CHAPTER 19: THE WRATH OF THE DRAGON LORD

The battlefield trembled beneath the weight of two clashing titans. Darius and Kael moved like shadows in the firelight, their swords striking in rapid succession, sending sparks flying into the air. Each blow echoed like a drum of war, the force of their strikes splitting the earth beneath their feet.

Evelynn stood frozen, her breath caught in her throat as she watched the deadly dance unfold. Darius was relentless, his golden eyes burning with fury as he parried Kael's every attack. But Kael was no ordinary adversary. A seasoned warrior, ruthless and precise, his movements were calculated, each strike aimed to break through Darius's formidable defense.

A deafening roar split the night, dragging Evelynn's gaze upward. The wyvern that had carried Kael circled the battlefield, its obsidian scales shimmering like liquid darkness in the glow of the burning fortress. With a single command from its master, the beast dove, its powerful wings carving through the smoke-choked air as its jaws gaped wide, aiming straight for Darius.

"Darius!" Evelynn screamed.

Darius pivoted just in time, rolling away as the wyvern's massive claws tore into the ground where he had stood. Dust and debris erupted into the air, momentarily clouding Evelynn's vision. When it cleared, she saw Darius back on his feet, sword raised, his expression unwavering as he faced both Kael and the wyvern.

"You fight well," Kael sneered, wiping a trickle of blood from his lip. "But even the Dragon Lord cannot stand against the might of a true warrior and his beast."

Darius's grip tightened on his hilt, his chest rising and falling with measured breaths. "I've faced worse monsters than you."

Kael's smirk widened. "Then allow me to remind you what true terror looks like."

With a flick of his wrist, Kael signaled the wyvern again. The beast shrieked and lunged forward, its massive wings stirring up a violent gust of wind. Darius moved swiftly, dodging the creature's snapping jaws, but Kael was waiting. The enemy general struck, his blade slicing toward Darius's exposed side.

Evelynn's heart pounded. "No!"

But Darius was faster.

He twisted, bringing his sword up just in time to deflect Kael's attack. The two warriors locked eyes, their faces inches apart. Then, with a powerful shove, Darius sent Kael stumbling back.

The wyvern roared in frustration, its tail sweeping across the battlefield. Evelynn barely had time to react before the force of the blow sent her sprawling. Pain shot through her body as she hit the ground hard. She gasped, struggling to push herself up.

When she did, her eyes met Kael's.

A slow, sinister smile spread across his face. "Ah, the little queen-to-be."

Evelynn's blood ran cold.

Kael advanced toward her, his sword dripping with fresh blood. "I could take you now," he mused, his voice laced with amusement. "End this war with a single stroke. But where's the fun in that?"

Evelynn scrambled back, her fingers tightening around the dagger at her belt. "Stay away from me."

Kael chuckled. "Or what? You'll stab me with that little blade? Adorable."

Evelynn's hands trembled, but she refused to back down. She had already spilled blood tonight. She could do it again.

Kael lunged.

Evelynn reacted on instinct. She ducked low, spinning to the side as she slashed upward with her dagger. The blade caught the edge of Kael's armor, slicing through the leather beneath. He hissed, staggering back.

For a brief moment, shock flashed in his eyes. Then amusement. "Well, well. You do have some fight in you. Perhaps I've underestimated you."

Evelynn didn't wait for him to recover. She turned to run.

She barely made it three steps before the wyvern's shadow loomed over her.

A rush of wind, the sound of flapping wings, and then—

A massive force slammed into her from behind, sending her crashing to the ground once more. A sharp pain lanced through her shoulder as claws dug into her flesh. The wyvern had her pinned.

Darius's roar of fury shattered the night. "Let her go!"

Kael's laughter was cruel. "You're in no position to make demands, Dragon Lord."

Darius surged forward, his blade flashing in the firelight. The wyvern reared back, releasing Evelynn just as Darius's sword found its mark. The beast let out an ear-splitting shriek as dark blood sprayed across the ground. It staggered, its wings flailing wildly.

Kael snarled. "You—"

But Darius was already upon him.

The battlefield around them ceased to exist. It was just the two of them now. King against the general. Fury against cruelty.

Darius struck with deadly precision, his every movement fueled by unrelenting rage. Kael blocked, but he was faltering. For the first time, his confidence wavered.

"You should never have touched her," Darius growled, his blade slicing through Kael's armor, drawing a deep wound across his chest.

Kael stumbled back, blood dripping from his lips. He gritted his teeth, raising his sword for one final strike.

Darius didn't give him the chance.

With a roar, he drove his sword through Kael's heart.

Kael's eyes widened in shock. His lips parted, but no words came. He staggered, choking, before collapsing to his knees.

Darius wrenched his sword free. Kael's body crumpled to the blood-soaked ground, lifeless.

Silence fell over the battlefield.

The remaining enemy soldiers faltered at the sight of their fallen leader. The wyvern, wounded and masterless, let out a mournful cry before taking to the skies, disappearing into the night.

Darius turned, his golden eyes scanning the battlefield until they found Evelynn.

She was still on the ground, panting, her injured shoulder bleeding through her torn sleeve. Relief flooded her face as she met his gaze.

He was beside her in an instant, kneeling, his hands cupping her face. "Are you hurt?"

She let out a weak laugh. "I've been better."

His eyes darkened. "I told you to stay inside."

She met his gaze with quiet defiance. "And I told you—I won't stand by and do nothing."

For a moment, he was silent. Then, to her surprise, the corner of his mouth twitched.

"You are impossible," he muttered.

She smiled, despite the pain. "And yet, you keep saving me."

Darius exhaled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You are mine to protect."

Evelynn's heart pounded at his words. But before she could respond, the distant sound of war horns echoed across the valley.

Reinforcements.

Darius's expression hardened. "We're not done yet."

He rose, offering her his hand. She took it without hesitation.

As the enemy's second wave approached, Evelynn stood beside the Dragon Lord, ready to fight once more.

Together.