Death's Throne: Rise of The Ghost Elves

By Sinneth Blackthorn

The realms begin to shift into a new era in the wake of Judgement's ashes. Immortality slipping through the fingers of those with power casts every kingdom further into chaos. 

 

Nokti crosses into King Kyiosu's realm, hunting those she deems unworthy to draw breath. She is slowly drawn into madness as she discovers the dark truth about her deceased daughter. 

 

Angel is a fiercely loyal blood dragon hunter that is in service to the crown. She crosses path with an unknown man named Akosu who casts her world into chaos. To save the only person she loves she will be branded as a traitor. In death she will bargain with the Nameless Goddess to save the Blood Moon Oracle. Angel will hunt her own kin, spilling their blood in a war between demi gods.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sinneth Blackthorn
• Release date: Apr 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386255987

Sinneth Blackthorn

Elizabeth is a young girl that struggles in her daily life. Her father is an abusive drunk ever since her mother left. She never had any friends growing up and felt alone in the world. A small ray of hope breaks through the dark storm clouds as she is finally eighteen and is looking for a place to live on her own. The creatures that stalk the shadows at night have other plans for her. She is hit by a car crossing the street and wakes up in the afterlife. This world isn’t perfect and free from suffering. She learns that the afterlife is more complex than she ever could have imagined as she learns a war between two demi gods left this world in pieces.  To survive this nightmare that is seeking to consume her must seek out the help from others and learn the dark secrets of the soul flames.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Dark storm clouds dominated the sky, strangling the sun’s blistering heat in their wake. A dry wind clawed at the face of the towering mountains. What little managed to grow in this barren land, struggled to survive the rocky land.

Carved deep within the fiery, red stone stood a hidden training ground for the Blood Dragon Hunters. Blood sworn to the Blood Dragon King, carrying out his will without question. For as long as the world stood within the grasp of purgatory, those in power kept the masses subdued by the threat of death. Those that died suffered pain beyond what this world could ever offer until the goddess Ruin allowed them to be reborn into the land.

Sweat dripped from Angel’s brow, her muscles burned as she pushed them to their limits. Her fists weaved through the old, splintered wooden pegs of the training dummy. Each strike echoed around her from the crumbling old walls of the stronghold.

Are you going to spend all morning on that? Lily asked, crossing her arms. Angel could hear the underlining tone of annoyance.

Lily had always been Angel’s best friend. From the day she was accepted into the Blood Dragon Hunters, Angel had always been an outcast. Her skin always held the faintest touch of Ghost Elf blood. No matter how much time she spent in the sun, her skin never darkened. Her long hair, stained black, had been tied tightly behind her back. Her deep blue eyes filled with determination to break her unseen foe.

Lily didn’t dare speak another word; she knew better than to interrupt Angel when she was in a foul mood. Lily pushed a loose strand of her long, brown hair behind her ear. Her deep, emerald green eyes tried to keep up with Angel’s movements. Lily’s skin had bronzed a long time ago from the endless sun that plagued the sky.

A thundering crack lashed out, shattering Angel’s focus. With a frustrated strike, she shattered one of the wooden pegs. A thunderstorm! Angel shouted.

They sky... Lily said, her words trailing off.

Angel looked seeing the very clouds burning in the sky. A giant burning phoenix dominated the sky, the fire taking the perfect form of feathers with fading scarlet tips. It stood frozen in the sky for a few moments before collapsing in on itself as if it were a dying star.

Angel fell to her knees, clenching her chest as an overwhelming sense of sorrow threatened to crush every bone in her body. She could hear Lily screaming her name, it sounded so distant. Collapsing to the ground, Angel managed to roll onto her back. Staring at the once darkened sky. Angel’s hand shook as she reached for Lily’s hand.

Angel’s throat tightened, making it impossible to breathe. Lily grasped her hand as Angel’s vision blackened. Was this judgment? Had the phoenix found her unworthy? Her final thoughts of Lily and the tears racing down Angel’s face that weren’t her own.

QINETIC LEANED BACK in his old leather chair. His long, sharp fingers rhythmically tabbed on the wooden desk. His skin held a dark, red clay color after rainfall. His eyes slanted, taking the shape of pointed, black diamonds, his face long, like that of a horse. His smile stretched wider than it should, exposing each of his sharpened teeth. Dark tendrils lined his scalped, curling into little hooks around his spiked shoulders and back.

