The Forsaken Hero

Sari’s body spasmed as the poison penetrated her system, her veins rapidly swelling and turning darker than the night sky. Her body was so weak and frail, yet her eyelids fluttered as she struggled to remain conscious. Her lips, now black with venom, opened and closed, and fearing I’d miss her words, I leaned over and put my ear over her mouth.

"...I...do...good?"

Korra’s hands balled into fists, her eyes flashing dangerously. Tears blurred my vision as I cradled her head for a second longer before laying her gently on the ground. Korra had lasted more than day after being poisoned, but Sari had less than a minute before her frail body collapsed.

I stood slowly, struggling to control the tempest raging within my soul. Facing the man who had done this to my friend, I took a deep breath and spoke, my voice shivering with anger.

"What do you want?" I asked, each word slow and deliberate.

Alverin’s smug grin grated on my already thin nerves. "Ah, feeling a little willing to negotiate? I already told you what I want. Just teach me the spell you devised to cast the perfect Heart Crest, and I’ll provide you...this!"

My eyes narrowed as he held up a small, translucent flask. The liquid inside glimmered with powerful life magic. "An antidote?"

"Precisely. Now, you’d best make your decision, or I’ll be taking my leave. Oh, and don’t try anything funny. Even if you could overpower me and steal this antidote, you won’t be able to do it in time."

I gritted my teeth, tail lashing violently. He was right, and I raised my hand, motioning the Last Light Company back. Bethiv frowned at me, but his gaze fell to the foxkin child behind us and his expression softened. With his approval, the soldier backed away, leaving me and Korra alone before the monster.