beyond her limit, and it was clear she didn't have much left. But she kept going, kept weaving what little magic she could.
Another spell shot forward, this one weaker than the last, but it struck true.
The lieutenant hissed again, momentarily distracted by the searing light.
Jonny took the opportunity to lunge forward, swinging Noctisbane at the lieutenant's exposed side. But the Darkborn was faster. It spun, its massive hand catching Jonny's blade mid-swing and flinging it to the side with such force that Jonny nearly lost his grip.
"Focus!" Gavin's voice cut through the chaos, his mechanical form moving swiftly to intercept the lieutenant's next strike. But even Gavin, with all his mechanical precision, was beginning to falter. His movements were slower, his systems taxed from the ongoing fight.
The lieutenant was too strong, too fast.
Jonny's heart pounded in his chest as he repositioned, gripping Noctisbane tighter. They were barely making a dent. Even with Coral, Dave, Gavin, and Jessie all working together, they couldn't break through the lieutenant's defenses. Every strike was either dodged, blocked, or shrugged off.
And then, the lieutenant's glowing eyes flickered, landing on Jessie.
The Darkborn lunged toward her with terrifying speed, its massive form barreling through the group with ease.
Coral tried to intercept, but the lieutenant knocked him aside, sending him crashing into a tree. Dave, enraged, slashed at its back, but the lieutenant didn't even slow down. Gavin launched himself at the lieutenant, his fists a blur of motion as he aimed a series of rapid punches at its torso. But the Darkborn lieutenant absorbed the blows effortlessly, then countered with a powerful shove that sent Gavin sprawling backward. Jonny surged forward, wielding Noctisbane with both hands. The sword's edge glowed faintly, resonating with a holy light as he swung it at the Darkborn lieutenant. But the lieutenant was too fast for Jonny, and the swing was evaded with ease.
Jessie's eyes widened in fear as the Darkborn continued to close in, her trembling hands raising her staff in a desperate attempt to defend herself. But she was too weak. She had no more spells, no more energy.
The lieutenant's arm shot out, its twisted claws slicing through the air with deadly precision.
"No!" Dave shouted, his voice breaking as he sprinted toward her, but he was too late.
The claws tore through Jessie's side, cutting deep. Her eyes went wide with shock, her mouth opening in a silent scream as the pain registered. She staggered back, blood blooming across her robes, her staff slipping from her grasp. The wound was grievous, the claws having torn through vital organs. Her breaths came in ragged gasps, each one a struggle as blood flowed and pooled at her feet.
"Jessie!" Coral roared, clearing the distance between himself and the lieutenant with a desperate lunge, trying to shove the lieutenant away. But the lieutenant swatted him aside again, as if he were nothing more than an annoyance.
Before the lieutenant could strike again, Gavin moved in once more. His fists connected with a precise, powerful strike, forcing the lieutenant to leap away from the group.
Jessie fell to her knees, her hands clutching her side as blood seeped between her fingers. Her face was pale, eyes wide with disbelief and pain. The life was draining from her, and she fought to stay conscious, the agony overwhelming her senses.
The world seemed to stop.
---
The clearing was eerily silent except for the faint sound of Jessie's labored breaths. Blood continued to pool beneath her, darkening the forest floor. Dave rushed to her side and knelt beside her, pressing his hands against the gash across her abdomen as he laid her down gently. His fingers trembled as he tried to stanch the bleeding, but the wound was too deep, too severe.
"Stay with me, Jessie," he whispered urgently. Her pale face was damp with sweat, and her half-lidded eyes flickered toward him.
"I'm fine..." she murmured weakly, the faintest ghost of a smile crossing her lips before she lost consciousness.
Dave's chest tightened. "No, no, no! Jessie, wake up!"
Dave froze, his heart pounding in his chest, his mind numb. This couldn't be happening. Not Jessie. Not her.
---
The Darkborn lieutenant stood tall in the center of the clearing, its monstrous frame silhouetted against the dim light. Its claws dripped with Jessie's blood, and its glowing, malevolent eyes scanned the group with cold amusement.
"You'll all fall," it said, its voice unnervingly human. "One by one. Malkir. You will fall before me."
The group froze, their eyes widening in disbelief. The creature's ability to speak with such clarity and malice caught them off guard, sending a chill through the air.
Dave's eyes blazed with fury, his face twisted with a rage so raw it was almost unrecognizable. He let out a wordless scream, charging at the lieutenant—Malkir—with reckless abandon, his daggers gleaming in the dim light.
Jonny immediately moved to Jessie's side, his hands pressing against her wound, his heart pounding with urgency as he tried to stabilize her as best as he could.