Three... two... one... he counted down to himself. Horrific screams echoed throughout the halls of the old castle. It appears my guests have arrived.

Standing up, he took in a deep breath, savoring the panicked cries and pleas for help. Swaying his hands in the air, he envisioned himself conducting an orchestra of pain and death.

The iron doors swung open into the long hallway. lined with rotting doors. Rusted, iron bars created small windows in each cell. Qinetic stopped at the first one, peering inside at the frightened man shackled to the wall.

The door swung open; the man whimpered as he took in Qinetic’s deformed body. The man’s long, greasy hair clung to his sweat-covered face. His brown eyes filled with fear. The clothes he wore told Qinetic he was a beggar on the streets before he had died. P-Please h-h- he stammered.

Qinetic towered over the man, his hands clasped behind his back as he stared at the quivering man. Help? Qinetic asked, his voice devoid of warmth.

The man froze, his heart hammering against his chest, threatening to shatter his ribs. Qinetic’s finger traced the side of the man’s face, splitting his flesh. A thin line of warm blood followed in its wake. You have been a very, naughty boy, Qinetic said, grasping the trembling man’s face. Forcing his head to the side, Qinetic ran his unusually long tongue over the fresh cut.

Releasing his grip, Qinetic’s smile turned vile, stretching nearly all the way across his long face. A slave trader, well before you were sold out by a disgruntled employee. Don’t hold it against him, he was soon betrayed by those he sold you out to. I’ll arrange for you two to be in the same cell, I am certain you two have so much to catch up on.

Qinetic walked out of the cell, humming a dark tune as he strolled down the hallway. So many condemned souls. He paused at a cell a few doors down from the one he was just at. Inside a frail-looking old woman sat on her knees. Her hands were forced above her head from the shackles. Stepping inside her cell, she met his gaze. Her cold eyes refused to show any fear.

A black widow, Qinetic said, a hint of sadistic joy in his voice. I must admit, I admired your work. The way you killed without raising suspicion. A lost art form you had mastered. He bowed before her, a wicked chuckle escaping his lips.

Vile creature! The old woman shouted; her words unable to hide the fear that had nestled deep within her.

Qinetic stumbled backwards, his hand covering his heart as his face twisted in pain. Crude insults... his voice softened, my one true weakness...

Rage burned in her eyes, if looks could kill as effectively as she killed her lovers, Qinetic would be nothing more than a withering corpse on the ground. He let out a hollow laugh that echoed off the ancient stone walls. It won’t be long before they end up back in my realm. I am sure once they learn of their past deaths... well I’ll let your imagination fill in the rest.

Qinetic stalked down his hall, his grin widening as his imagination ran away with him. So much to do with endless time at his fingertips. He had to backstep the last cell he had just passed. Anger flashed in his dark eyes. The cell door flung open smashing into the wall.

Well, this is a rather interesting turn of events, his voice held a hint of amusement.

Angel sat on the ground; her arms chained above her head. Defiance filled her eyes as she met his icy gaze. He just stood there, beginning to stroke his chin, his sinister eyes boring into hers. Towering over her, his cold fingers grazed her cheek. So much rage... he softly spoke.

Angel spit in his face. He took a step back, reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a worn, blooded cloth to wipe his face. Your kind are always the most fun to break. How long do you think you can hold your tongue for? My rusted blade tearing at your tender flesh. In time you’ll join in the choir of misery and pain, a masterpiece conducted by yours truly.

I’ll never scream for you, she sneered.

Qinetic turned his back to her, heading towards the door. In the end, they all sing, he said, waving his hand in the air. The shackles holding her released, Angel remained still. Feel free to sit in this cell all you like.

He walked out of sight, his humming picking up again as he casually strolled down the way. Angel slowly stood up, carefully walking towards the door; half expecting it to slam shut. Qinetic stood in front of another cell, his words just out of reach for her ears. Judging by the screaming prisoner inside, he had continued his taunting.

Angel looked behind her, seeing the iron door at the other end of the hallway. Taking a few steps towards the door, she turned around catching up with Qinetic. What is this place? she asked, falling into step next to him.

Hmm? Oh, I didn’t hear you sneak up on me, he said with a wide grin, exposing his sharpened teeth. This is the realm between death and reincarnation.

Purgatory?

A dark chuckle echoed throughout the stone walls. No, my dear, you lived in purgatory. This place is redemption.

