Page 95 of Secrets of Avalon
The city walls loom closer, but so does the encroaching darkness. I spot movement atop the ramparts – soldiers rushing into position, their hands raised in unison.
"They're preparing the shields," I call out to the group. "We need to get inside before they seal the city."
As we thunder across the final stretch, a shimmering barrier begins to materialize above Vandimoor. It spreads like a dome, iridescent energy weaving together.
"Faster!" I roar, both to our mount and my companions.
We burst through the city gates. I rein in our horse, wheeling around to face the sealed entrance. Our group barely makes it through before the shield closes behind them. The dark cloud and golems slam against the translucent barrier and the impact sends tremors through the ground beneath us.
"I have to help reinforce the shield." I dismount and reach for Melinda, steadying her as she slides off the horse. Her eyes are wide, darting between me and the growling golems on the other side of the shimmering barrier.
"Sweet girl." I cup her face. "Look at me."
Her expression softens and she meets my gaze with the smallest hint of a smile.
"Stay close," I tell her. "Do not leave my side unless I tell you otherwise."
“Got it.”
I glance over her shoulder at Kellan.
“I have her, Prince Stormblood,” he answers quickly,
The three of us rush to the nearest section of the wall. I place my hands on the stone, channeling my magick into the defensive shield. I’ve not a lot left from the previous fight, but I give it everything I have.
“Atlas and many of the rebels are still out there. How will they get through the barrier? Can we open a door in it?”
I shake my head, gritting my teeth. My energy is so low. I’m not going to be able to keep helping for long. "If that darkness gets inside…”
“It would be catastrophic for the city, Domina,” Kellan adds. “The rebels knew the barrier would go up. They are fighting for Vandimoor on the outside.”
A particularly brutal assault rocks the shield. Cracks spider-web across its surface.
"There are too many," I growl, pouring the last bit of my magick into the shield. "We need?—"
Melinda places her hands on top of mine. Use my magick, she whispers through our bond. I can’t direct it, but maybe between you and Siva, I can help.
“Domina!” Kellan shouts.
“I must help. It’s not enough. The shield is cracking,” she shouts over her shoulder Kellan.
Her hands on mine begin to glow with an intensity I've never seen before. Pure, white energy. It’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before. The sensation is like submerging myself in one of the World Tree wells to refill, but this… this is beyond that.
I push the magick. Her magick. There’s so much.
The entire shield flares to life, blazing so bright it blinds me for a moment. The darkness above us recoils and vanishes.
The blinding light recedes, and I blink away the afterimage, turning to Melinda. Her hair floats around her face like she’s suspended in water. As the last wisps of her magick dissipate, it slowly settles. Her skin gleams with a sheen of sweat, and her chest heaves with ragged breaths. But it's her eyes that capture me—they shine with a beautiful white luminescence before gradually fading to their usual warm honey brown.
"Melinda," I breathe, reaching for her trembling hands. "That was... beyond anything I've ever seen."
She sways slightly, and I steady her. Her heart is racing. "Did I... did it help?" She glances from me to Kellan and then her gaze trails across the field. “Is everyone alright? Did I hurt anyone?” She stares at her hands, before looking up at me in shock.
“Domina.” Kellan is hovering behind Melinda a moment later.
“She’s good,” I say, tightening my grip on her hands. “She is in control.” Even as I say the words, worry creeps into my chest and squeezes hard.
He meets my gaze over her shoulder and mouths the word no.