Chapter 5 - Wings of Vengeance
The impact threw Cedric’s guards off their feet. Through the smoke and flying debris strode the winged tiger, its copper-and-crimson coat blazing with unearthly light. The broken iron spearhead in its shoulder gleamed with a terrifying menace, and the red ice around its heavy medallion hissed as it vaporized into thick, freezing fog.
Cedric scrambled backward, his face draining of color. “Kill it! Use the scythes!”
The executioners rushed the beast, thrusting their glowing weapons forward. With a deafening roar, the tiger whipped its massive bronze-feathered wings outward. A shockwave of pure thermal energy swept through the corridor, shattering the fire-scythes into a thousand jagged pieces of hot shrapnel.
The guards were hurled against the stone walls, sliding down into unconsciousness.
Rowan stepped forward into the clearing smoke. The glowing blue runes on his hands pulsed in rhythm with the tiger’s single amber eye. He did not feel fear anymore; he felt an ancient, rightful fury.
“Cedric,” Rowan’s voice echoed off the high vaulted ceilings, carrying an unnatural, commanding resonance. “Your trial was interrupted earlier. Shall we resume it?”
Cedric trembled, reaching for his side blade, but Captain Marcus Hale’s broadsword was already resting lightly against the Lord’s throat.
“Drop it, Cedric,” Marcus whispered coldly.
May you like
Lucian stumbled back, staring at Rowan in sheer disbelief. “What... what are you?”
“I am the end of your regency, cousin,” Rowan said quietly.