"Dave, no!" Coral shouted, but Dave wasn't listening. He had lost all sense of reason, consumed by the need for revenge.
Coral's breath was heavy as he forced himself upright. The lieutenant's earlier strikes had left him bruised and battered, and his strength was waning. He leaned on his glowing sword, drawing in shaky breaths as he surveyed the battlefield.
The lieutenant turned, its glowing eyes locking onto Dave's frenzied form.
With a feral roar, Dave charged forward, his face twisted with unbridled rage. His twin daggers gleamed as he lunged at the lieutenant, all finesse lost in the storm of his emotions.
The lieutenant didn't flinch. Its armored arm shot up, effortlessly parrying Dave's first strike. "Weakling," it said, its voice calm and disdainful.
Gavin moved with unnatural speed, closing the distance to aid Dave. His mechanical fists struck out, aiming for the lieutenant's side.
The lieutenant snarled, momentarily diverted by Gavin's powerful blows. "Stay. Back!" it hissed, lashing out at Gavin with a swift, brutal swipe.
Gavin blocked the strike, his mechanical arm absorbing the impact. "Dave, fall back!" he commanded.
But Dave didn't hear him. He swung again, his strikes wild and frantic. Each time, the lieutenant stepped aside with almost mocking ease, its movements growing more calculated.
"Fall back!" Coral barked, reiterating Gavin's command, his voice sharp with urgency. He gritted his teeth, pushing himself to his feet despite the pain. He couldn't let his friend face this monster alone. Every breath was a struggle, but he forced himself to stay upright, his mind focused on the battle.
Malkir smirked, its eyes glinting with unsettling intelligence. "Is this all you've got?" it taunted, sidestepping another of Dave's attacks.
Jonny's heart raced as he watched the scene unfold. Coral tightened his grip on his sword, determined to rejoin the fight. Gavin, standing still for a moment, seemed to be calculating, his mechanical eyes narrowing as he studied the lieutenant's movements.
Dave swung again, putting every ounce of his remaining strength into the attack. His blade sliced through the air, but the lieutenant shifted its weight at the last second, the attack missing by mere inches.
The lieutenant chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent chills down Jonny's spine. "Pathetic," it said, its voice dripping with disdain.
Jonny turned his gaze back to Jessie, his hands pressing harder against her wound. She needed medical attention, and soon.
"We have to end this," Coral muttered, steadying himself beside Gavin. "We need to work together—no more reckless moves."
"Let's go," Gavin said, his voice low and deliberate. "Before he's the next one to fall."
Coral nodded grimly, stepping forward with renewed determination. His sword began to glow brighter, the faint hum of holy energy filling the air.
But before either of them could act, Dave lunged again. His face was a mask of desperation, his rogue instincts buried beneath the haze of his fury.
"Dave, no!" Coral shouted.
Jonny's breath caught in his throat as he saw the lieutenant's claws shift. It was baiting him.
The lieutenant's smirk widened. "Fool," it muttered.
Gavin reacted first, moving to intercept Malkir's blow. But the lieutenant, anticipating the move, lashed out with a ferocious strike, pushing Gavin away with brutal force.
Dave's blade flashed, but the lieutenant moved with terrifying precision. Its claws lashed out, slicing through the air with deadly speed.
Jonny's eyes widened in horror as blood sprayed across the clearing.
"Dave!" Coral's shout was drowned out by the rogue's scream of agony as the lieutenant's claws tore through an arm and leg in a single, brutal motion.
Dave crumpled to the ground, his severed limbs landing beside him with a sickening thud.
"Pathetic," the lieutenant said again, its voice cold and final.
It bent down, grabbing Dave's limp body in one monstrous hand. With a casual flick of its wrist, it hurled him across the clearing.
Jonny's heart plummeted as Dave's broken form hit the ground near Jessie, blood pooling around him.
Coral and Gavin stepped forward in unison, their expressions grim. The lieutenant straightened, its claws dripping with fresh blood.
"Come," it said, its voice low and taunting. "Show me what you're really made of."
---
Jonny's breath hitched as he stared at Dave's crumpled, broken body lying next to Jessie's already fragile form.
Blood pooled beneath them, dark and glistening in the faint moonlight.
For a moment, no one moved. Coral stood rigid, his sword trembling in his hand as his grip tightened around the hilt. His face, pale and drawn, betrayed his mounting fear. Gavin shifted slightly, his mechanical eyes glowing faintly as he recalculated their options. His stance was subtle but protective as he placed himself between Jonny and the advancing threat.
Jonny's mind raced, his chest tightening with each shallow breath.
