OPERATION WINTERSPINE (Strings Between Us Book 2)

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN: OF DEADLY ARROWS, THREAD OF CHAOS AND SHOTS OF FAITH

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN: OF DEADLY ARROWS, THREAD OF CHAOS AND SHOTS OF FAITH

THIRD PERSON's POV

Riyee moved with ruthless precision, each motion a blend of fluid grace and deadly intent. The two men who charged at them barely had a chance before she struck—swift, brutal strikes that echoed like thunder in the tense air. Every flash of steel, every snap of bone was executed with calculated efficiency. No hesitation. No mercy.

The adrenaline surged through her veins, sharpening her senses, driving her forward. She yanked KD's arm firmly, guiding him away from the immediate threat toward the scattered shelter where Jodie, Xylia, and the others—students and teachers alike—were huddled, trembling but alive.

Stay close. Stay safe. Her mind screamed at herself, heart pounding so loud she knew KD felt it through his Elarin Band. But she can't stop. Not right now. Not when there's people who wants them dead.

Barely catching her breath, she barely had a moment to register the three more attackers who surged forward, their faces twisted in raw, feral rage. Each one moved with deadly intent, eyes locked on her and KD as if they were nothing more than targets.

"This ends now." Riyee murmured.

Artemis shifted effortlessly in her hands, the obsidian metal folding into the sleek, lethal form of a bow. Crimson-tipped resonance arrows sparked instantly into existence, as if conjured from the kinetic energy swirling invisibly in the air around her. Glowing runic veins pulsated along each arrow's length, alive with raw power.

Her fingers tightened around Artemis's grip, the cool hum of Orichalcum vibrating beneath her skin. This weapon was more than metal—it was her shield against losing herself in the storm of bloodshed she dreaded. The energy woven into each arrow and blade wasn't just for power—it was control. Control over the damage, control over the pain, control over the bleeding.

This was the only way she could fight.

She drew a sharp breath, steadying herself, and notched a Shockwave Arrow with practiced ease. The tension in the bowstring thrummed as she loosed the arrow high into the air. It exploded mid-flight with a deafening concussive pulse, thunder crashing through the dome. The ground beneath the attackers trembled violently, buckling beneath their feet—two were sent sprawling, losing balance, while another slammed violently into a steel barricade.

Saichel's low chuckle floated through the chaos, his voice dripping with amusement. "The princess plays with earthquakes now."

Riyee shot him a quick glance, lips twitching into a faint smirk despite the fight. "I'm the storm now, Saichel. And no one will stand in our way."

From across the bleachers, she caught sight of Xythe already climbing, seeking higher ground to cover them.

His voice cut through the tension, calm and cutting. "Playing long range with Artemis?"

"For now," she muttered, eyes narrowing, hawk-like, scanning the battlefield with relentless focus.

"Gotta keep the civilians safe. Especially KD."

"Don't get too comfortable," Saichel teased back, dropping another electrified wire to trip an enemy near Riyee's flank. "You know I'm the real star of this show."

Riyee rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a grin. "Just don't fry anyone I'm supposed to save."

Xythe's voice chimed in from above, steady as a blade. "Try not to blow up the perimeter, Saichel."

Saichel laughed, sharp and wild. "Fine."

Every second counts. Her mind raced. Keep the civilians safe—especially him.