The f*******n Obsidian

Chapter 2 Severing the Veins

The law forbade a Saintess to enter the chamber without her Alpha's express permission. I went anyway.

The Nexus.

The Nexus lay deep beneath my tower. Every Saintess before me had fed that core of light with her life force. So had I.

The High Elder waited at the entrance with a line of guards.

"Child, your tantrum is over. Return to your chambers and meditate on your duty. Would you endanger us all for a fit of jealousy?"

"Jealous? No. I'm done."

I pushed past him. The guards reached for their swords, then stopped. None of them dared lay a hand on the Saintess.

"Your duty is to this land, its people, and your future Alpha!" the Elder shouted after me. "Caleb commands your return!"

I kept walking.

Veins of light ran across the cavern floor and walls and met inside the massive Sunstone at its center. Light climbed my boots, and each beat of the stone pushed warmth back through my soles.

Its pulse matched my heartbeat. For years, my essence had strengthened the kingdom's barrier, fed the fields, and purified the air Caleb's people breathed.

The broken oath burned under my ribs. I pulled from my sash the ceremonial dagger meant for my pledge to Caleb.

I drew the blade deep across my palm.

Saintess magic brightened the blood. I pressed my open palm to the Sunstone.

Light flared beneath my hand, ready to feed.

I gave it the words of severance.

The f*******n incantation caught hold of my bond to the land and pulled. One thread snapped, then another. Pain ripped a scream from me.

My knees struck the stone, yet I kept my bleeding hand in place until the last thread tore free.

Blood hissed on the crystal. "No more."

The chamber light flickered and dimmed. Its hum cut off. Sacred herbs along the walls curled and collapsed into black ash.

"What have you done?" The High Elder gripped the entrance arch. "You've severed the link! Without its light, you will wither. You will die out there!"

I peeled my hand from the dull stone and faced him. My legs shook hard enough to buckle.

"Whether I live or die is none of your concern."

The guards backed away as I left the Nexus. I made it into the wilderness at the edge of the territory before my legs folded and the ground tipped toward me.

Arms caught me before I hit.

Someone lifted me against a broad chest. Pine and ice cut through the incense still clinging to my hair.

Violet eyes met mine.

Kaelen.

Horns sounded behind us. Angry shouts followed.

They were coming for me.