A Desperate Retreat
Seraphine’s magic erupted in a blinding wave, forcing the King and his knights back momentarily. The energy created a barrier, shimmering faintly as it encircled the twins. “We don’t have time to fight them all!” Seraphine shouted, her voice sharp. “We need to leave—now!”
Eryon’s wolf hesitated, his massive form still trembling with fury. His glowing amber eyes darted between the King and Misery, his growls low and threatening.
“Eryon!” Lyra called, her voice breaking. “Please—we can’t win this!”
Misery stepped forward, her blade gleaming as she raised it. Her cold smile sent a chill through Lyra. “Go ahead and run,” she said mockingly. “But you won’t get far.”
Lyra turned to Seraphine, desperation etched into her features. “We can’t just leave him like this!”
Seraphine’s silver eyes locked onto Lyra’s. “He’ll come with us, or he’ll die here. There’s no other choice.”
Adrian stumbled into view, blood dripping from a wound on his temple. His crimson eyes found Lyra, and for a moment, the battlefield seemed to blur around them. “Lyra!” he shouted, his voice raw with emotion. “Don’t listen to her! You don’t have to do this!”
Lyra’s heart ached at the sight of him, his pain mirroring her own. She took a step toward him, her hand outstretched.
“Don’t!” Seraphine snapped, grabbing Lyra’s arm. “He’s not one of us. He never was.”
Eryon’s wolf growled, his massive claws digging into the stone floor. The artifact’s light flared again, its energy surging as Seraphine began to summon a portal. The air around them crackled with power, the swirling vortex of magic forming in the center of the chamber.
“Move!” Seraphine commanded, her voice fierce.
Lyra hesitated, her gaze locking onto Adrian as he stumbled toward her. His voice cracked as he called out, “Please, Lyra. Don’t leave me!”
Tears streamed down her face as Seraphine dragged her toward the portal. The energy crackled louder, its pull growing stronger as it began to stabilize.
The King’s forces surged forward, breaking through the barrier. Misery stepped beside the King, her blade raised as she watched the portal grow. Her smirk turned deadly as she pointed her weapon at Eryon.
“Let’s see how far you get, wolf,” she said coldly.
The portal’s pull grew stronger, its swirling energy threatening to consume them all.
