The screech that tore through the mountain pass was unlike anything Azeal had ever heard in the mortal world. It was a terrifying fusion of a dying woman's scream and the predatory shriek of a giant bird of prey. Inside the narrow cave, the low, cosmic blue light emitting from the runes of the Star Fire Sword pulsed violently, mirroring the rapid beating of Azeal's heart.
They're above us," Azeal hissed, gently pushing Vaelora deeper into the shadows of the cavern. He ignored the burning protest in his ribs as he stood up, his boots grinding against the loose gravel. "Stay behind me, Vaelora. Don't look out."
"Azeal, be careful," she whispered, clutching the Book of Origins to her chest. The obsidian cover felt ice-cold against her skin, but she could feel the chaotic energy swirling just outside the cave's mouth.
As Azeal stepped out into the freezing night air, the silver-grey clouds parted under the pale moonlight to reveal the horrors Draeven Zareth had summoned. Swooping down from the jagged peaks were three monstrous creatures. They possessed the bodies, talons, and massive feathery wings of colossal vultures, but where their heads should have been, the twisted, pale faces of women stared back. Their eyes were devoid of pupils, burning instead with the corrupted violet fire of Zhalver's Ever-Flame.
They were Harpies—the ancient sky-scavengers of myth, known for tormenting the lost and tearing flesh from bone.
With another synchronized shriek that rattled the loose rocks of the cliffside, the first Harpy dived. Its massive, razor-sharp talons were aimed directly at Azeal's throat.
Azeal didn't flinch. He raised his hands, gripping the hilt of his family's greatest legacy with both palms. As the monster closed the distance, the Star Fire Sword finally woke up. The celestial runes blazed to life, enveloping the steel in a searing, brilliant white cosmic fire. It was the same divine light King Aetheron had used to conquer the Zarethian Trial, and now it answered the blood of his son.
With a powerful upward swing, Azeal unleashed the blade. The Star Fire Sword cut through the air, leaving a trail of starlight behind it. The burning steel met the Harpy's talons. Instead of clashing like normal metal, the cosmic fire cleaved right through the monster's stony claws and sliced clean across its chest.
The creature let out a agonizing howl as the celestial flame consumed it from the inside out, turning its monstrous form into a cloud of glowing white ash before it could even hit the ground.
The remaining two Harpies circled high above, their violet eyes widening in raw fury. They realized this boy was no ordinary messenger; he carried the weapon of the True King. Screaming in rage, both creatures dived simultaneously from opposite sides, attempting to overwhelm him.
One Harpy lunged at Azeal from the front, snapping its jagged beak, while the second flew low, aiming to bypass him completely and enter the cave where Vaelora was hidden.
"No, you don't!" Azeal roared.
He lunged forward, pivoting on his heel. He slashed the first Harpy across its wing, severing the dark feathers and sending it crashing heavily against the mountain wall. But the movement left his back completely exposed. The second Harpy seized the moment, sweeping past him with its talons outstretched, mere inches away from the cave entrance.
Inside the cave, Vaelora felt the ancient magic in her veins surge in response to the danger. She didn't have her full powers yet, but she refused to be a helpless bystander. She held the Book of Origins outward. A brief, concentrated pulse of pure golden energy erupted from the book, striking the incoming Harpy squarely in the face.
The monster reeled back, blinded and disoriented by the holy light.
That split second was all Azeal needed. With a burst of speed fueled by adrenaline and love, he leaped across the rocky ledge. Bringing the Star Fire Sword down with a two-handed strike, he buried the burning blade deep into the Harpy's back. The cosmic fire erupted violently, instantly incinerating the beast into a pile of dust.
The injured Harpy against the wall, seeing its pack destroyed so effortlessly by the starlight, let out a terrified whimper. It scrambled into the air, flapping its single good wing frantically as it retreated back into the dark clouds, fleeing toward Zhalver to carry the news of its failure to Draeven Zareth.
Azeal lowered his sword slowly, the celestial flames on the blade dimming back into a soft, protective hum. His breathing was heavy, and a fresh drop of blood trickled from his lip, but his eyes were fierce. He turned around immediately, rushing back into the cave to drop to his knees beside Vaelora.
"Are you hurt?" he asked breathlessly, his hands scanning her face.
Vaelora shook her head, a breathless, relieved smile breaking through her fear. She looked at him, then down at the glowing Star Fire Sword. "I'm fine. We made it."
Azeal pulled her into a tight embrace, burying his face in her hair. They had won this battle, but the single surviving Harpy was flying back to their enemy. Draeven now knew exactly what weapon the prince held, and the next creature he sent would not be so easy to burn.