Page 76 of Crown of Flame

Not exactly the best time for this.

We get back on our feet. A quick glance around reveals more damage inflicted on the camp, but the enemy forces are dwindling.

I don’t know where the human warriors draw their resilience from, but it makes me proud to fight with them.

I continue slaughtering any elf I see, countering their attacks and distracting them with mind games so that the warriors can slay them where they stand.

We’re down to the final squad. They retreat to the ships, but I will not allow them to escape so easily. I use the elements to destroy the vessels, cutting off their route of escape before moving in.

Even those who attempt a surrender are not safe. They must pay for what they have done. I hold up the last soldier in front of me, wanting him to get a good look at the monster whose appetite he shall serve.

I throw down his corpse, his body hitting the ground with an echoing finality. Serena runs into my arms.

“We did it,” she gasps.

“Are you hurt?” I ask, looking for wounds amongst her blood-covered attire.

“None of it’s mine,” she says. “Cinis, you helped save my people.”

The humans regroup. I look over the ruins of the camp. Many have fallen for today’s victory, and a lot of homes must be rebuilt.

Some cry for the dead and the fatally wounded, but the majority of the bodies around here belong to the elves, the sight of them citing celebration among the humans.

“Your kind fought valiantly,” I say to Serena, stroking her cheek.

She smiles at me, then her eyes move behind me. I turn to see the remaining warriors standing before me.

“We have defeated the elves, thanks to you Serena. You brought a formidable ally with you today, and because of you two, we shall live to fight another day.”

They bow and get on their knees, lowering their heads. Shocked, I do not know what to say, but I know they mean this as a sign of respect. I bow my head alongside Serena.

In the distance, the sun begins to dive behind the horizon, its shade almost as red as the blood lining the snow. The leader of the warriors approaches Serena.

“Serena, the last time we saw you, you were with Nielsen, Aldor, and some of the others. Where are they?”

“They… they did not make it,” she says, shaking her head.

“So I suspected,” replies the man. “I am also sorry to say your home was destroyed in the battle.”

“That’s okay,” says Serena. “I have a new one now,” she continues, smiling at me.

“Where is it?”

“Very far from here,” I answer.

“Well then,” the man chuckles. “I invite the both of you to stay in my home and rest. It is the least I can do after you save us.”

We bow to one another, and then the man leaves. I hug Serena, gripping her tighter than ever before.

“Oh Cinis, I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” I reply, kissing her. “Just know that I love you.”

“I’ll never forget it, and I love you too.”

28

SERENA