Page 23 of Claim My Soul

This only seemed to delight the wolf as he threw his head back and laughed.“Oh, but you are going to be a fun addition to my realm.”

Herleif started forward, fists bunched, until Alexia placed her hand on his arm, stepping closer to his side.When Fenrir began approaching with confidence, making his way directly to her, Herleif put himself in between her and the beast.

“Ah, is someone being territorial?”His tongue whipped out to lick his snout while he rubbed his paws together as if they were hands.

“Touch her and die.”Those gruff words from her lover sent more than warmth through her entire being, confirming the bond forming between them.It was fortification.

Fenrir began to circle them as Alexia and Herleif countered, never letting him out of their site.He kept his distance.For now.But Alexia wouldn’t be fooled by his calm demeanor, knowing this beast was a trickster of the highest order.His father was Loki, after all, the most famousJötnarin their history.

“What are you up to, Fenrir?”Alexia asked.

“Isn’t it obvious, my beauty?”Herleif growled once again but Fenrir wasn’t fazed in the least.He twisted his body, indicating toward the apparitions behind him.“I’m building my army.”

“You’re the soul collector,” she stated.Then asked, “Army?For what purpose?”

The beast tsked and shook his head as if disappointed.“Don’t be obtuse, my dear.The only purpose for an army is battle and a war is coming.Sooner than you might think.”

“Whose war?Yours?”Herleif scoffed.“And spirits are your soldiers?Good luck with that.”

“Oh, I won’t need luck.I have all I will need right here.”

His gaze never strayed from Alexia, and she shivered at the dark feeling that overcame her.Nonia pushed against her leg while rumbling a warning as Herleif stepped as close as he could, brushing his body to hers.Alexia brought up a hand, calling upon her magic and producing a blue light darker than any she’d ever conjured.

Fenrir seemed to shiver.“Mmm, how I love your show of strength.Sadly, it doesyouno good.”He drolled as if bored.“This ismyrealm, and my magic, my strength is the only one that will prevail.And with it, I will finally have my revenge and return the world to the old order.When wildness reigned and chaos ruled!”He raised his hands, and the souls drew closer to him, chanting his name.

“Ragnarok wasn’t enough for you?”Alexia asked.“You were killed once, and you’ll be defeated again.This time, for good.”

The beast laughed.“Oh, such sweet innocence.That purity of power will certainly be of use.To me.”

Alexia knew to react, pushing out her power to erect a protective shield around herself, Herleif, and Nonia.The force of Fenrir’s magic thrown at them shook the cavern, but her shield held.

“By the gods,” Herleif mumbled.“Can you hold him off?”

“I will do my best, but I do not know his strength.He’s been feeding off the souls, collecting their essence.And for how long?Your guess is as good as mine.”

“Can I move in and out of your shield?”

Alexia startled and snapped her gaze to Herleif.“Do not try, Herleif.His power is considerable, that I can feel.Even your speed and strength may be no match for him.”

“I must try something.”

Just as he spoke, the air around them sizzled and quaked as Fenrir roared, increasing his efforts and causing her shield to ripple.The souls condensed behind him, screeching.Nonia howled then broke through the barrier, charging.

“No!”Alexia yelled, ready to follow.

“Hold!”Herleif yelled as he threw up his arm to block her.“Look!”

A dozen more wolf-dogs materialized, followed by a dozen more, their manes aflame as they too charged the souls.They swiped, lashed out, and jumped through the spirits, causing them to dissipate.This only enraged Fenrir and he turned his attention to the animals.Propelling spheres of power at them, the dogs were knocked back, whining or disappearing altogether, only to have others take their place.

Alexia watched as Nonia circled, preparing to attack.She couldn’t stand by and do nothing, putting the burden on the wolf-dogs.Before Herleif could stop her, she dropped the shield and threw all her power into Fenrir, taking advantage of his back to them.He stumbled just as Nonia pounced, but the attack only seemed to annoy Fenrir as he batted the wolf-dog away, sending her crashing against the rock wall.

“Nonia!”

Herleif shouted for her, but Alexia moved to her companion’s side, sending a wave of healing magic across her.She watched as Herleif sped toward Fenrir, pummeling him with all his might.The giant wolf was stunned but quickly recovered, battling Herleif with both power and punches.Round and round they went, exchanging blows until Fenrir began to gain the upper hand.With another blast of his magic, he sent Herleif flying right into the center of the souls.They scattered but their focus remained on her troll.She had no idea what they could do to him, given Fenrir’s influence over them, but she took no chances.

Alexia threw up a protective shield around him, giving him time to recover, knowing he’d charge out again when ready.She watched as the wolf-dogs continued to attack, dispatching the spirits, then turned to face her foe.

“You only delay the inevitable,” Fenrir said, his paws flexing as his mouth dripped with even more disgusting spittle.“Cease your fruitless efforts or prepare to witness the agony I can inflict.”

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