Angel let out a scoff of disbelief, she asked, how is this place redemption?

There are two truths that exist, he said, stopping at another cell, peering inside. Things are or they are not. There was no in-between. People are either good or they are bad, depending on the moral standards of the civilization that they lived in. Most are good, working toward a common goal. Some are just vile weeds. We do not fault the weed for its existence to destroy, we simply remove them and burn them.

Qinetic pushed the cell door open, stepping inside. A man chained to the walls, dressed in fine silk looked up at him. This man was a weed, plucked from the world and cast into the fire to be remade.

Fire doesn’t redeem what is burned, Angel said. It only erases what once was.

Yes and no, Qinetic said, grabbing the prisoner’s face, and forcing him to look Qinetic in the eyes. Here, I will burn away what made him, what is left of him will be used to help feed something new. He chose to be a weed; this is nature’s way of restoring the balance.

Just because he was rich doesn’t make him vile, Angel snapped at him.

Tell her, Qinetic said, his voice darkening, tell her what you did for that wealth.

He remained silent, never breaking eye contact. Qinetic let out a sigh, taking a step back, he said, always the hard way.

The prisoner started jerking back and forth, his eyes wide with fear. Get them off! he screamed as his skin started to split, blood spilling from the unseen creatures assaulting him. Please! he begged. I was a slaver!

Qinetic’s grin only widened, watching as his prisoner squirmed, begging for mercy. His screams drowned out the others.

Stop it! Angel screamed, unable to watch any longer.

The man stopped struggling, blood staining his clothes. Fresh, tiny bite marks plagued his flesh. Now, Qinetic said, his voice sinister, filled with the annoyance of his fun being cut short. Tell her what you did with the slaves you didn’t sell.

I hunted them for sport, he admitted, hanging his head low.

Angel felt her stomach churn, a foul taste lingering on her tongue. A burning question stood on the tip of her tongue. King Kyiosu would never be ok with such a vile deed, she said, praying her words held true.

The prisoner let out a sicken chuckle. "The Blood Dragon King? I was a noble with land and a personal army. How do you think he has remained king for so long? Because he cares about his subjects? How many innocents have you killed in his name?"

They were not innocents! Angel snapped; raging filled her eyes. They were traitors to the crown and a threat to those we are sworn to protect.

Is that what you were told? he asked. The Blood Dragon Hunters are assassins for hire. In service of the crown, more like in service for the gold coins. And you, Angel, were the best at what you did.

Liar! Angel shouted, wanting nothing more than to rip his venomous tongue from his mouth. Tell me he is lying!

Qinetic remained silent, basking in the chaos of emotions.

Tell me!

The conviction in Angel’s eyes began to fade, her entire existence called into question. How much innocent blood was on her hands? The world began to spin as she stumbled out of the cell, using the wall to steady herself. Managing to take a few steps she collapsed to the ground, fighting to keep her stomach contents down.

The cell door shut as Qinetic stood next to her. I belong here... in chains.

My, a female voice said, her voice rich like honey, hopefully you didn’t break her.

Qinetic took a step back, his body tense. I-I- he stammered.

The woman extended her pale hand towards Angel, a warm smile touched her scarlet lips. Her eyes were a faint glowing orange color. Her hair that of glowing embers, cascading down her back. A strapless dress, almost as white as her flesh, hugged her body’s natural curves.

I hope Qinetic has been hospitable to you? she asked.

Angel took the woman’s hand, a faint warmth pushing its way through Angel’s soul. Opening her mouth, Angel’s words refused to form. A playful laugh filtered into the air causing Angel’s heart to beat harder in her chest.

The woman led Angel down the hall, the screams from those trapped in their cells seemed to vanish. The bitter chill in the air quickly had vanished. Even Qinetic’s words became muffled.

I need to discuss a few things with our guest, the woman said, pulling Angel from her daze. You don’t mind, do you?

Qinetic’s unnatural wide smile didn’t touch the worry in his dark eyes. Yes, he said, Angel could hear the hesitation in his voice. Of course not.

Angel looked at the woman in a different light, she was clearly something powerful for a being like Qinetic to fear her.

The woman pushed the door open, exposing an elaborate-looking study. A polished desk with a stained-black, towering leather chair. Colorful books lined the shelves behind the desk. The warmth of the fire burning in the marble fireplace filled the room. Please, make yourself comfortable, the woman said, a touch of anger in her words. "I’m certain Qinetic did everything within his powers to make certain your experience wasn’t unpleasant."

