Chapter 59: Shadows and Vows

Claire’s POV

The war zone was like a graveyard full of flame and devastation. The earth quakes under the weight of war, drenched in blood and wreckage. An oppressive atmosphere permeated with the scent of death, while the sounds of dying men broke through the tumult like a lament. Yet, in the middle of this was one thing that truly remained unimpressionable—Lila's oppressive aura.

At the very heart of the ruin she stands, untouched by the carnage that played about her. The wind, hot enough to bake a man, billowed her cloak, and those dark eyes shimmered with something unholy. That distorted grin crept onto her lips again, and she tilted her head, watching me as a mere pawn in her distorted game.

Lila pondered, "You have lived longer than I thought, Claire," and moved onwards. "I will be honest, I did not get you."

Even though my heart was racing, I kept my dread from her. I ignored the burning ache in my side from my last wound and strengthened my hold on my sword. Derek and Jared continued to combat the other members of Midnight Moon's army, but this was my struggle.

I forced myself to keep my voice calm as I answered, "You do not terrify me, Lila."

Her laughter was low and derisive. "Oh, but you need to be afraid. You ought to be afraid. A startling surge of black energy rippled across the air as her fingers twitched at her sides. I staggered backwards as the earth underneath me broke and a rush of choking strength struck my chest.

Tendrils of gloom curled around my limbs, like if frost had crept into my bones. I clenched my jaw and made myself stand up.

"You are not even aware of who you are, are you?" With a tone full of laughter, Lila muttered. "You act as if you belong here, but you don't. You didn't.

I felt my gut tighten. "What you think of me is irrelevant to me. This fight is not yours to win."

Lila grinned more broadly. "Who said I had to prevail?" She gestured towards the battlefield with her arms stretched wide. "Claire, I have already destroyed you. Examine your surroundings. Redwater is on fire. Your people are dying.

My nails dug into my hands as I clenched my fists. "You will not shatter me."

Her enjoyment turned into something colder and more sinister as her eyes darkened. "Oh, Claire, I do not have to shatter you. All I have to do is ruin everything you cherish."

She moved quicker than I had ever seen before I could respond. She was across from me one moment, and then she was directly in front of me, her fingers locking around my neck the next.

As her hold tightened and she lifted me off the ground with incredible power, I felt a sharp pain. I let out a cry and tried to scratch her wrist, but it seemed like I was up against hard rock.

Hersing, "You should have remained weak," "You ought to have taken your seat."

My eyesight was blurry at the edges as I struggled. My body screamed for breath, and my lungs burned. Then, however, something changed inside me. I felt a surge of warmth in my chest that resisted Lila's icy hold. It seemed old and familiar, like a flame that was just waiting to be kindled.

For the first time, Lila's face faltered. "What—?"

A great gust of energy exploded deep within me and threw her backwards with such force that she skidded across the battlefield. My breath rasped from me as I fell onto the ground; there was no time to get back up.

Lila picked herself up slowly, having combed her hair wild and torn her coat. But behind the fury, there flickered another light in her eyes.

Recognition.

"So that's it," she said, dusting her hands. "They've been hiding it from me all along."

I didn't care for the meaning of her words. I pushed myself upright and raised my sword once again.

Lila smiled and stepped forward slowly. "Claire, I had intended to murder you right now. Now, though? I guess I would just prefer to tear you to pieces right now." 

The air splintered with a thunderous boom. 

Derek. 

With his golden eyes burning, he dashed towards me, breaking past the line of soldiers. But Lila just raised a hand, and the space between us shattered. 

Derek had to skid to a stop before he plunged into the abyss as a pit of blackness opened at his feet. His eyes snapped to Lila, and he snarled in rage. 

He said, "Do not you dare touch her." 

Lila grinned. "Oh, Derek. Do you still have hope of saving her? 

She turned back to me, her words fading to a whisper that only I could hear, and my pulse raced. 

"There is no way to save you." 

Around her, the shadows started to change and whirl as if they were alive. 

Then-