Chapter 103 - The Final Strike

Ella's POV

Through our sacred veins now coursed ancient magicks and prayers from generations long passed who had held fast to hope. Through us they yet fought on.

We would not fail them.

Before River could hurl his accursed sorcery I thrust both hands skyward, drawing down beams of pure light.

Blinding light erupted from my outstretched palms, scouring away the shadows clinging to River's hulking form.

The blessing entrusted to us could purge even direst darkness if called in faith. My eyes slid closed, willing my drained vessel to a conduit for its undiluted power.

The concentrated blessing seared straight through to the festering wound at his core that had birthed such endless bitterness and cruelty. For less than a blink, I glimpsed it plainly and grieved.

With a despairing wail, the broken creature dissolved to mist on the celestial winds until no trace remained. There could be no vengeance for mortal hearts now, only solemn release far kinder than fury's judgment might have de