Myheartthuddedpainfullyagainst my ribcage as I watched Dominic and Juls circle each other like two titans ready to clash. Every muscle in my body tensed, every nerve fired with electric anxiety as they exchanged blow after blow. The clang of their swords echoed a harsh, metallic symphony that underscored the desperation of the fight. Dominic was not just holding his own; he was a force of nature unleashed—a glorious storm. His movements were a blend of rage and precision.
But even as I marveled at his strength, fear gnawed at my insides. Each swing of Juls’ blade that came too close sent a jolt of terror through me. I wanted to look away, to scream, to do anything but watch him in such peril. Yet, like a train crash, I couldn’t tear my eyes from the scene.
“Come on, Dominic,” I whispered under my breath, my hands clenching into fists at my sides. Around me, the throne room buzzed with the murmurs and shouts of other demons, some cheering, some just as anxious as I was. Beside me, Talon stood rigid, his eyes never leaving Dominic. I could feel the tension radiating off him, and I knew he wanted to be in there with Dominic, protecting him.
Dominic yelled a fierce battle cry, swinging his two blades down with such force that he knocked Juls to the ground. I momentarily exhaled in relief as Dominic stomped on Juls’ tail, pinning him effectively. “Yes!” I cheered silently, my heart pounding, hoping this was all going to be over.
“You’ve lost, Juls. You should’ve left us alone and never attacked,” Dominic declared, his voice breathy and tense as he stood over Juls with his sword poised.
Juls’ response was a sinister laugh that chilled my blood. “This is just the beginning,” he sneered.
That laughter echoed ominously just as a low, sinister rumble filled the room. I sensed the danger before I saw it, and my gaze snapped to the doors just in time to see them explode inward. The splintering wood shattered our momentary victory.
Mal’Zak and Martag burst through the wreckage with a horde of snarling demons behind them. The atmosphere shifted instantly from triumph to chaos as they attacked the emperor’s guards. The lions of the Pride transformed in an instant, their roars filling the air as my family joined the fray alongside them.
I stood frozen with fear and watched in dismay as the emperor himself leapt into the battle, his majestic form a blur of motion as he engaged the invaders. Everett, the seemingly mild-mannered witch, rushed to Oz’s side and conjured bolts of lightning, striking down several of the advancing minions. As much as the pair appeared to dislike each other, they fought side by side, protecting one another.
A yell from the ring pulled my attention, and I screamed in terror as Juls exploited the pandemonium to launch a vicious attack on Dominic, who was still trapped in the cage with him. The sight of Dominic struggling to defend himself against Juls’ renewed ferocity spurred me into action. I couldn’t just stand there, frozen by fear; I had to help.
With a shout that surprised even me, I dashed toward the cage, desperate to reach Dominic—there had to be a way to free him. But before I could get close, a firm hand clamped around my wrist, pulling me back with forceful urgency. I stumbled, nearly toppling over, as I spun around to face my captor—panic and confusion clouding my vision.
“It’s too dangerous!” Ez, my demon friend, insisted, his voice laced with anxiety as he yanked me back just in time to dodge a spear flying overhead.
Crouching beside Ez, I felt his arm tighten around my shoulders. “Master Lucas, we need to get you to safety. This is bad, really bad,” he implored, his eyes wide with fear. “Captain Jorin sent me to fetch help from the emperor and to find his lordship.”
“I can’t leave my mates,” I protested, struggling against his grip. “Where’s Jorin?” I demanded, my voice rising in panic.
“Please, don’t make this harder,” Ez pleaded, his voice cracking. “Jorin… he was gravely wounded. We thought he was gone, but he’s still hanging on. You being here can distract Lord Dominic.” He pointed to the ring, and I saw my mate fighting with all he had to destroy Juls. “He needs to focus to win.”
“But,” I protested again.
“Please,” he pleaded as he guided me further away from danger.
Ez wasn’t one for the front lines; his gentle nature and reluctance to fight had drawn us close in the chaos of the nether realm. Now, his genuine concern was palpable as he guided us through the clashing bodies and arcs of demonic energy.
We were almost clear of the main skirmish when a powerful roar halted everyone in their tracks. My blood ran cold. That roar—I knew it all too well. Talon.
Time seemed to slow as I saw him slide across the floor. The giant demon, Martag, advanced towards him with a raised weapon. My heart lodged in my throat, every instinct screaming at me to act.
Tearing my wrist free from Ez’s grasp, I bolted toward Talon with a desperate cry. “Talon!” Everything else fell away—the noise, the danger, the fear. All that mattered was reaching him, protecting him. I needed to ensure that we didn’t lose each other in this nightmarish war. That we made it out of this hell—me and my mates.
My heart thudded painfully as I sprinted towards Talon, my gaze fixed on the danger looming over him. Just as I closed in, my hand found the hilt of a giant sword dropped by a fallen demon. The cold metal felt surprisingly right in my grip, a stark contrast to the warmth of my fear.
Martag raised his weapon to strike at Talon, and I opened my mouth to scream, but only a strangled cry escaped. I wasn’t going to make it in time. Suddenly, a lion from our Pride leaped in front of Talon, taking the brutal blow meant for him.
The lion fell with a heartbreaking roar, his sacrifice buying Talon the crucial moments he needed. Talon rose with a primal growl filled with fury and sorrow. His eyes blazed as he lunged at Martag with lethal precision. In a swift and fierce motion, he ripped through Martag’s throat. The giant demon collapsed with a thunderous thud.
Even though my heart soared with joy that my mate still stood, I didn’t stop; I couldn’t. Another demon lunged at me, his fangs bared for the kill. Instinctively, I swung the massive sword in a wide arc. To my shock, a wave of power burst from the blade, sending the demon and those nearby flying back by the burst of light. I stood there for a moment, stunned, staring at the sword in my hands. It hummed with a mysterious energy, resonating with a power I had never imagined could exist.
“What the fuck?” I whispered before more demons advanced.
Tightening my grip and desperate to protect what was left of our family, I swung the sword again, this time more deliberately. The air around the blade shimmered with energy, and as it struck, another group of advancing demons was blown away, their bodies crumpling under the force of the blast.
I didn’t know how this was happening. This sword seemed unstoppable. Demons fell at its mighty power, and a part of me wondered why its previous owner didn’t use it.
I continued to slash through the ranks of demons with the enchanted sword. We were going to win this fight, and my family was going to be okay. I growled.
Speaking of my family, I was shocked to see all my brothers and sisters locked in heated battles—even Nana was getting into the action. You’d never believe that they were just rabbit shifters. I swung again, this time clearing the enemies in front of them. They turned to stare at me in awe, and I nodded to them before swinging again.
