Chapter 19
Clarissa’s scream echoed through the chamber, the kind that made even walls flinch.
Sweat glistened on her brow, her knuckles pale as she gripped Zephyr’s hand. Her back arched as another wave of pain surged through her body, ripping a gasp from her lungs. Around her, the eleven queens moved with precision—no fear, no panic, only purpose.
Aelira’s voice hummed softly from her place at the chamber’s edge. "The divine barrier holds. No trace of external force has breached us yet."
Zahra paced outside the door, blade drawn, her flames restrained but ready. "Let any god try," she muttered. "I’ll cut their name off the wind."
Inside, Eluriah stood over Clarissa, hands glowing as she channeled healing and energy through ancient rites. Her golden strands floated weightlessly around her head, eyes deep in focus.
"She’s nearly there," Eluriah said, breath steady. "The child’s aura is... not entirely human. Not entirely divine either. It’s... something else."
Zephyr nodded, his face pale but calm. He wasn’t afraid. Not anymore. He’d walked through worse fires than this.
He brushed the damp strands from Clarissa’s forehead.
"You’re doing so well," he whispered. "I’m here. Always."
Clarissa opened her eyes, hazy with pain and effort. "You better not faint."
"I’ll wait until after."
They both laughed. Even in the midst of chaos, they still found each other.