But I only have eyes for Diana.
“I knew you’d come crawling back,” she purrs.
“Release. My. Mother.” My voice shakes with fury.
Diana lifts her chin. “Or what?”
I growl, low and dangerous then she raises her hand, and the warriors move.
They rush me all at once.
I fight.
God, I fight. My claws are out, slashing, blood flying, I don’t stop moving, even as bruises bloom across my body. I’m faster, sharper. But they just keep coming. Blow after blow, numbers piling, weight dragging me down.
My vision blurs, the world spinning as my knees crash against the ground. Dirt and blood stain my tongue. Everything aches. But above it all, I hear her.
That Laugh
Diana’s Laugh Triumphant Cruel Wicked.
The sound cuts through the fog in my mind, dragging me back to consciousness, I grit my teeth and force my eyes open, every nerve in my body screaming in protest.
I can’t pass out, not until my mother is safe.
-Release… my mother…” I whisper, barely audible, but i know she hears me. My voice may be faint, but the fire behind it isn’t.
“Fine 11 release her.” She steps closer, leaning down, eyes glinting with poison. “But you’ll pay for it… with your life.”
1 exhale shakily, Tothing my chin just a fraction
“Deal”
I was never afraid of death
Never
She signals to one of the warriors with a fick of her perfectly manicured hand. A moment later, I hear it her scream.
“Mama….” My heart cherches paindully
*KALI!” she cries. “Why did you come back sold you to run. To forget about me. To never look back”
I cough, bland sgriling from the comer of my mouth, and let out a half broken laugh” could never leave you. You’re my mother.”
Pies voice cracks like a wing “his, ‘ For That’s why I wanted you to find your real family! I’ve ved my life. Let me die so I can curse the Moon Goddess herself for grunng me the most usatees, heartless make?”
Pain sears deeper than any wound by chest tightens with grief i det have time to process
“Take her away” Grace shape candy, stapping down from Friss side like she’s the goddess of this cursed palace. “She’s said enough.”
“his–wait,” I rasp, my usuce barely tolding together ( seach out with a trembling hand toward Diana. “Let her go. You have me. That was the deal–”
Grack strides up to me slowly, like a predator savoring her will
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