We're not strong enough... He looked at Jessie, her shallow breathing almost imperceptible, and then at Dave, who lay limp and bloodied. The lieutenant's claws, slick with blood, gleamed menacingly in the pale light.
Gavin's voice, steady yet low, cut through Jonny's thoughts. "This isn't sustainable. We need to regroup."
Coral shook his head sharply, his voice tight. "If we retreat now, they'll..." He trailed off, unable to finish the thought.
The unspoken truth lingered between them: Jessie might already be lost, and Dave wasn't far behind.
Malkir's slow, deliberate steps echoed in the suffocating silence. Its cold, glowing eyes scanned the group, lingering on each of them before its voice rumbled through the clearing.
"Who's next?"
Jonny flinched at the sound, his breath catching in his throat. The lieutenant's gaze locked onto him, freezing him in place. A chill ran down his spine as its towering form closed the distance, blood dripping from its claws onto the forest floor, where the thirsty ground of the Darkborn territory eagerly drank it up.
Gavin shifted his stance as Coral forced himself forward, planting his feet firmly as he lifted his sword again. The faint glow of his paladin energy flickered uncertainly, mirroring the doubt in his voice. "We're not done yet."
The lieutenant chuckled, a low, guttural sound that sent a shiver through Jonny's chest. "Oh, you're very much done," it said, its tone dripping with disdain.
The group stood paralyzed, their resolve wavering under the lieutenant's oppressive aura. Jonny's fists clenched at his sides, his nails digging into his palms as his mind scrambled for something—anything—that could shift the tide. But all he could do was watch as the lieutenant's shadow stretched toward them, each slow step bringing it closer to its next victim.
The predator wasn't finished. Not yet.
--
Jonny’s breath came in shallow gasps, his sweat-soaked brow glistening as moonlight filtered through the gnarled branches above, casting eerie shadows on the forest floor. He pressed harder against Jessie's wound, his hands slick with her blood. Her breathing was labored, each breath a ragged struggle for life. Jonny's heart pounded in his chest, torn between his need to protect her and the dire urgency of the battle unfolding around him.
He glanced down at Jessie, her face pale and clammy, her life hanging by a thread. Desperation gnawed at him, but he knew he couldn't stay by her side any longer. He cast a glance around the battlefield, seeing Coral and Gavin locked in desperate combat with the Darkborn lieutenant. They needed every able hand in this fight, and he was far from helpless.
Taking a deep breath, Jonny gently let go of Jessie and stood up, his gaze falling on Noctisbane lying nearby. The sword seemed to beckon him, its faint glow a reminder of the power it held. His hands trembled as he reached down, fingers closing around the hilt. The moment he lifted it, a surge of warmth and energy coursed through him, steadying his resolve.
What is this feeling…? he thought, his heart pounding in his chest. Nox…are you…helping me?
The sword’s power surged within him, and a sense of clarity washed over his mind, pushing away the fog of fear and uncertainty. He could feel the blade calling to him, as if it were alive, guiding him through the haze of the battle. The air around him seemed to hum with an unspoken promise—victory was still possible.
Meanwhile, Gavin and Coral surged forward, charging at the lieutenant with renewed purpose. Gavin moved like a shadow, his eyes scanning the towering figure for any sign of weakness, any flicker of an opening. His mechanical movements were precise, fluid, calculating. Coral, by his side, radiated determination, his sword glowing faintly as he prepared to strike.
“Gavin, follow my lead!” Coral called out, his voice firm.
“Understood,” Gavin replied, his voice as calm as ever.
The lieutenant swung its massive claws down with terrifying force, but Gavin was quicker, his swift reaction deflecting the blow just in time. Sparks flew as his fist met the lieutenant’s claws, sending a shockwave through the clearing. Coral seized the opening, stepping forward with the speed and precision of a trained paladin. He struck at the lieutenant’s side, his blade cutting through the air, but the beast dodged with unnerving agility, the move almost mocking their efforts.
Summoning the holy light within him, Coral's sword began to glow even brighter, the energy pulsing through his veins. He charged at the lieutenant once more, his paladin powers clashing with the Darkborn's dark energy. The clash of steel echoed through the clearing as Coral's radiant blade met the lieutenant's dark, armored claws. Sparks flew as metal struck Malkir's claw, the force of the impact reverberating through the air. Despite the fierce collision, the lieutenant stood unfazed, a sinister grin curling beneath its dark visage.
Gavin’s mechanical eyes flashed as he analyzed the situation, calculating his next move with the efficiency of a machine. He shifted into position, anticipating the lieutenant’s next strike. The dark creature snarled and lunged forward, its claws aimed directly at Gavin. In a split second, he dodged, narrowly avoiding the deadly swipe, and with expert precision, he landed a blow to the lieutenant’s knee, forcing it to stagger slightly.
