SWNOVELS Chapter 42
“Ice wolves,” Stormhowl growled, his hackles rising. “I’d hoped the stories were just legends.”
Fenris shifted seamlessly into his wolf form, positioning himself protectively in front of Lyra. “What are ice wolves?” she asked, her hands already glowing with defensive magic.
“Creatures of living frost,” Stormhowl explained, his eyes scanning the swirling snow for signs of movement. “They’re said to be the embodiment of the mountain’s fury. No one who’s encountered them has lived to tell the tale.”
As if summoned by his words, shadowy forms began to materialize from the storm. They were wolves in shape, but their bodies seemed to be formed of translucent ice, with eyes that glowed with an eerie blue light. Steam rose from their maws as they snarled, revealing teeth like jagged icicles.
“Into the cave!” Lyra shouted, unleashing a burst of fire magic to create a momentary barrier between them and the approaching ice wolves.
The group retreated into the cavern, Stormhowl’s pack forming a defensive line at the entrance. Lyra worked quickly, inscribing protective runes around the perimeter while Fenris stood guard.
The ice wolves attacked in waves, their freezing breath creating treacherous patches of black ice with each exhalation. Stormhowl and his pack fought valiantly, their natural heat providing some defense against the creatures’ frigid assault.
Lyra alternated between offensive spells and healing magic, mending wounds as quickly as they were inflicted. Fenris was a blur of motion, his powerful jaws snapping shut on limbs of living ice, shattering them into crystalline shards.
As the battle raged on, Lyra became aware of a growing vibration beneath her feet. The ley lines she had sensed earlier were pulsing with increasing intensity, responding to the magical energy being expended in the fight.
An idea formed in her mind – dangerous, potentially catastrophic, but possibly their only chance at survival.
“Fenris!” she called out. “I need you to draw them in closer. All of them!”
The wolf-shifter met her eyes, understanding passing between them without need for further explanation. He let out a challenging howl, goading the ice wolves into a frenzy.
As the creatures pressed their attack, crowding into the mouth of the cave, Lyra reached deep into the well of her power. She touched the confluence of ley lines, channeling their raw energy through her body.
The air crackled with barely contained power. Lyra’s hair stood on end, her eyes glowing with an inner fire. With a cry that seemed to shake the very mountain, she released the pent-up energy in a devastating burst.
A wave of pure magic exploded outward, washing over friend and foe alike. The ice wolves caught in its path simply ceased to exist, their frozen forms evaporating into mist. Stormhowl and his pack were knocked off their feet but otherwise unharmed, protected by Lyra’s intent.
When the light faded and the dust settled, an eerie silence fell over the cave. The storm outside had abated, as if cowed by the display of elemental fury.
Lyra swayed on her feet, drained by the monumental effort. Fenris was there in an instant, supporting her weight as she struggled to remain conscious.
“That,” Stormhowl said, shaking snow from his coat, “was impressive.”
Lyra managed a weak smile. “Thanks. Let’s hope it didn’t bring the rest of the mountain down on our heads.”
As if in answer, a low rumble echoed through the cavern. For a heart-stopping moment, they feared another avalanche. But instead, a section of the cave wall began to shift, revealing a hidden passage.
“The ley lines,” Lyra breathed, her eyes widening in realization. “They’re showing us the way.”
Fenris helped her to her feet, his expression a mixture of concern and awe. “Are you sure you’re up for this? That spell took a lot out of you.”
Lyra straightened, drawing on reserves of strength she didn’t know she possessed. “We don’t have a choice. This might be our only chance to reach the observatory before the solstice.”
With a shared nod of determination, the group entered the hidden tunnel. The walls pulsed with a faint, blue-green light, guiding their way through the heart of the mountain.
As they walked, Lyra felt a sense of purpose settle over her. They had faced betrayal, corruption, and now the very fury of nature itself. Yet still they pressed on, drawn by a destiny larger than themselves.
Whatever challenges lay ahead in the Celestial Observatory, Lyra knew they would face them together. The fate of the cosmic tree – and all of reality – hung in the balance. Failure was not an option.
–
With Fenris by her side and their allies at their back, Lyra took another step forward into the unknown. The path was treacherous, but the reward at its end was nothing less than the salvation of all worlds.