Page 83 of The Blood Rites

“It won’t work,” Kael hisses. He sounds disappointed. Angry, even.

The water keeps crashing against the arcing light of my shield, splitting to either side with a sound like thunder. The world shrinks to the tight, thin shimmer of my shield and the monsters on the high ridge who are laughing even as we die.

Atheron stands, arms outstretched, conjuring a spear of molten flame. There is malice in his eyes, and I know without fail that he isn’t aiming for me—he’s aiming for Marissa.

She sees it too. Her lips part in a soundless, useless scream, hands raised as if to shield herself.

Kael moves faster than a blink, stepping in front of her and hugging her to his chest. Shadows burst from his back like wings. The fire spear hits him fully and there is a sound like a butcher’s knife striking bone. The smell of burning flesh fills the air.

He drops to one knee, gritting his teeth. Only stubbornness and pride keep him upright.

Atheron howls from the ridge, delighted.

“You can’t protect them all, Prince!” he taunts.

The irony stings.

I try to breathe, but the pressure is still growing. I don’t know how much longer I can hold. The wave feels sentient, relentless.

My vision goes red at the edges as blood-stained tears run down my face.

"Kael—"

The shield threatens to buckle.

"I can't—"

Kael’s voice is steady, calm despite his agony. “You can, Luceris. I’ve seen you do the impossible.”

“Swear to me, you won’t let her die.”

His eyes burn black and bright. “I swear.”

“Swear it on something real,” I beg, desperate and choking. “Swear it on your blood. Swear it on your Crown.”

He reaches for me, his hand trembling as he places it on my lower back.

“I swear it on my life. I will keep her alive.”

I close my eyes.

Kael swore.

It has to be enough.

I draw deeper, feeding the shield with everything I have, reaching into parts of myself I promised not to touch. I remember the bands cracking. The rain and the ash. The overwhelming fury of release.

The wave backs off a fraction, as if startled by my defiance, and for a breathless second, I feel hope.

Then Theon starts to scream. His head snaps back, mouth wide.

The sound that erupts from him doesn’t resemble anything human. The air warps around him as his eyes turn a brilliant white, his fingers splaying on the stone as he begins to prophesy.

“Father and son,” he howls. “Light and dark. One devours. One is devoured.”

His eyes find mine, tears streaming down his face.

“She wants you.”