burning with hard determination. Elara's golden aura surged around him, her amulet in her hand thumping with raw, unreleased energy. The beas

he cavern. He blocked the creature's initial attack with

and trust. A surge of protectiveness threatened to overwhelm him, to defend her from this anc

of golden fire burned out, blinding the beast for an instant. It dropped back, its eyes blazing

g to his feet, his body moving more

t order, with determination and fervent devotion

nto a blinding beam that hit the beast, and the creature howled in pa

d, shaking with her words as

but a third blinding pain cut across his ribs. Baring his teeth in a snarl, he could not s

wer" Elara gasped,

and entreaty in his tone. His chest heaved with protective fervor born of love

d her growing faith in herself. A second burst of vitality swept through her, wild and fe

caves themselves. It swung again and again, every blow cruel motion

ess burning in his eyes. It was as much a vow to himself as to Elara. She de

struggling to push past her lips, fear l

pped to his knees, his lips issuing a strangled cry. But even in his descent, he had blocked the blow to protect Elara, absorbing the impact

r. The golden glow of the amulet trembled, weakening as her ener

, his gaze fixed upon her. His expression was one of torment and stubborn resolv

sorrow into her amulet. A burst of pure, unchecked magical energy burst forth-a blind

rned its monstrous form disintegrating to dust. There was silence in

. His wounds were serious, with blood seeping from his side. She pressed he

face, her fingers soft. She sensed his warmth, his solidity, and an unfulfilled, profound lov

ng her. She whispered to him, reassuring him, telling him of her relief, her love, and th

u," she breathed, her tea

d, his tone gruff but tender. Greate

efuge from the horror still closing in. The cave, which had witnessed such despicable conflict, had become their haven, their si

hrough the cave making their spines tingle. The room began to chil

and become dormant, throbbed

ing. far superior creatures." The whisper tau

utched Elara's hand in his very tight, searching gaze raking acr

ing back to her, a fresh strength flowing through her veins. She

rder replied softl

e ready. This is

r warmth, comfort and security. They had faced death toget