Chapter 6 - Blood and Gold
Chaos erupted in the ruined temple.
Theron moved like an unstoppable storm of vengeance. His massive broadsword cleaved through the air with terrifying precision, sending the first mercenary crashing into the stone pillars. His wolf roared within his mind, taking physical manifestation in the amber glow of his eyes and the blistering heat radiating from his skin.
“Maren! Get the boy!” Theron shouted, parrying a ferocious blow from a second attacker.
Maren didn’t hesitate. She dodged a swinging blade, diving past the struggling fighters straight toward the altar where Tavian was trapped.
Valora lunged forward, her face contorted with rage, raising the silver dagger to strike at the baby.
“You will not touch him!” Maren screamed.
As Valora brought the blade down, Maren threw her hands forward.
An explosion of brilliant, blinding golden light erupted from Maren’s palms—not the dark, suffocating magic her pack had accused her of, but a pure, radiant supernova of healing energy.
The golden light slammed into Valora like a physical shockwave. The older woman shrieked as the ancient curse tied to her bloodline backfired violently against her corrupt soul. Valora flew backward across the stone floor, her dagger clattering harmlessly away as she struck a pillar and slumped unconscious.
Maren dropped to her knees beside the stone cradle, untying the straps with shaking fingers, and pulled Tavian into her arms.
The baby immediately stopped crying, burying his face against her neck, letting out a soft, contented coo.
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Around them, the remaining mercenaries dropped their weapons, falling to their knees as Theron stood victorious amidst the rubble, his chest heaving, his sword dripping with rain and blood.
The storm clouds overhead suddenly parted, letting a single beam of moonlight shine directly down upon the altar, illuminating Maren, Theron, and the infant prince.