Of course, he said, a pleading look caught Angel’s attention as he bowed before the woman.

He was welcoming–

The woman guided Angel into the room, the woman said, please, give us a moment.

Qinetic’s protest died on his tongue as the door shut. He could barely hear their muffled voices through the thick iron. His attention shifted back to his row of prisoners, a much-needed outlet for his anger.

Would you like a drink? the woman asked, walking towards the desk.

Who are you?

I’m the Nameless Goddess, she answered, pulling out a bottle of liquor with a crystal cup. Humming to herself as she poured just a splash of the amber contents. Angel didn’t move as the woman offered her the glass. The goddess’ smile didn’t falter. 

What kind of goddess doesn’t have a name?

The goddess smiled at her, exposing her pearly white teeth. The Goddess of the Apocalypse, she answered.

Angel felt her blood run cold. There is no goddess of the apocalypse, she said, her voice barely above a faint whisper.

Just because I was erased from your texts, doesn’t mean I simply just went away, the goddess paused for just a moment. You always had a defiant streak in you, I can’t fault you for what is in your nature.

You don’t know anything about me, Angel snapped.

The goddess’ smile faltered; her eyes glimmered with a spark of anger. Angel felt her throat tighten as she felt a shift of energy in the room. The goddess gently placed the glass down on the desk, turning her attention to the colorful books lining the shelves. Hmm, which one...

Plucking a book from the shelf, cracking the spine as she opened it, flipping through the pages. Adestia Bridgewater, a former duke of the king’s court, the goddess read off. 

Angel cringed as she remembered that assassination all too well. He had been conspiring against the King to dethrone him. His sex slave had awoken, one that looked so young. Angel was left with one of the hardest choices she ever had to make.

Shopkeeper Maryetta.

I don’t remember that one, Angel hastily said, looking away.

She was tied to a chair in the middle of her store as it was set on fire, the goddess read off. Her crime being a front for criminal activity, or so you were told.

Angel felt a tightness in her chest, her hand covering her heart as a pulsing pain radiated outwards. Aylissa Emroldstone, the goddess continued, "hung herself in her home. Bicco Bronzehart, choked to death from the gasses in his own forge. Captain of the Guard, Creith, impaled by his own sword when he tripped."

They had to be made examples of to others... Angel whispered, unable to meet the goddess’ cold, judging gaze. 

The goddess threw the book down at the desk, countless names of Angel’s assassinations stained the pages. Still don’t think I know you?

Angel wrapped her arms around her chest. What do you want from me? she asked, her voice faint.

I want you to do what you do best, the goddess answered, a sly smile touching her lips. I want you to hunt down and kill Nokti.

Angel met her deadly gaze. Nokti is still bound to King Sytin’s kingdom, Angel said.

Is she now? the goddess asked.

Even if she wasn’t, Angel said. Why would she come here? She has no reason to come here.

The goddess’s eyes darkened with a vile cruelness. She is coming for vengeance, to spill the blood of the Blood Dragon Hunters, she answered.

We haven’t done anything to her! Angel said, a touch of panic in her voice. She doubted the hunters would survive going to war against Nokti. Some of the recent reports held disturbing information about the assassin. Even though some of the Blood Dragon Hunters believed them to be embellished, the lingering fear of the unknown truth that could be found between the lines terrified her.

Tell me, Angel, what are you willing to lose to save the one you love?

Leave Lily out of this, Angel said, her voice strained with anger as her fingers curled into a fist.

I’m not the one you have to convince, the goddess’ voice became sharp, laced with deadly venom. None of the Blood Dragon Hunters have clean hands. Most of you are nothing more than insects running around on a chessboard, only to be squished by the moving pieces.

If you are so powerful, why don’t you kill her? Angel asked, trying to sound braver than she felt in the goddess’ presence.

A cruel smile touched the goddess’s lips, she said, I could topple every empire at a moment’s notice. Famine and disease are left still standing. I could create a new purgatory if it pleased me.

If I’m nothing more than an insect–

Chess pieces do not talk back to the one moving them, the goddess said, cutting her off.

Angel took a deep breath, fighting the urge to lash out. Going after Nokti is a death wish, she calmly said.

I expected more from such a skilled blade, the goddess said. You won’t be hunting her alone. When the time comes, the prisoner held within the confines of your dungeon will aid you in your assassination.