Coral’s eyes flickered with recognition. The lieutenant was slowing. He gripped his sword tighter, a surge of divine energy beginning to form around him. This was the opening they needed.
Jonny felt the pull of Noctisbane more strongly than ever. The sword hummed with power, a blinding holy light radiating from its edge as the energy from within surged through his limbs. He could feel the sword’s power flowing into him, filling him with strength he hadn’t realized he still had. His grip on the hilt steadied, and for the first time in this battle, Jonny felt like he could win.
This… this is Noctisbane’s power! he thought, his heart racing as he raised the blade.
The air seemed to vibrate as light gathered around the sword, coiling like a storm ready to burst.
At the same moment, Coral unleashed his paladin skill, a radiant slash of divine energy aimed directly at the lieutenant. Jonny swung Noctisbane, and a beam of holy light shot forth, targeting the dark creature with unyielding intensity.
The two attacks collided with a brilliant flash of light, lighting up the dark forest with an almost blinding glow. The sound of impact was deafening, like a thunderclap splitting the night in two.
The lieutenant recoiled in pain, its monstrous body engulfed in blinding light. It stumbled back, clutching its side as the wounds from the holy attacks burned through its dark form. A guttural growl escaped the lieutenant’s throat, and it glared at Jonny with renewed wariness.
“That blade…” the lieutenant snarled, its voice low and full of venom. “It burns…”
Jonny stood tall, his heart hammering in his chest, but now there was something else in his eyes—determination, fueled by the power of Noctisbane. It’s afraid…he thought, his mind racing as he realized what had just happened. For the first time, the lieutenant seemed vulnerable.
The tides of battle had shifted, but Jonny knew this was only the beginning. The lieutenant wasn’t finished yet—and neither were they.
The lieutenant slowly backed away, its massive form retreating into the shadows of the forest. It had been struck—wounded—and now it seemed to recognize the threat that Noctisbane posed. Its eyes, glowing with a menacing light, flicked between Jonny and the sword in his hand, calculating its next move. The dark creature was a formidable opponent, but even it could sense the power that had shifted the tide of the battle.
Gavin stepped forward, his mechanical eyes trained on the retreating lieutenant, never letting his guard down.
He knew better than to trust an enemy that still had fight in it. "It's preparing for something... Stay alert," he warned, his voice low and precise.
The forest held its breath, the tension thick in the air as the group waited for the lieutenant's next move. Jonny's grip tightened on Noctisbane, Coral's sword still glowing with the remnants of his divine power, and Gavin remained poised, his eyes scanning for any sign of movement.
Suddenly, the lieutenant leapt into the air, its claws poised to strike at Jonny, whom it perceived to be the weakest link. Gavin and Coral sprang into action, desperate to intercept. Gavin launched himself at Malkir, his fists a blur as he struck out, but the lieutenant deflected his blows with ease, countering with a powerful kick that sent Gavin sprawling. Coral followed up with a swift attack, slashing at Malkir’s side and managing to draw dark blood. Malkir snarled in fury, pushing Coral away with a brutal shove that sent him crashing into a tree.
The lieutenant continued its relentless advance on Jonny. Jonny clumsily raised Noctisbane in a desperate attempt to block, the sword's edge glowing faintly with holy light. As Malkir’s claws descended, Jonny managed to deflect the blow, leaving a deep gash in the lieutenant’s arm. Undeterred, Malkir pressed forward, its eyes gleaming with malevolent intent.
In the midst of the chaos, Gavin noticed a figure over a hundred paces away, nocking an arrow and taking aim. With a sudden clarity, he realized help was on the way. Gavin shouted to Jonny, "Disengage! Now!"
Jonny hesitated for a heartbeat, then heeded Gavin's warning, pulling back just as the arrow whistled through the air, striking the lieutenant with terrifying accuracy, burying itself deep in its chest and pinning the creature to a nearby tree. The force of the blow was immense, and the lieutenant let out a guttural roar of pain, the sound echoing through the forest. Its dark energy flickered violently as it thrashed against the arrow, struggling to free itself.
But before it could make another move, a group of paladins and knights appeared on the distant tree line, their figures barely discernible through the thick forest. Led by none other than André Barker, they moved with purpose, covering the ground swiftly despite the dense undergrowth. It took what felt like an eternity, each moment a breathless countdown, as they closed the distance with determined strides. André's eyes were fixed on the wounded lieutenant, and as they finally broke through the last barrier of trees, he stepped forward, his presence commanding the moment.
"You're finished," André said, his voice steady and cold, as Jason notched another massive arrow into a ballista-like weapon.
