Under Attack, Day 135 A.F.

Wicked, curled horns glinted obsidian, a deadly blade melded and warped by beefy hands. Tendrils of steam wafted from flared nostrils. Meaty paws swiped at the air before us, boney plates and hooves hardening each fist. Bones protruded at odd angles, rendering the creature a mangled hodgepodge of beast and man. "I am the Devil!" he bellowed, roars all too familiar. "Blood!"

Chesed was far more animal than he'd been in Amire's mansion. Almost all semblance of humanity had been morphed into demonic horror: bulging muscles, horns and spikes, a drooling maw and a crazed predator five times the size of any human-being.

The thick metal chains that had harnessed the Devil under Amire's control had snapped, but remained bound around his wrists, identical to the ones that Amire had clasped around the necks of his experiments: Tybira and I. They were the chains Dancia had died in.

"What is this thing?" Cyprian hollered over Chesed's roars. He fell back from Chesed's horns, dragging me at his side.

"The Devil." I was far too dumbfounded to break away from his grasp. Amire's mansion... I wanted to forget all of it. He'd used this monster to earn my affection! Would Chesed recognize me? My palms grew sweaty even as my claws sharpened, my glyphs swirling and my hair a leaf-strewn red. For a moment I was sure I'd vomit.

That nauseous feeling only intensified when Chesed neared the immobilized Enki. In a heartbeat, Freki lunged at the Devil, flinging her entire body at the beast.

Chesed jerked his head towards the she-wolf. Freki didn't even have time to yelp before her skull met his left horn. The wolf bounced back like a toy, crumpling to the ground. One look at her bloodied head forced me to swallow whatever food remained in my gut; Freki's coat was split open, her silver fur stained red. Her tongue fell limp past broken and missing teeth. Fractured bone protruded from the crack in her head.

Tybira screamed, tears making paths through the grime on her face.

"Our best chance is to confuse it." Gabriel's cry from above was almost lost. "Don't let him see you coming."

"If he doesn't trample us first," Enki retorted, eyes glued to the fallen wolf.

Gabriel shot into the sky without answering, wings propelling him like an arrow. When it seemed he'd touch the heavens, he began to plummet, wings tucked at his back. A whistle pierced the roaring as the Archangel dropped, gaining speed every moment. He reached out, revealing the gleaming talons his fingernails had become.

A breath before he collided with Chesed's spiky back, Gabriel flared his wings just enough to keep from crashing, even as his talons embedded into the Devil's flesh.

The monster loosed a bloodchilling bellow that seemed to revertibrate through my very bones. He flung himself about in a random, staggering dance, waving his hands behind him.

How Gabriel managed to hold on to the rampaging beast I couldn't guess. His talons were locked in Chesed's skin, wings flailing. Gabriel's face contorted into an apple red grimace. His veins bulged under the stain as he flapped. It appeared he was trying to lift the Devil, but the thought was faulty. How could Gabriel even think to carry a beast at least five times his weight?

Tears leaked from the corners of Judgement's clenched eyes. With every flap more agony dyed his face crimson. No wonder: as far as I knew, Gabriel's wings hadn't yet fully healed from the Lovers' torture.

With a hollared curse, Gabriel's talons gave up. Chesed jerked his body backwards, sending the Archangel somersaulting through the air in a dizzying tailspin before righting himself just before he'd crash into either one of two trees side by side several paces off.

While the Devil remained distracted baying for fresh meat, Cyprian made a lunge for his thick shoulder; the blade simply grazed off, leaving only a thin trail of red in its wake.

"Not going to work, Hanged Man," Gabriel screamed overhead. His flight seemed shaky, though I could spot no real damage. "All those spikes make it impossible to pierce deep enough."

"He has weak spots on his stomach or below the chin," Enki offered.

"Can't get near enough without getting speared with those damn horns," Cyprian grated. "Not going to happen unless we can bind him down first."

The sun reflected off Chesed's horns like it bounced off my claws. He continued rampaging, plowing through Enki's campfire. Embers and sizzling sticks flew everywhere, though Chesed seemed unaware of the flames that licked his legs. I ducked out of the way of a flaming branch, sailing high through the air. The branch narrowly missed me, even as I crashed into Cyprian's side to avoid it.

Gabriel continued to circle overhead, making the occasional dive to scratch Chesed's back, but he refrained from latching on. His efforts only seemed to enrage the beast, never slowing his ramage. At best, the frequent attack kept the Devil from focusing on one of us; Gabriel managed to keep Chesed stomping in wild circles. But how long could Gabriel's injured wings hold out? He gasped for breath between dives. "He'll exhaust us long before we exhaust him. We can't outlast him, so we need to do something."

