Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
With two aura sword masters against it, this thing stood no chance.
“Now!” I shouted. A string of arrows flew through the air, and one landed perfectly in its eye. With its vision impaired from one side, I had my chance.
I leapt forwards and swung my sword. The sight of Allie’s handkerchief around the hilt bolstered my confidence while simultaneously fuelling my rage. The confusion of multiple attacks was too much for the creature, and my aura blade penetrated its neck, almost cutting its head cleanly from its body.
I was hanging that fucking head on my wall.
The ground shook as the monstrous thing collapsed. Almost as soon as it did, the warm glow of the barrier behind us dissipated, almost as if a cloud had moved in front of the sun to block its light.
“Allie!” My heart thundered in my chest as I ran to her lifeless body. Blood coated the front of her dress, and as her head rolled to one side on Lady Vivian’s lap, the paleness of her cheeks stabbed into me.
“She’s breathing.” Lady Vivian had tears rolling down her cheeks as she relinquished her hold on Allie so I could pull her into my arms. “What was that?”
“Allie.” I pulled my bloodstained glove off with my teeth and cupped the side of her face. Her cheek was cold and clammy, and some of her golden brown hair was slick against her skin where sweat had beaded on her forehead.
“Return to your tents!” My father’s voice boomed out through the crowd, and the crowd parted as he headed towards us. “All knightly orders present are to search the forest and secure the perimeter with assistance from the mages. Make sure there this is the only one and find out where it came from. Priests should assist the wounded. Sir Kingsley, accompany the Empress and the Crown Prince back to the Imperial Villa with the Third Order of Knights.”
“Sir,” Hayes stepped up beside me. “What are your orders?”
“Do as His Majesty said,” I answered, smoothing Allie’s hair from her face. “Take Rina somewhere safe for treatment, then go and instruct the knights. Come to me once you’re done.”
“Bring her with us,” my father ordered, laying one hand on my shoulder. “Kalon, let us take Allie somewhere private.”
I swept Allie’s limp body into my arms and cradled her against me, then followed my father towards the Imperial Tent. The only place to lay her down was a sofa, and I carefully set her down on it before dropping to my knees next to her and bringing her hand to my lips.
I squeezed my eyes shut and pressed my cheek against the back of her hand. “I need Duke Trelawney and Aerwyna.”
“Everyone out,” my father ordered. “Sir Chester, get Lady Aerwyna and Duke Trelawney and bring me the High Priest. Lady Alicia and her knight must be treated.”
“Allie can’t be.” I looked over at him once it was only the two of us. “It’s too dangerous.”
“What do you mean?”
“That barrier dome was her. Aerwyna recognised her latent abilities the moment she met Allie, but she can use both mana and divine power. If a priest treats her, it could upset the balance within her and kill her.”
“Good grief.” Father paused, then rubbed his chin. “Of course. Her mother is of House Lovett. But they haven’t had an active user in three generations, as far as I know.”
“Until now. Given the situation, I can only assume she saw Rina’s injury and wanted to protect her. Stupid woman,” I murmured, pressing my face against her hand. “Why would you do that?”
“Your Majesty, Your Highness.” Duke Trelawney’s voice filled the tent. “You sent for me?”
“Is there a way to check Allie’s condition without injecting mana or divine power into her?” I asked, turning my head to look at him.
He pressed his lips together. “Are you asking because that incredible explosion of mana and divine power came from Lady Alicia?”
“Yes.”
“I assume she had no control over it.” He loosened his necktie and walked over. “I can check the mana levels in her body, but that’s about it. If she can use both, it’s too dangerous to attempt to heal her.” He crouched next to me, then peered in my direction. “Your Highness, you’ll have to let go of her hand, or I risk sensing your mana instead.”
I reluctantly stepped back to let him do his thing. As he did, both Aerwyna and High Priest Dhaesis entered the tent along with an unconscious Rina. They greeted us both and Duke Trelawney.
“High Priest, please see to the Dame,” Father ordered.
I sat on the chair closest to Allie and buried my face in my hands. How had this happened? What was a wraithhusk doing in the Imperial Hunting Grounds? Why hadn’t I been able to protect her?
What was she even doing that close to the forest? That area was supposed to be off-limits to everyone who wasn’t a part of the hunt.