Chapter 6

The time for Lustra’s final stand against Isaris had come. She and Sakassen descended upon her castle in the night, Xaophet trailing not far behind. Isaris’s power had grown considerably with the increased number of deaths, but Lustra had also grown stronger. She and Sakassen had subdued Isaris once, and they would do it again. However, the four minor gods fighting alongside her had the potential to be a problem. Still, Lustra expected they would turn tail once they saw what formidable strength she and Sakassen shared when their powers were combined.

But as they approached the gates, a shudder passed over Lustra’s spine. Something was not quite right. She could not put her finger on it—was it Xaophet, who had not returned her gaze in days? She assumed he was nervous, perhaps even afraid of her with her newfound strength. But meekness was not like Xaophet. And then there was Sakassen, the way he crouched low as they slinked past Isaris’ mortal guards into the main hall. He was cautious, and that too, was out of character. Was it possible that she had gotten through to Sakassen? No. She watched him take cover behind a pillar. This was too much; he was not just cautious, he acted overly careful as if he were playing games.

“Sakassen,” Lustra said, and her voice shook with anger. The door slammed shut behind them.

Lustra turned.

“Dear sister, how kind of you to pay me a visit,” said Isaris. “So, this is how you seek to repay me, Sakassen, by bringing her to me?”

The shadow behind Isaris seemed to duplicate, revealing the presence of Marlak who had been lurking in anticipation of Lustra's arrival.

“I trust you will find these terms agreeable,” said Sakassen.

“And I suppose I am the only one too foolish not to have seen it until now. It was you who broke the agreement,” said Lustra. Sakassen flashed her a toothsome grin. “What of you, Xaophet? I thought you at least carried some honor along with your evil.”

“Betrayal is not my usual style, true, but the signs of this moment have long been clear. My actions are driven by a higher honor—preserving the balance.  I fear that you have been clouded by your hatred for Isaris. Don’t blame me, Lustra; I warned you of your limitations. You refused to listen to me.”

Lustra slunk. He was right, she supposed. She should never have put her faith in Sakassen.

“Enough chatter.” Isaris cocked her head. “Not long ago, it was you who seized me. I hope you enjoy a taste of your own medicine.” Isaris exhaled,and a jet of ice-white energy hurtled toward Lustra.

Lustra flung herself aside, slamming into a support column with a resounding crack. She caught her balance, and from over her shoulder, she freed her behemoth shield. She thrust it into the air with a guttural cry, and three great metal chains whipped out of the ground, churning the floor to rubble as they unfurled toward each of her opponents.

Marlak was caught by the whip of the chain, his ribs crushed by the force as he hurtled into the wall behind him. He slid to the floor, immobile.

Sakassen leaped aside and landed hard, planting his fists into the ground. He looked up, eyes rolling into his head as he muttered under his breath. All around them, pools of sludge emerged from the ground, sickly puddles of green with organs, bone, and black fur. Isaris sidestepped her chain as it whipped past. She had seen Sakassen do this once before. The puddles curdled as he rose to his feet, and beings began to emerge—tall, sulky creatures that stood on two legs. Their backs were covered in sleek black fur streaked with white, and their arms bulged with eerie, glowing, shock-green veins. The air crackled with energy as their claws sparked with lightning, ready to unleash their deadly power. These creatures, once simple skunks, had been grotesquely transformed by Sakassen's dark magic.

“Allow me to introduce you to the Wyevena,” said Sakassen. “I do recommend you cover your noses.” The creatures turned in unison towards Lustra. With a flex, they released clouds of putrid green smoke, and lightning bolts crackled from their claws, scorching the ground as they advanced. Lustra’s eyes stung as she choked on the smog, struggling to keep her balance as the air became thick with the noxious fumes.

With another shudder, Isaris’s jet of ice plunged into Lustra’s chest, filling her with a burning cold. The ice spread, and her muscles stiffened, her body clenched in agony. She struggled to lift her shield, arms grinding against the frigid blood that now filled her veins—she had underestimated her sister’s power. Isaris snorted and exhaled another surge of cold. The room’s temperature plummeted, and Lustra’s vision faded to a bleak, agonizing white hellscape.