"Fly Ayesha out of here," Cyp barked. "Then come back for Enki and Tybira. Then me. If we can't stop him we need to evacuate."

The Archangel shot into the air to avoid a swinging paw. When he lowered himself to shouting rang I noticed a how frenzied his flaps had become, how much work it was to simply keep himself aloft. But Gabriel only nodded. "You're willing to be the last I return for Hanged Man?"

"Get them out of here," he snapped, fending off a horn with his sword.

It was a miracle Cyprian would let Gabriel carry him anywhere, but desperation had set in. I watched the sag in his flight as Cyprian pushed me towards Gabriel's waiting arms. "He'll never manage four trips!"

"Take Enki first," Tybira screamed, watching Chesed circle a bit further away, offering us a few moments to breathe. No doubt he'd pick up speed and race straight back. "Down a wolf, I'm not sure I can protect him if he can't move."

"He'll come back for Enki." Cyprian shoved me forward as Gabriel grabbed my arms. "Stop squirming, Ayesha."

"He won't be able to save you all!" I planted my feet. "He won't make it back in time!"

"Just let him take you, Ayesha!" Cyp tried to lift me into Gabriel's grasp, but I twisted out of the way.

"No. I'm not leaving when I can fight with you." My red hair whipped into my face. "Gabriel, you need to get Enki out of here now. Come back if there's time for the rest of us."

"Go with him, Ayesha," Cyp exclaimed. "You're just wasting time."

"Gabriel, take Enki," I repeated.

"Empress, please, let me save you," Gabriel implored. "I owe you my life, let me save you from this."

I jutted my chin. "The payment I want for my berries is for you to listen to me. Save Enki. I can outlast Chesed far longer than he can." It didn't make any sense why Cyprian would even volunteer me to be rescued first; Enki was weakened already, and I could heal from most injuries.

"Don't you dare, Archangel," Cyprian growled, watching Chesed's path loop back towards us. "Take her now!"

Gabriel glanced between us before dipping his head. With a shaky flap he was off again. My heart sunk as he flew towards me, but he soared directly over my head. Despite violent protests, Gabriel clasped Enki's arms in his hands and with Tybira's help, hauled the Magician to his chest. Judgement cradled him like a baby and in wavering spurts left us, and Cyprian's cussing, behind.

The Hanged Man wouldn't even look at me, shoving me back towards Tybira as he once again engaged Chesed. Cyprian worked wonders with his sword, but always on the defensive, pushed back further with every deflection. A horn caught his shoulder and Cyp fell back, barely managing to fend off the Devil's gaping maw long enough to right himself. Dark blood trailed down his bicep.

My breath came in short pants, though I was certain I could breathe easier than my male companions. Even Tybira had sent Gladiator and Romulus back into the fray. I recalled the promise I'd made her in Aphrodisia: no matter what, I'd keep her wolves alive. Freki was dead, but so long as Tybira remained alive, she'd recover. If Gabriel ever managed to return, I vowed she'd be the next rescued, but I doubted we were afforded that much time. And Cyprian's sword arm had been wounded. He wouldn't last long at all.

With heart thundering, I searched the skies for Gabriel. He needed to return! Another ear-splitting yelp: Gladiator had been crushed beneath Chesed's paw. Tybira screamed, but didn't recall Romulus. The young wolf darted at the Devil's ankles, furious growls interspersed with high pitched whimpers.

"Keep fighting, Rom!" Tybira yelled through her fangs. The canine did just that; Romulus flung himself onto Chesed's back, thankfully distracting the beast from Cyprian. He dug his muzzle into the wounds left by Gabriel's talons.

Chesed roared, rearing onto his hind legs; Romulus went sailing through the air and crashed to the ground with a sickening thud. The wolf remained motionless.

"No!" Tybira seemed to shrink, helpless without her familiars. Her watering eyes jumped from the corpses of her fallen friends, to Cyprian, now fending off the whole of Chesed's strength, his injured arm spewing blood. Fauna's gaze landed on me. "I'm sorry. I have to save them."

Before I could respond, Tybira was running, leaving Cyp and me to face Chesed alone. She didn't even look back. I knew Tybira was deeply connected to her wolves, and I'd promised that I'd keep them safe at my own expense as well, but... Lady Lotus huffed, She'd abandon you for a bunch of stray dogs.

Cyprian cursed, narrowly dodging a horn. How much longer, Gabriel? Chesed continued his rampage, bucking and rearing like a wild... stallion.

Xanthus had bolted when Tybira left, but even gone, the horse inspired me. I spun in a circle, scanning my surroundings. Not far off stood two powerful trees, an appropriate distance apart.

