POV: HardinAs I struck the ground hard, the breath shot out of my lungs in a terrible surge, scattering rubble. With a grunt, Darrel landed next to me and gripped his side. The blood seeped through his fingertips.I wheezed, trying to pull myself up, "you stubborn fool." "I had it handled."Through the smoke and dust, Darrel gave me a sideways glare. "You did it like hell. Your skull would have been crushed by that object."A massive clap shook the chamber as another supporting column was destroyed by one of Callum's monstrosities. Shards of metal and stone, both alive, rained down upon us.I snarled, "This can't go on," and ducked the deadly debris with my sword. "We're losing ground fast.""No kidding," with a grumble from Darrel. He favored his damaged side as he battled to get his feet beneath him. "I don't know how much longer we can keep this up."My gaze swept over the conflict, seeking any opening for our gain. Although the juggernauts were unyielding, they could still be wou
POV: JennaA tremendous roar shook the chamber, vibrating in my bones. I looked in awe and dread as the multicolored light merged into a massive, ethereal shape.What sort of ancient power was this? The ghostly shapes of snarling teeth and raking claws swirled in a whirlwind around a central lupine nucleus. As the dazzling light faded, I swear I saw muzzles and gleaming eyes peering out from within that frantic tornado of phantom fur. The towering juggernaut that had been bearing down on the defenseless Ivory appeared to falter, taken aback by this unusual new menace. That solitary second of doubt was its undoing.With an earth-shaking rush of force, the ember beast struck, engulfing the war golem in swirling, scintillating savagery. Its frightening chorus of howls and roars drowned out all other sounds as it charged at its mechanical prey. I could only gape in stunned wonder as adamantine skins crumbled and separated like rice paper under the continuous assault. The juggernaut's
POV: Callum WellsI felt agony piercing me with each rasping breath. My whole body felt like one enormous wound, ripped apart and left to swelter in the harsh weather. However, I couldn't wouldn't let such vulnerability be apparent.Not right now. Not when I was on the verge of total disaster or ultimate success.I could see the strewn remains of my juggernauts through a haze of blood and whirling dust, those destructive avatars of destruction I had fashioned by mastering the forbidden crafts of the ancients. Unmade to the core, torn apart like tissue by whatever crazy force that ethereal beast had taken on.A mocking laugh of incredulity leaked from my injured throat. Such amazing structures...so effortlessly buried? No, that's not possible! Not when I was this near to transcending at last!I snarled through the intense spurts of pain, searching for some indication of support or relief. But amidst the juggernaut, all that was left were straggling hangers-on, the pitiful remnants of m
POV: Darrel WilliamsTensing my muscles, I tried to resist the fury rising inside me as Callum stood over my daughter Darcy. Not while I still was breathing, that twisted monster would not lay a finger on her."Callum, stop this madness right now," I murmured, trying to maintain composure and a level voice. "Darcy is a young innocent child. She has nothing at all related to our strife.Callum laughed, a raspy wheeze that made my spine chillingly cold. "But old friend, she has everything to do with it. She stands for the future, the optimism still clinging to your miserable relics."His eyes pierced into mine with utter hate. And it makes her my ultimate leverage over you.I gave a slow head shake. "I'm not sure what delusions you are running under, but even for you threatening a child crosses a line."Changing strategy, I appealed to the ragged remains of the friend I once knew. "Callum, for decades all but blood has been our brotherhood. Certainly, some of you can see the craziness i
POV: HardinAs Darrel absorbed the full force of Callum's ferocious energy blast, my heart stopped in my chest. He was bathed in a putrid purple glow, with waves of malicious power that tore away skin and bone. His anguished cries echoed across the room."Darrel, no!" With a raw edge of panic in her voice, Jenna let out a cry.His flaming figure slumped boneless to the ground, and I watched in terror. Curling up from his wrecked body was acrid smoke. I was unable to discern if he was still alive for an interminable, excruciating moment.A glimmer of hope flickered through me as I noticed the faint rise and fall of his chest. He was harmed, possibly very badly, but for the time being he managed to hold on to life.My moment of relief was fleeting, as Callum turned to face the others, his features contorted into a victorious, wicked grin. He scowled, "Did you see that, you sniveling relics?" "Behold the price of defiance against my greatness!"Jenna stayed motionless, her arms still enc
POV: Ivory WellsSuch pain in my skull. I struggled to open my eyes. Everything felt odd. I opened them slowly. The room was very bright. I moaned."Ivory? Are you okay?" Mia spoke. I turned my head slightly. She was there, looking frightened."What happened?" I asked. My voice sounded strange. Mia got closer. "You've spent the last three days in bed. We were so afraid."Three days? That couldn't be right. I tried to sit up, but it ached a lot. "Don't move," Mia urged, pressing me back down gently. "You're still recovering."Recovering? From what? I closed my eyes, trying to remember. Then it hit me. The fight. Callum. Darrel... My eyes opened wide. "Where's Darrel? Is he okay?" Mia seemed even more frightened. That worried me."Mia, tell me. What happened to Darrel?" She inhaled deeply. "He's alive, but... he's hurt badly." My heart felt like it stopped. "How bad? What happened to him?""He got hit by Callum's magic. He's been asleep since then." Then I recalled something else. Darc
POV: Darrell WilliamsI gently opened my eyes, squinting in the intense brightness. Everything was painful. I had the impression that my head was full of cotton. Where was I?My vision cleared enough that I could see the clean walls of the medical wing of the pack. Yes. The conflict. Callum. defending Darcy and Ivory... "Darrel? You're conscious." I scowled at the motion as I turned to see Hardin seated next to my bed. My former comrade and subordinate appeared exhausted, with shadowy bags beneath his eyes."How long?" With a dry throat, I croaked. I was given a glass of water by Hardin. "Six days. You scared the hell out of us all."I gratefully gulped the water. "The pack... what's happening?" Hardin's expression darkened. It's not good. Everyone is terrified as a result of Callum. While you're healing, the Elders are at odds over who should take over."I attempted to sit up, but my body hurt so much. "I need to get out there." Hardin responded, "Whoa, easy," and pushed me back down
POV: DarcyI was afraid when I woke up in a different bed. I was where? It dawned on me that this was my new room. In my biological parents' home.My true parents. It seemed strange to think about even now. There was a gentle tap on the door. "Darcy? "Honey, are you awake?" Ivory was the one. My true mother. I hadn't gotten used to calling her that yet."Yes," I mutely said.Ivory entered as the door opened. She smiled at me, but it was clear that she was anxious as well. She sat on the edge of my bed and asked, "Did you sleep okay?" I shrugged. "I suppose. I experienced a few nightmares."Ivory appeared dejected. "I apologize, my love. Would you like to discuss them? I gave a headshake. The thought of the shadows and what Callum had done terrified me. That's alright, Ivory remarked. However, I'm available if you ever want to talk. Alright?"I gave a nod. It was still difficult to trust Ivory, even though she seemed pleasant. I mistook Jenna for my mother for a very long time. Everyth