Page 135 of Lethal Souls
Oh, they are going to be shattered.
“Aw, girls.” I hug them tight. “Your mother is strong. She beat Selah before, and she’ll beat her again.”
I hope.
EIGHTY-ONE
CAZ
The stairs are a steep climb up. I would fly, teleport to the top with my clan even, but I don’t know what awaits us.
Instead, we hike up the stairs and we don’t slow, even as the hazy red sky appears. The scent of sulfur and smoke wafts in the air the higher we climb, and when the stairs quake, I grip the hilt of my sword tighter.
Then we’re level with the floating rock. Red dirt spreads throughout this heinous land Selah has created. Some of it is formed into mounds and hills. Dust streams by, blocking our view of what’s ahead.
I narrow my eyes, and they warm up. Through the dust, I see a throng of creatures all standing with their claws out and wings spread. The dust settles as more of our army marches onto the battlefield.
Over the edge, one could fall to their death, so I keep moving forward, making sure everyone will fit. Hassha and Korah sail above, landing several feet ahead of me and immediately withdrawing their weapons.
Korah wields a scythe and a shield. Hassha, a sharp, flaming sword and shield. They stand tall in their armor, and when they stop walking, I do too.
The marching ceases, and the dust settles. The creatures come into clear view—rows and rows of them. They go as far back as the ocean would, hardly an end in sight.
The towering giants stand between them, and there are at least two dozen of them. Dragons soar in the sky above them, and I watch as they swoop down to land on the outskirts of Selah’s army.
And then there’s Selah herself standing in all red armor. A helmet is on her head, but the hair that’s free flies with the wind. She wields a sword in one hand while the other is wrapped in flames.
“Fuck,” Killian rumbles, squaring his shoulders.
“Fuck is right,” Rowan says.
The ground quakes again, and I watch as holes in front of Hassha and Korah appear. Dragons shoot out of them, made of branches, vines, and leaves lined with iron. They swoop above us before landing on the outskirts of our units. Their eyes glow a menacing purple, and when they open their mouths, clouds of purple fire burst into the air.
Hassha points her face to the sky, and just as she did in Vanora, she summons the sky warriors, made of both moon and sun.
The sun warriors appear between us, bathed in a nearly blinding sunlight while sitting atop flaming horses, while the moon warriors stand on foot, gripping spears and focusing on the enemies.
“Glad we aren’t alone.” Rowan cocks his gun.
I look past him to Alora and Valden whose eyes are lit in gold along with their Gilded warriors. A few of their Gilded float in the air with weapons. The regular warriors stand behind the queen, waiting for instruction.
Then there’s Callista and the Luxorians. A silver fire is in Callista’s eyes and a hatchet in her hands as she glares at Selah.
Danica stands next to Killian, clenching her jaw as she grimaces at Selah. With the hilt of her katana gripped in hand, her black armor, and her hair braided down her back, she’s ready to avenge her fallen mate.
If looks could kill, Selah would already be dead.
She’s pissed a lot of people off.
Devlin scowls with Bolv and Hale at his side. Beatrix and the Mythics stand between the armies, ready to aid us with healing.
I peer back at Makoto, Veno, Lewis, and several of my other commanders. They look at me, nodding once, ready to fight for their monarch. Their families are in their own bunkers built throughout Blackwater. Safe, just like my family.
Everyone on this battlefield is prepared. Including myself.
“This is your last chance to surrender, Seed of Yuri.” Selah’s voice drifts toward me as she levitates.
I levitate with her. “Fuck you.”