I raced towards the trees, not sparring Cyprian another glance, though I wondered how he reacted to my departure. Betrayed? Relieved? I didn't have time to look back. Panting, I reached the trees. With one lethal claw, I slit my palm.

There wasn't even time to wipe my blood on the tree trunks when Chesed whirled away from Cyprian, nostrils flared and eyes locked upon me. His jowls salivated. "Know that blood-smell. Tasty, pretty girl smell! Meat smells good!" The monster barreled toward me as I frantically smeared blood on the wood, binding the trees to myself.

The trees sent a thrill through me, straightening my back and raising my chin. This had worked before. I'd stopped Xanthus and saved Tybira. I could stop Chesed and save Cyprian.

Lady Lotus tittered, grasping ahold of branches and tying them to my mind. Maybe you'll even get an Icon out of this.

Chesed barreled closer, closer, close enough that his pounding hooves thundered in my chest, revertibrating with every racing heartbeat. A dark speck streaked across the horizon: Gabriel, frantically spurting to the rescue in choppy dips and glides. He wouldn't make it before Chesed plowed directly into me, but I didn't need him. Nor did I need Cyprian, who trailed after Chesed, falling more behind with every step.

"Come, touch, Chesed," I beckoned, curling a clawed finger towards the half-boy-half-beast. The seductive call fell so easily from my lips. Come, touch. But you'll pay a price.

My trees groaned under my command, soldiers ready to serve their empress. Each branch could be controlled separately. Each leaf moved as easily as I moved my own finger.

I timed my breathing with Chesed's strides. Timing needed to be perfect, or his jagged horns would run me through. Standing directly between the two trees, just a few steps back from where my trap was set, I wouldn't have time to jump out of the way if I missed.

One... Two... There!

Just as the Devil reached the trees, my branches snapped forward, ensnaring him in a tangled, wooden net. The branches creaked and cracked, but held. Chesed thrashed and bellowed, but was trapped.

With each crack, my flesh felt as if it was ripped open. I screamed, vision blurring. Almost convulsing, I toppled to the ground. After what seemed an eternity the pain ebbed. I peaked upward; Chesed had grown still. A smirk crossed my lips. I'd done it! Cyprian and Gabriel were still far behind, and for whatever reason, I was glad. I wanted to finish the Devil myself. As I approached, I met his bloodshot eyes. While chained in Amire's mansion, I'd almost pitied the creature abused since birth. But not this time. Any humanity that had once thrummed within this beast had been dissolved by feral savagery.

With a smile, I plunged my nails into his hard flesh. My claws sank through his skin easily, spilling lethal poison into his veins. I imagined it wouldn't take long for the toxin to take effect, yet Chesed seemed unfazed. His eyelids never wavered.

A sickening crack erupted in the bark. Chesed flailed wildly. With one final thrust, the branches gave way and Chesed plowed forward.

I heard it before anything else: the sort of squish sound.

Then Cyprian's yell. "Ayesha!" His voice seemed even further than he'd appeared moments before.

My mouth fell open in a scream, but no sound came out.

Blinding pain gave way to a stark, burning numbness.

Then I was flying, but only for a moment. I crashed onto the ground, staring up at Chesed's gaping mouth, slobbering over me.

Fear seemed a distant concept. I'd thought I'd be more afraid of the Devil standing above me. He moved as if in slow motion, as if time had halted. With a sort of bemusement, I glanced at my abdomen. It throbbed, but the pain seemed far away. Red poured from my side, coating most of my front in sicky liquid. Almost curious, I dipped a shaky finger in the substance, inspecting it. Was that... blood?

Agony broke through my muddled senses, searing my entire body. I gasped, coughing, blood bubbling up through my lips. My vision faded, like staring through a long tunnel. Chesed's hot breath burned my face, his drool mingling with my blood.

Chesed reared up, lifting his chin. Hadn't Enki said that was a weak point? If I could only reach up with my claw... I couldn't raise my arm that high. I could hardly move at all.

I closed my eyes.

The pain didn't stop.

I opened my eyes.

Chesed lay before me in a heap, a long silver arrow protruding from that vulnerable spot beneath his chin.

My pain had eased slightly, or I'd simply lost feeling... I couldn't tell which. Shivers ran through my skin, but I couldn't focus on it. I was a spectator, an impartial witness to my own life.

Footsteps raced towards me. In my haze I searched for Cyprian. I didn't remember him using a bow and arrow, but my mind was so foggy I couldn't tell. In gratitude, I forced myself to look at my savior. Not the Hanged Man.

-BEHOLD THE BRINGER OF DOUBT!-

I blinked away the strange Arcana's Tableau: a wolf and dog howling at a moon.