The lieutenant snarled, its blood pouring from the wound as it glared at André, Jonny, Coral, Gavin, and the rest of the approaching group. It bared its teeth, its gaze shifting between them, but it soon locked eyes with André. There was an understanding there, an acceptance of the hopelessness of its situation. The lieutenant had been defeated, but it was not one to surrender.
"You may have defeated me..." it growled, each word dripping with venom. "But this victory is hollow. You cannot escape it. You cannot stop it."
The group stood frozen, the words hanging in the air like a heavy weight.
The lieutenant's voice was filled with something more than just malice—there was an ominous certainty in its tone, a promise of a greater threat looming on the horizon.
Malkir's bloodied chest heaved with a final breath, and then, in a sudden, horrifying motion, it drove its claws deep into its own chest. The sickening sound of flesh tearing filled the air as the lieutenant ripped through its own body, choosing a brutal death rather than allowing itself to be captured.
The sound was nauseating, the grotesque image forever etched in their minds as the lieutenant twisted its claws, its own life snuffed out by its own hand.
"I die... on my own terms..."
The body of the lieutenant slumped against the tree, lifeless, its dark energy beginning to dissipate like smoke in the wind. The tension in the air slowly began to lift, but the group remained still, their hearts pounding in their chests as they processed what had just happened.
The battle was over, but something far darker had been foretold.
Jonny, Coral, and Gavin stood in stunned silence for a brief moment, the weight of the battle still heavy in the air. But their attention quickly shifted to the more immediate concern: the state of their friends. Jessie lay unconscious, her breathing shallow and labored, while Dave's broken and bloodied form lay nearby, his severed limbs a gruesome testament to the brutality of the fight.
Coral's heart raced in his chest as he sprinted toward Jessie and Dave. The world around him seemed to blur with every step, the sounds of battle fading into the background. His eyes locked onto their broken forms, and panic surged through him. He didn't need to see the blood-soaked ground to know how dire the situation was.
"Jessie! Dave!" he cried out, his voice laced with desperation. His hands trembled as he knelt beside Jessie, her body barely clinging to life. Her breath was shallow, each exhale a struggle.
Her once vibrant face was pale, the blood pooling around her already staining the earth.
Lady Sandera, a figure of serene authority and power, her presence a beacon of hope. As a master of light magic, she was their best chance at saving Jessie and Dave.
Lady Sandera quickly assessed the situation. Dave's torn and missing limbs presented a visually dire scene, drawing her immediate attention. Without wasting a moment, Lady Sandera knelt beside Dave, her hands glowing with a gentle, radiant light. The warm, healing energy flowed from her palms, enveloping his torn body in a soft, golden aura. She focused on knitting the severed flesh and stemming the flow of blood, her face a mask of concentration.
Dave, feeling the healing energy coursing through him, shook his head weakly. With what little strength he had left, he reached up with his remaining arm and touched Lady Sandera's hand. "Don't... save me... Save... Jessie..." he muttered, his voice weak but urgent. His eyes, filled with fear, locked onto Jessie's pale form.
Lady Sandera hesitated for a moment, her compassionate gaze shifting to the unconscious Jessie. Understanding Dave's plea, she nodded and moved swiftly to Jessie's side.
Kneeling beside Jessie, Lady Sandera's hands began to glow once more. Warm, healing energy flowed from her palms, enveloping Jessie's body in a soft, golden aura. As her shallow breaths grew steadier, the stark pallor of her skin remained unchanged.
Meanwhile, Dave, now unattended, dragged himself toward Jessie with the last of his strength. His movements were slow and agonizing, but he refused to leave her side. His voice, weak and strained, barely made it past his lips. "Jessie..." he muttered, his eyes filled with a mix of fear and desperation.
Jessie's gaze flickered open just enough to see him, her eyes filled with pain but also a quiet understanding. Tears welled in her eyes, but she didn't speak at first; the effort of even a whisper was too much for her frail body.
"I love you... Dave..." she managed to say, her voice a barely audible breath. It was a final declaration, a truth that had been spoken too late but was no less real.
Dave's hand, trembling from the effort, reached out to grasp hers. His fingers barely brushed against hers as he fought back his own tears. His body shook, his lips quivering with the agony of the moment.
Her hand slipped from his as her eyes fluttered closed, and her final breath left her body.
Dave's heart shattered. His face contorted in a mixture of pain and disbelief, and his body trembled as he screamed. The sound tore through the forest, raw and anguished. "Jessie!" His voice cracked with the weight of the loss, and the forest seemed to echo back his sorrow, the trees and the wind bearing witness to his pain.