Chapter 270: Crimson Dawn (9)

Out of breath and panting, Mona tightened her grasp around her weapon. She didn't give Uriithe a moment to pull herself back together – she just raised her spear and hit the Crimson Witch in the face once more.

Uriithe staggered and stumbled back, trying to put some distance between her and Mona. The druid, however, gave her no room to breathe, striking her with the wooden shaft of her spear over and over again.

That is, until the Divine got a split second to call upon the power of the Divine Pillar.

"Puny creature!" She shouted as she summoned a spear to hurl at Mona.

"Shut up!" Mona shouted as she raised her spear again.

That's when I noticed the broken off end of her spear. Where the sharp end was supposed to be was just broken, splintered wood. I gritted my teeth, there was no way Uriithe would fall to that weapon.

"Mona, look out!" Alex shouted as she swung her tail and wrapped it around the druid's waist. She pulled Mona out of the way of the spear just in time, then put her on the ground beside herself. "You need to calm down!" She hissed, tightly holding the Druid's shoulders. "You can't-"

Mona pushed her away, her gaze locked on Uriithe. She dashed forward, her body shifting in the process.

What reached the Divine wasn't the crimson haired, cheerful person, but a massive bear with claws as sharp as blades. Uriithe didn't seem phased by Mona's new appearance, though she did create a protective barrier around herself.

Alex shouted something, then dashed behind Mona. Lucius didn't hesitate either – they knew just as well as I did that Mona couldn't take down Uriithe on her own. No matter how hard she tried.

The ground shook just as I was about to follow them into battle. I fell on one knee as my gaze turned towards the other battle that was going on, over at the other side of the Divine Pillar.

It was impossible to see anything. All I could see was a darkness and light clashing. I couldn't make out the details – it almost seemed as if Aelith and Fetheion had become the light and darkness. 

I shook my head and focused on our battle instead. Uriithe had to go – now. I dashed forward, passed by Alex who was the slowest of us and reached Uriithe just in time with Lucius.

The young swordsman didn't hesitate when he noticed me. He leapt ahead and struck Uriithe's golden barrier with his blade. I followed with two claw strikes, leaving remnants of my black flames on the barrier. Then, Mona struck with her giant paws and roared in Uriithe's face.

I had to step back and cover my ears. Who knew a bear's roar could be so loud?

Lucius readied himself for another strike just as lightning crackled on his blade. A simple glance at Asher was more than enough to make sure it was him who cast the spell. Somewhat worried about him, I directed my attention on Uriithe once more.

Lucius struck her barrier, finally causing some cracks to appear. As soon as I noticed them, I fed more power to my flames. The remnants on her barrier suddenly flared up, slowly consuming what protection her spell could offer.

Mona, in her bear form, roared again and struck the barrier. The cracks that first appeared with Lucius' strike widened and spread.

"You filthy beast!" Uriithe shouted as a golden spear nearly struck Mona. It was Laura's spells that kept her safe. 

"Mona, step back!" I shouted, noticing the other spears forming over Uriithe's head. Her intention was clear – she wanted Mona dead!

The bear only roared in response and struck the Divine's barrier once more. The cracks widened and then, the barrier shattered into pieces. Uriithe's eyes widened. Her face twisted with hatred, disgust and perhaps even some fear. 

I dashed ahead and tackled her once more, in hopes of stopping her from hurling those spears at Mona. My claws dug into her skin as she shouted something.

A bright light and a shockwave emanated from her, sending all of us flying. I beat my wings and regained my balance in the air, though I could quite say the same about the others.

"Mona!" Laura shouted as she ran to the druid's side. I glanced that way, then dread spread through my chest. The druid had returned to her normal self, though she wasn't moving at all. 

"She's just unconscious." Asher called out. "Focus on the battle, Kai, Alex, Lucius!" Our gazes met, and the determination in his eyes gave me what little confidence it could. I beat my wings and dashed forward once more.

An arrow fly by past me and grazed Uriithe's arm. The Crimson witch flinched, her gaze focused on someone on the other side of the plaza – Theresa. Her lips curled downwards as her expression changed into pity. She raised her chin, intending to speak.

I kicked her in the face, and we rolled on the ground.

"You-" She began speaking as her tendrils formed all around us.

"I'm done with you!" I hissed as I swung my claws, wreathed in black and purple flames. 

I felt her warm blood on my hand as she cried out in pain. She had raised her arm to protect her neck. I narrowed my eyes and raised my hand again.

Before I could try anything, her tendrils wrapped themselves around my wrist. My eyes widened as Uriithe's expression changed to one of victory. "Farewell, Last Keeper!" She hissed as a blade made of light appeared in her hand. 

No, I couldn't die now! My left palm itched as I tried to free my right hand. The Demon Lord's words echoed in my mind as I hesitated for a split second. I had no other choice, did I? 

No.

Power erupted from my left palm as the sky seemed to darken despite the newly rising sun. My fingers grasped the hilt that formed in my hand, and I swung the blade of darkness and malice.