Inspecting Chesed's corpse was a tall woman with a long black braid. She wore a gray hooded top, pants and thick hunting boots I would have guessed belonged to a man. The woman stood straight, head lifted. Her bow was notched, held in front of her. The image of two twisted horns etched itself onto her hand, starting faded, but darkening quickly. With a calm, smooth movement, she turned her hard eyes on me. Before she could raise her bow, if she was planning to, Cyprian's sword appeared at her throat.

The woman regarded Cyp for a moment. "I don't want any trouble."

"Well you found it anyway," Cyprian grated. "Who are you?"

She smirked. "You don't know?"

Cyp's forehead creased for a moment, just long enough for the stranger to hook her bow around his neck, swinging out of his grasp. He staggered into Chesed's body.

As the woman renotched her arrow a shadow past overhead. She glanced upward, eyes widening at the sight of the Archangel.

"Don't make another move, Huntress!" Gabriel commanded. "Fauna is right behind me. We have you outnumbered."

She glared at Judgement for several tense breaths, but ever so slowly began to lower her bow.

Cyprian leapt up, throwing his entire body upon the Huntress. With a yelp, she collapsed under his weight. He remained on top of her, fumbling to bring his sword to her throat once more.

"That goes for you too, Hanged Man." Gabriel landed with bird-like grace. "We have no need to harm another person unprovoked."

"Unprovoked?" Cyprian scoffed.

"Don't just kill her!" Tybira protested, scrambling into my narrow path of vision.

"If I'd run off with my tail tucked, I wouldn't be giving orders," he growled, pressing his blade harder against the Huntress's neck.

"I needed to save my wolves," she barked. "But I felt bad so I turned back."

Vaguely, I wondered when they'd notice me. Somehow I felt that they had, but chose not to move. Why? Would I completely bleed out before they turned around? I thought I'd seen Gabriel glance my way, but he was far more concerned with breaking up the fight, and Cyprian was lost to the thought of battle. They were consumed in their own worlds, taken over by their own desires and motives. Were they so enthralled with their squabble I wouldn't get a chance to say goodbye?

Gabriel flared his wings, an effort to appear larger than the towering Cyprian. "Don't harm her without a reason. She could help us in Aphrodisia. We'll monitor her but get off." His voice left no room for argument. Judgement had spoken.

Cyp scowled, but stood, grumbling to himself. "The next time someone dies, the blood is on your hands, Archangel."

Gabriel ignored him as he went to oversee Chesed's body. The Angel offered his hand to the strange woman. "What's your name, Moon?"

She shot him a quizzical look, but eventually took his hand. Once on her feet, she cleared her throat. "Evony Mahvash."

"I am Gabriel Arendgast. Let me apologise for my companion's rather harsh greeting."

Evony shrugged. "Nothing unwarranted. If you'd not distracted me, he'd have an arrow in his neck just like the Devil."

The pain in my gut swelled again, yet my vision grew clearer. Why would I want to be more alert if it only increased my agony? A soft groan escaped my lips.

Only Tybira seemed to have heard. She whirled around, eyes widening. She threw herself at my side. "Oh gods, Ayesha! How could we... Gods, I'm so sorry! Cyp!"

Cyprian shoved her away, kneeling in front of me. "If you were so willing to abandon her for your wolves, why don't you go tend to them and let me handle her?"

Tybira flinched, though her lips peeled back slightly. As Cyprian turned back towards me, she nodded. "Fine. Gabriel, we need to go back for Enki. We can't leave him alone out there."

The Archangel nodded. "After I escort Evony back to camp, I'll retrieve the Magician." He set a hand on Cyprian's shoulder. "Keep her warm and near plant life. She should heal."

I didn't like them speaking about me as if I wasn't there, but I didn't have the energy to muster a word. Even more lucid, I wanted nothing more than to fall asleep, to sleep and never awake, to be buried in grasses and slumber for eternity.

Cyprian didn't answer the Archangel. As the others retreated, I let my eyelids droop. He rested both hands on my shoulders. "Come on Flower. Don't sleep yet. Come on!"

((This was a fun chapter to write, though difficult. Not nearly as hard as the next chapter, which has been the hardest one so far!

It certainly didn't end too well for Ayesha, though. And it just goes to show that no matter how tight the group is, they aren't the best at teamwork.

I'm glad you got to see Evony. What did you think? We'll find out more of her soon and how she greatly affects two of our other players.

Can you believe we're close to the ending? Crown of Thorns is planned to have three novels, so this is just the first in a saga, and a lot will happen even before this book comes to a close. I hope you'll stick around until the end of this one, and even in the sequels.

I know some of you, one in particular, will be very happy with the next chapter. At least I hope so. Like I said, it wasn't an easy one, so I hope it comes across.

Anyway, I'm rambling. Thanks for reading and have a great day!))