Page 80 of Detonation
How do you win against something like him? Does he even have a physical body to harm?
"I apologize, Master. I had an issue here that needed my immediate attention but I will head back to the witch realm at once."
Although he feigns bravery, I can see the tremble that runs through his body and that alone makes the hair on my arms stand on end.
Gaia, I need you. Now more than ever.
Erebus tuts, coming to a standstill in front of Anshar. "That is not how this works. I’ve told you already that I have your replacement marked. You have been too reckless in this second chance at life, your priorities too unfocused."
Peeking around Anshar’s leg, I see a swirling mass of shadows come out of nowhere, reaching for Anshar like tentacles and I grip his arms, knowing this, whatever it is, will take Ash out as well. I can’t let that happen.
Yanking with all my strength, I knock Anshar to the side and onto the ground, facing off against Erebus.
What the fuck am I doing?
The shadows halt, inches from my face, and the molten red eyes cut through to my soul. “Ah, the young fae queen. I was willing to give Anshar the opportunity to tame you before I stole your power. He was such a fine soldier for me in your previous life. But I grow weary of waiting and my plans have been set in motion."
"Is this a thing with all villains? Why do you all talk so much?" I blurt out, faking bravado. I will not let him see my fear.
It's like a bucket of hot water is dumped on me as my powers flood my system, throwing my nerves into overdrive.
"How dare you, you insolent child," Erebus spits as his shadows form into daggers, red strands of energy curling around them hovering in the air at his side.
"You said you wouldn't kill her, Erebus," Anshar stands, warily stepping towards me, keeping his front to Erebus.
A dark rumbling laugh sounds, chills running through my body as it echoes through the room. "That's the great thing about being a god—I can change my mind because I don't answer to anyone but myself."
At his words, the daggers fly towards me, my body quickly reacting and throwing a blindingly bright teal shield up, protecting myself and Ash. His daggers crack my shield but fizzle out with it without doing much damage.
Anshar attempts to place himself in front of me but I move to stand at his side.
"Interesting. No queen's powers should have been able to counter my own. Not a simple, goddess-blessed fae."
Surprise, bitch.
I open up my mind to the knowledge that Gaia is my mother, accepting it and letting it fuel me.I am the daughter of a Goddess and I will not run in fear.
"Perhaps you're losing your touch," I goad him, while my powers buzz through me like a live electrical wire.
Anshar seethes. "Stop it, Oslana."
"I like her fire. Perhaps once I take her power, I'll keep her by my side as a slave," Erebus muses as tendrils of his shadows reach out towards me once more.
A growl comes from Anshar. "She ismine." In a wild frenzy of movement, he launches himself at Erebus, purple and black lightning hurling from his hands, aimed at where Erebus’s face should be, unleashing everything he has in him.
No!He can’t take him on.
"Anshar, stop!"
Erebus laughs, swatting the attacks away like bothersome flies. “Do you think you’d be able to use the powers that I’ve gifted you against me and live to see another day? You were a loyal dog, Anshar, but certainly not the smartest of the pack.”
Anshar doesn't falter in his attacks, launching orb after orb of dark energy at him. I throw an ice wall in between them, which has no effect on Erebus. The god’s attention draws back to me and my heart stiffens with fear.
In the background, I hear Anshar whispering angrily, “Fine. You try.”
"Interesting,” Erebus says. “He has abused you and yet, you care for his wellbeing. Ah, wait—a human resides within the vessel, does he not? Is he the one you seek to protect?"
My stomach drops at the thought that he knows my motivations, knowing he could use that against me.
