Holding the Line
The battlefield shifted as the artifact’s power exploded outward, its light engulfing the clearing. Seraphine’s barrier flickered under the strain, but her magic held firm. She stood at the center of the chaos, her silver eyes blazing as she unleashed another wave of energy to push back the advancing knights.
Misery was a blur of movement, her blade cutting through the chaos with ruthless precision. She glanced toward Eryon, who was still on his knees, his body convulsing as he fought against the transformation.
“Get him up!” Misery shouted to Lyra, her voice sharp. “We don’t have time for this!”
Lyra knelt beside Eryon, her heart pounding as she tried to steady him. The artifact’s whispers filled her mind, their words urgent and overlapping. “You have to fight it,” she said, her voice trembling. “You can’t let it take over.”
Eryon’s amber eyes glowed faintly as he looked up at her, his expression a mix of pain and fear. “I’m trying,” he gasped.
Another wave of knights pressed forward, their movements synchronized as they closed in on the group. Seraphine raised her hands, her magic surging to meet them. The force of her attack sent several knights sprawling, but more replaced them, their relentless advance unyielding.
Misery stepped into their path, her movements precise as she struck down one knight after another. Her crimson eyes glinted with determination as she bought the twins precious time.
“Focus on the ritual!” she called out, her voice cutting through the noise. “I can’t hold them off forever!”
Lyra’s hands trembled as she reached for the artifact, its jagged edges warm beneath her touch. She closed her eyes, forcing herself to block out the chaos around her. The artifact’s power surged, its energy rippling through her body like a storm.
Eryon struggled to his feet, his body still trembling. His wolf growled deep within him, its presence dangerously close to the surface. He clenched his fists, his claws extending as he fought to maintain control.
“You’re not alone in this,” Lyra said, her voice steady. “We’re in this together.”
The artifact flared again, its light casting long shadows across the clearing. The whispers grew louder, their urgency pushing Lyra to act. She tightened her grip on the crystal, her silver eyes blazing as she channeled its energy into the altar.
Seraphine unleashed another wave of magic, her voice ringing with authority. “We’re almost there! Hold your ground!”
The knights regrouped, their movements precise as they prepared for another assault. The clearing shook as the artifact’s energy reached a fever pitch, its whispers converging into a single, urgent command: “Awaken.”
Eryon’s body convulsed again, his wolf’s growls turning into a deep, guttural roar. Lyra turned to him, her heart sinking as she saw the strain etched into his features.