Prisoner? We don’t have a...

Our time is up little hunter.

Angel felt a pulling sensation as if unseen hands took a hold of her, forcing her backwards into the hungering void that swallowed the world. The goddess smiled at the soundless scream that parted Angel’s lips.

The steel doors opened, Qinetic stepped into the room, bowing before her. My Goddess, he said.

You stepped out of line, she said, her words stern causing his bow to deepen.

If I may explain, he said, daring to raise his head. She wasn’t expected, her time had not yet come.

Grabbing the glass from the desk, she stepped closer to him, her hand resting under his chin. He stood tall as her hand guided him. Her eyes burned into his. There is no logic in blaming a parasite for doing what it was designed to do, she said. When it becomes too much of a nuisance, it is eradicated from existence.

She placed the glass cup in his hand, his fingers curling tightly around it. You may feed off my blood until you have your fill, she said, her eyes darkening. Draw my ire and I will cast you into the depths of the abyss.

I would never dream of it, he said, the burning liquid sliding down his throat.

Chapter 2

Zy stood frozen, her dark brown eyes widened with fascination, her heart pounding against her chest in fear. Her breath was hindered; she had become unaware she had stopped drawing breath. Her long, black hair swept across her dark, olive skin. The burning phoenix had finally revealed itself! Zy expected at any moment for a wave of fire to crash upon them as it collapsed in on itself.

The fire vanished from the sky, leaving everyone who saw it shaking. The world came crashing back as all sense flooded Zy at once. Screaming? The world spun around her; her thoughts jumbled. Lily? Angel?!

Adrenaline filled her veins, the world felt as if it slowed down just for her as she weaved through the hunters still standing in place. She almost lost her footing as she zigged past Ragoth, she could hear his pounding footsteps chasing after her. 

Her heart pounded in her ears, her lungs burning. Please! She rounded the corner of the stone hallway, finding Angel had collapsed on the ground. Lily desperately trying to start Angel’s heart again.

Zy dropped to her knees, ignoring the radiating pain. Placing her ear against Angel’s chest she cursed to herself. Lily, I need you to get me fresh water. 

Lily didn’t respond, still in shock at what was happening. Lily! Zy screamed. Lily’s attention focused on Zy only for a moment before she raced off.

Zy turned her attention back to Angel, reaching into the leather pouch on her belt, she grabbed a handful of herbs. She’s dead? Ragoth asked, unable to hide the sadistic sense of joy he felt. He towered over Zy, his shadow reaching nearly all the way across the training grounds. His greasy, dark brown hair clung to his sweat-covered face. His dark skin was a few shades lighter than Zy’s.

Ragoth, I need you to leave, she said, trying to maintain control of the raging emotions threatening to consume her whole.

He ignored her, staring down at Angel’s motionless body. A fantasy he had so many times before. There were a few darker fantasies in between. He wanted to break her beneath him. Make her crawl like the animal she was before being put down. 

Lily soon returned with a weathered, wooden bucket. Ragoth hadn’t realized his fingers were wrapping around the hilt of his sword. For a moment, he considered killing them both. His sword slowly slid out his hilt, he could already feel the warmth of their blood against his flesh.

Ragoth! Rylis shouted.

Ragoth quickly turned around, anger filling his eyes from being caught off guard. Rylis was a man of average height. Light, sandy hair blended with long white strands. Lines wrinkled the skin around his eyes. The light in hazel eyes had dimmed long ago. Despite the raging heat, he always wore fine clothes; ones that distinguished his role. Master Rylis, Ragoth said, bowing before him. I was–

"Thank you for your concern," Rylis sneered, help ensure order is maintained amongst your ranks.

Ragoth took one last look at Angel. Zy was mixing herbs with the water and pouring it down Angel’s throat. Lily was on her knees, tears racing down her face as she felt so helpless. Deep down he knew, Angel would not perish so easily. No, she would die by his hand...

Rylis watched as Ragoth disappeared around the corner. Turning his attention back to Angel, he kneeled down next to her. His fingers rested against her neck, feeling the slightest hint of a pulse. Her heart is beating, very faint.

Lily let out a cry, quickly covering her mouth. I don’t know if I can stabilize her on my own, Zy said, staring into Rylis’ eyes.

He hesitated for a moment, his jaw tightening as he waged an internal war in his own mind. I guess I don’t have any other choice. He quickly stood up, storming back into the inside of the hidden base. Lily looked desperately towards Zy for answers.

