Aardehn sits on the brink of catastrophic demise. Another cycle ending without its prophecy realized. It's magic touched inhabitants enslaved to gold mines, sex houses, or left to eke out an existence in the slimy underworlds of Drahinzi.
On the dis...
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Out of the corner of her eye, Celeste caught the first light of the explosion and flinched. An instant later, there was an ear-splitting boom. Then the shockwave slammed into her, lifting her from her feet, hurling her backward across the seduction room.
With a splintering crack, her head bounced off the wall, and for a moment, the world went black...
Black, like she always felt her bones must be.
Black, like the Obelisk planted in the middle of Torian.
Black, like the heart of her one true--
Then suddenly light again. And the acrid burn of smoke in her lungs.
Celeste coughed.
Her mouth tasted of blood. Her ears rang. And everything... everything hurt.
She willed her eyes to open, but they weren't ready. So instead, she forced a groaning breath, and with it, the ringing in her ears subsided.
Replaced by another sound. Smooth and lyrical. Low and sweet. So very close to her ear.
"If you survive this, little dagger, find me and we'll work out the dullness that's infected your blade." Scar whispered, her sweet breath caressing Celeste's cheek moments before she kissed it.
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Celeste blinked open her eyes. The room laid in ruin. A hole was blasted through the northside wall, and a skylimo was pulling up against it. The Lady Scar and her assistant slinked into their hovering chariot and a moment later it vanished into the night sky.
Another blink and Celeste caught more movement. This time... from inside the room.
By the gods. The creature.
It was hurt and had reverted to its weaker form-- but it moved surprisingly well for being caught in that blast.
In a heartbeat, it clambered to its feet and was running across the debris-covered floor, unfurling its wings.
Panic and rage surged into Celeste as she realized it was going to chase after the Lady Scar. With no small effort, she pushed herself up, reaching out with all her might.
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