The Forsaken Hero

Fable backed away as I closed my eyes, a gasp of pleasure escaping my lips as my mana surged into my soul. Its seductive warmth transcended all other sensations, even the fear of being surrounded by the Church and the Circle. It was simply divine, and I hungrily drew in more.

Even without looking, I could feel the air around me tremble, thick with the ambient mana drawn to my overflowing soul. Soon, the swelling tide of power became too much to contain, and I released my aura, letting it wash over the battlefield like a radiant dawn.

"Beautiful," Kahlen’s hushed whisper voice startled me, nearly causing me to lose control of the immense power coursing through me.

"N-not now," I pleaded, opening my eyes to glare at him. "Please, just not now."

He smiled faintly, his silver eyes reflecting the golden light emanating from my soul. "How can I resist?" he murmured, his voice filled with an unexpected reverence. "You’re like the sun itself, a radiant beacon calling to me. It’s no wonder my brethren lose control upon simply glimpsing your heavenly visage."

I blushed slightly, though I knew he wasn’t referring to my physical appearance, but to the raw power of my soul laid bare. At least he possessed enough discipline to retain his senses in the face of such unbridled power. Any demons within a hundred miles, if not more, would be able to sense it, but that hardly mattered now that we were in the midst of a war. Let them come; it would only further burden Brithlite’s already strained forces.

As I began to weave the intricate runes of the spell, several powerful auras flared to life, matching mine in intensity and hurtling toward us at incredible speed. The Star Guard, who had formed a protective circle around me, tensed and exchanged determined nods.

"We’ll keep them off you, my Lady," Luxxa said, her voice grim but resolute. "Just do what you must, and leave the rest to us."

I nodded, too absorbed in the spell to respond verbally. I felt their familiar presence retreating, leaving Fable and me alone. A cold weight settled in my stomach as the first shockwaves of their clash reached us, but I lightened my grip on my staff and continued to cast. Everything hinged on my ability to complete this spell, the entire plan resting squarely on my shoulders. Even if they were only sixth-level, they could handle themselves and wouldn’t die. They promised.