Listen to me, Zy said, her words barely above a faint whisper. What you are about to see must not ever be repeated. Not even to Angel.

I don’t understand.

Zy grabbed Lily’s arm, pulling her closer. Lily let out a faint gasp as she felt bruises forming. Promise me! Zy said.

I–

Zy! A male voice interrupted them. Zy quickly released Lily’s arm, turning her attention to the newcomer. Lily recognized him as one of the newer recruits from a few years ago. She had never spoken to him before.

What is it? Zy said, irritation filling her words.

R-Rylis collapsed, he stammered.

Lily, stay with Angel, don’t let anyone near her!

But– Lily’s protest died on her tongue as Zy rushed off, chasing the young hunter. Lily’s hand shook as she checked Angel’s pulse. Fear ripped through Lily’s chest as she felt nothing.

Lily had no idea how much time had passed, the sound of heavy footsteps approaching drew her attention. Standing up, she drew her sword. Her hands still shaking as she envisioned Ragoth descending upon them.

Ragoth stepped out from around the corner with two of his subordinates closely behind him. A demented smile touched his lips as his eyes locked with hers. A dog should never bare its teeth to its master, he taunted.

You may outrank me, Lily said, a burning determination in her eyes. But you are not my master.

He stepped closer, drawing his own sword. Make sure no one disturbs us; it looks like I have two rabid dogs to put down. The other two hunters blocked the exit, crossing their arms. Lily could tell they were itching for a fight; the slightest hint of blood lust could be seen in their eyes.

Rylis won’t allow you to harm her, Lily said, trying to sound more confident than she felt. 

Ragoth let out a disturbing chuckle. He has his own health to think about right now. He won’t be interfering this time.

Lily felt her throat tighten; her hands felt sweaty, making it harder to hold onto her sword. Ragoth lunged at her without warning, their blades meeting in the air. He advanced upon her, pushing her back as she struggled to block and dodge his attacks.

Feinting an attack, he stepped backwards causing her to overextend. His knee slammed into her stomach causing her to fall to her knees. Just where you belong, he taunted, on your knees.

Lily spit out the blood filling her mouth, pushing herself back onto her feet. She quickly charged at him, swinging without order or technique. The tip of her blade threatened to slice into his flesh.

He barely managed to parry her last attack. He leaned backwards as her sword nearly removed his head. A tiny sting bit into his neck. Touching the tiny cut, he stared at the blood on his fingers. So, this dog knows how to use her fangs.

Raising his sword in the air, he closed the distance between them. Lily refused to give him any more space, meeting his attacks with equal determination. Pulling out a hidden dagger from his back, Ragoth nicked her arm.

Lily stumbled backwards, unable to dodge the next attack that struck the side of her face. His blade crashed against hers, nearly forcing it from her hand. He began pushing her back as his attacks became faster. 

She desperately looked for an opening, unable to take advantage of the ones she saw with his speed. What’s the matter? he taunted.

Lily knew she was near the wall as the shadow overtook them both. At the last moment, she dodged his attack. His sword pierced the wall, just barely missing her. He spun around as she maneuvered around him, parrying her fatal blow with his dagger. Ducking, he grabbed her overextended arm, throwing her over his shoulder. 

Lily hit the ground with a painful thud, forcing the air out from her lungs as her world went black. She felt him sitting on top of her, out of instinct she reached up stopping him from plunging the dagger into her heart.

Her vision slowly returned; she could see the rage in his eyes as he shifted his body weight. Lily fought with all the strength she had left, the blade slowly nearing her chest. Once I’m done with you, I’ll slit her throat. Maybe they’ll even bury you two together. he sneered.

Lily felt her strength quickly waning. Throwing her body weight, she managed to disrupt his balance. His dagger pierced her shoulder forcing a cry of pain past her lips.

Standing up, he pushed his hair back into place. Retrieving the sword from the wall, he turned his attention back to Lily. She had managed to push herself to her hands and knees. I didn’t say you could get up! he shouted, kicking her in the side. Her body flipped in the air before slamming back onto the ground. Her cry of pain was cut short as broken ribs threatened to pierce her lungs.

He kneeled next to her, grabbing the hilt of his dagger that was still in her shoulder, ripping it out. If you want any chance of staying alive, you will stay down.

Ragoth walked over to Angel, the tip