Chapter 73: VERY MANY YEARS AGO (SIDE STORY 6) <VARZIEL’S POV>
The Shadow Hound charged again, faster this time on its many legs. Arella ducked low, her staff sweeping out in an arch to trip the beast. It stumbled, and in that split second, she had thrust the glowing orb of her staff against its side. There was a loud hum as the runes etched on the staff flared to life, and the hound let out a blood curdling screech.
Holy water encased it, and light poured from its body as it disintegrated into a pile of mush.
Arella stood there for a moment, breathing heavily, and her staff still glowed faintly. The shelter was silent once more, save for her breathing and the faint whistling of the wind outside.
Varziel’s eyes were wide as he looked at Arella, who was still facing away from him. He could not seem to find his voice to thank her. It felt like the blood had rushed to his ears, as all he could hear was the loud thumping of his heart.
At that moment, he did not fear the creatures, and instead, all his attention was drawn to the little girl that had just defeated his biggest nightmare. To protect him.
Because he was weak.
Arella turned back, and gave Varziel a huge smile, "Done. That wasn’t so scary, now was it?"
Varziel finally found his voice, "You... you defeated it," he said, his tone filled with awe.
Arella walked to him, and he noticed that her cheeks were flushed from exertion, but her eyes sparkling with triumph, "Of course I did," she brushed her hair away from her face, "do not tell me you doubted me. I already told you, I won’t let you get hurt. Did you doubt me?"
Varziel shook his head quickly, "No. I mean, yes... I mean..." he trailed off, unsure of how to articulate the mixture of admiration and disbelief that he felt. "You were incredible."
Arella’s nose literally flew up to the air, "Aren’t I?" Her demeanor softened, "Cassie and father taught me well. And besides, there is no way I would let it hurt you, after giving promises."