The Order

Chapter 16

Annalise's POV

We stand in formation, creating a barrier between the Moon Goddess and the creatures. As they approach, a wave of nervous energy flutters in my stomach. I’ve fought countless battles before, but never without my powers. Now is definitely not the time for self-doubt to creep in, but it’s clawing at the edges of my mind. I’m good—better than good—but as these creatures close the distance, their monstrous forms send a jolt of unease through me.

Once they’re within range, there’s no more time for hesitation. As one, we launch into battle, swords flashing under the dim, eerie light. The clash of steel against claws and teeth rings in my ears. One by one, the creatures fall, and our formation tightens as we encircle the Moon Goddess. The last of the horde bleeds out at our feet, and just as I think we’ve bought ourselves a moment to breathe, a bone-chilling wind rushes past us.

My stomach twists as I hear the unmistakable sound of snapping branches. Wolves burst through the treeline, their glowing eyes fixed on us with murderous intent. Behind them, unhinged, bloodthirsty vampires follow, their gaunt faces twisted with hunger. The scent of decay and raw violence fills the air, and we’re surrounded once more.

Normally, this is where I’d step up and handle the situation. But without my powers? My confidence falters, fear clawing at my chest. The panic rises so quickly I can’t breathe. My hand trembles on the hilt of my sword, my vision narrowing as I feel the crushing weight of it all.

Then, suddenly, warmth brushes my hand—a fleeting but deliberate touch that spreads through me like wildfire. The tension in my body melts away, replaced by a surge of energy so potent it’s like I just chugged a dozen energy drinks in one go. My vision sharpens, and the fear that threatened to consume me dissipates, leaving behind clarity and focus.

I glance around and see the vampires licking their lips, their ravenous eyes locked on the Moon Goddess. Realization hits me like a freight train. Of course. They’re here for her power. The Moon Goddess is limitless—a beacon for creatures like them.

As if reading my thoughts, Nate turns to the goddesses, his voice tight with urgency. “You need to leave. They won’t stop until they get to you.”

The Moon Goddess nods, raising her hand to vanish, but I step forward and grab her arm, halting her.

“Go to the castle,” I say, my voice firm despite the chaos swirling around us. “Inform my mates of what’s happening.”

The Moon Goddess looks at me for a long moment, her eyes gleaming with something like pride, before she gives a small nod. In an instant, she and her granddaughter disappear, leaving us alone to face the monsters that remain.

The horde of creatures descends upon us with unrelenting fury, and we fall into formation, our backs pressed together. Swords clash, claws swipe, and snarls echo through the air as we fight for survival. Emilia and the guys are a whirlwind of coordination, their movements seamless as they take down most of the wolves. I focus on the vampires, their bloodthirsty gazes fueling my determination.

But then, a sharp pain pierces my side. A vampire managed to slip through my guard, its blade embedding deep into my stomach. I stagger back, gasping as blood gushes from the wound. My hand trembles as I wrap it around the hilt and yank the knife out, crying out in pain.

The battlefield goes eerily silent.

Raising my head, I see the creatures pause, their ravenous eyes fixating on the blood seeping from me. It's as if the scent has awakened something primal in them, something darker and more dangerous. Emilia grabs my elbow, pulling me toward the center of our formation as she and the others tighten their circle around me.

"Stay with us, Annalise," she whispers, her voice tense but steady.

The forest comes alive again, but this time with an entirely new menace. Shadows shift, and the ground quakes as more creatures emerge—monstrous and unfamiliar. Their glowing eyes and grotesque forms make it clear that we’re outnumbered and outmatched.

This is a losing battle.

I glance around at my guards, their faces resolute despite the odds. I won’t let them die for me, not again.

Making my decision, I drop to my knees, pressing my trembling hands to the dirt beneath me. The memory of my mother's voice fills my mind, guiding me. My lips move almost instinctively as I recite the spell from her memory.

The earth rumbles violently beneath us. A wave of magic surges through me, radiating outward like a shockwave. The creatures howl in terror as they begin to disintegrate, their bodies turning to ash and scattering on the wind.

When the final creature vanishes, the forest falls into a deathly silence. My arms give out, and I collapse onto the ground, my strength completely drained. My vision blurs, and I feel the warmth of my blood pooling beneath me.

"Annalise!" Emilia's voice is frantic as she and the others rush to my side.

I want to reassure them, but the sound of another piercing screech cuts through the air, chilling us to the bone.

"s**t," Nate curses, scanning the shadows. "We need to get out of here before something else shows up."

Without hesitation, Nate lifts me into his arms, cradling me protectively as the others form a defensive formation around us. The six of us move swiftly through the forest, the oppressive darkness pressing in from all sides.

I can barely keep my eyes open, my body too weak from the spell, but I hold on to one thought: We survived. For now