The Devouring Knight

In an instant, black chains erupted from the ground, wrapping tightly around the commander's body. The man struggled, but the chains only tightened, digging into his wounds as if alive.

Skitz tilted his head, turning his gaze toward Aren, who was still catching his breath, half-kneeling with his broken spear. A smirk formed on the goblin's lips. "That last clash though… pretty damn good. You almost looked like the boss there." He gave a thumbs-up.

Aren let out a weak chuckle despite the pain. "You were watching this whole time? You should've helped earlier."

Skitz shrugged innocently. "What can I say? I got distracted. Your lightning was just too shiny, made me wanna sit back and enjoy the show."

Aren rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, "Next time, you're fighting first."

Skitz laughed. "Deal. But I'm keeping the dramatic entrance."

…..

The clash of steel and roars of beasts echoed through the smoke-filled battlefield.

Lunira charged forward with Jen on her back, her fur matted with blood, her fangs dripping crimson. Behind them, dozens of wolves followed, tearing through enemy soldiers.

"Lunira, left!" Jen shouted, raising her shield as an incoming arrow struck against it with a clang. Lunira veered sharply, dodging a spear thrust and countering with a powerful swipe of her claws, sending the soldier flying.

The ground shook as the pack advanced, but even with their momentum, they were being overwhelmed. The Legate's forces were relentless, pushing them back.

To the right, the lizardmen fought savagely. Their leader, Kaeldron with twin swords was in the center of the fray. His blades danced in a blur of silver, cutting down any who came near. But even he was bleeding, panting heavily as he shouted orders.

"Hold the line, damn it! Push them back!"

But the enemy numbers were too many.

Then two Quasi-Knights appeared, their armor gleaming dark. They moved like storms, cutting through wolves and lizardmen alike. Lunira lunged at one, but her massive frame was met with a flash of steel.

The blade tore across her flank, and she howled, a raw pained sound that cut through the battle's noise

"Lunira!" Jen screamed, her eyes wide in horror. She swung her sword desperately, her blows blocked with ease. Tears welled up as she saw her companion stumble. "No! Get away from her!"

The Quasi-Knights surrounded them. One raised his blade high, aiming to strike down Lunira's neck.

But before his sword could fall…

Crack.

The air suddenly turned frigid. Frost began to spread across the ground, creeping up the soldiers' legs. Their breath turned white.

Then… shhhk!

An ice spear shot through the air, piercing straight through both Quasi-Knights' chests. Their eyes went wide before they collapsed, frozen solid before they even hit the ground.

Jen froze too, her heart pounding. She slowly turned toward the direction the spear came from.

Through the fading mist of frost, a young woman walked forward gracefully. Her long white hair fluttered in the cold wind, and her staff glowed faintly with blue light. A serene smile rested on her lips.

Jen's eyes widened as recognition hit her.

"Sylra…!" she gasped, her voice trembling between relief and disbelief.

The silver-haired elf stopped a few steps away, her calm gaze meeting Jen's. "It's been a while, Jen," she said softly, her voice as cool as the air around her. "Looks like I came just in time."

...

Lumberling was still sitting on the ground, his arms wrapped around the three women as if refusing to let go. The warmth of their embrace made him forget the chaos that still raged around them.

"Hey," Thessalia finally spoke, breaking the quiet. Her tone was calm but pointed. "Aren't we forgetting something?"

Lumberling tilted his head lazily. "Like what?"

She gave him a look. "The Legate."

He blinked, then shrugged. "Ah, right, him." A grin tugged at his lips. "We'll deal with him later. Let's just stay like this for a while."

Aurelya sighed, though the corner of her mouth twitched. "You haven't changed at all," she said, resting her head lightly against his shoulder.

Vaenyra didn't speak, but her gaze softened as she quietly leaned closer too.

Then…

BOOM!

A massive explosion echoed in the distance, shaking the ground beneath them. The shockwave blew dust and smoke their way, forcing them to raise their arms to block it.

The four of them turned their heads toward the source.

"Oh… right," Lumberling said after a beat, scratching his head as he stood. "Lucian and the others are still fighting the Legate, huh?"

Thessalia's brows twitched. "You just said we'll take care of him later, and now you're acting surprised?"

Lumberling chuckled, completely unbothered. "Well, later just turned into now."

Aurelya glanced toward the battlefield, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Lucian… that name sounds familiar. Isn't he that hero your empire's always talking about?"

"Yeah, that one," Lumberling said with a tired grin. "We called for their help when one of the enemy generals attacked. Managed to win that fight somehow… but then the Legate showed up, and everything went downhill from there."

He let out a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck before giving her a half-smile. "Anyway, how'd you three even find me out here?"

Aurelya smiled faintly, her golden hair fluttering as she turned toward him. "You make it sound like you're hard to find."

Before Lumberling could answer, Vaenyra's calm voice broke in. "Aurelya left her mark on you."

He blinked, confused. "Mark?"

Vaenyra met his gaze, her tone as steady as ever. "Mm. I should leave mine too."

Aurelya's eyes widened, her cheeks turning pink as she quickly looked away. "V-Vaenyra!" she stammered, the flustered tone only making her sound more adorable.

Thessalia chuckled softly, her cool voice cutting through the awkward air. "It's a tracking spell," she explained. "A mark that lets one sense the other no matter the distance. Though… it only works through a certain kind of sacred physical contact."

Lumberling grinned, eyes glinting with mischief. "So that's how it works. Then maybe we should, you know, strengthen the mark, it's probably weaker after so long apart."

Aurelya spun toward him, ears burning red now. "W-We don't have time for this!" she blurted, her voice rising. "Didn't you say your friends were fighting the Legate? Let's go!"

Lumberling laughed under his breath, clearly entertained, while Thessalia just shook her head with a quiet smile.

"Fine, fine," he said, grinning wider. "We'll talk about this later."

Thessalia rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips despite herself.

"Then let's move," Vaenyra said firmly, her voice calm yet commanding.

The four of them took off, their steps light but swift, the ground beneath them cracking as mana surged.

Wind rushed around them as they darted toward the direction of the Legate's battle, where the air was thick with pressure, flashes of light, and the scent of death.