Help! My Moms Are Overpowered Tyrants, and I'm Stuck as Their Baby!-Chapter 104: Sacrifices

Riven stood determinedly beside me, fierce loyalty radiating from him. Aria's expression was resolute, her optimism unwavering despite danger. Smaug's flames blazed protectively, his presence reassuring and fierce. For the briefest moment, amidst the chaos erupting around us, I felt a flicker of confidence, comforted by their steadfast companionship. My pulse raced, adrenaline surging through my veins, ready to confront whatever awaited us.

In front of us, Mara and Elira moved fluidly, their figures blurring with incredible speed. I watched, awestruck, as their blades flashed in a mesmerizing dance of precision, elegance, and lethality. The clash of metal rang through the air, echoing around us like a deadly symphony.

But even amidst the chaos, even as Mara and Elira seemed unstoppable, an uneasiness prickled beneath my skin. Something was terribly wrong.

Smaug's voice pierced my anxious thoughts. "Brace yourselves," he growled, eyes narrowing dangerously. "More incoming from the west."

Aria spun around, magic already shimmering around her fingertips. "Can't we ever have one peaceful picnic?" she complained loudly, her voice only slightly trembling. "Why is it always violence?"

I smiled grimly, appreciating her humor even now. "Because apparently, my life is a constant source of excitement."

Riven shook his head, exasperated yet determined. "We really need to reconsider our friendship choices after this."

"Too late for that," I quipped.

The approaching figures burst into view, clad in dark cloaks, faces obscured. They moved swiftly, shadow-like, coordinated. Mara and Elira immediately shifted to intercept, their weapons clashing furiously against the newcomers. The sounds of their fight reverberated through my bones.

The system whispered softly in my mind, an edge of tension coloring its voice, [Be careful. They're stronger than before. They're targeting you specifically.]

My heart skipped, pulse quickening further. I felt panic begin to rise, but I crushed it down ruthlessly. "Noted," I muttered under my breath.

Suddenly, from behind the ranks of attackers, a towering figure stepped forth. Clad in a long, hooded cloak that rippled with unnatural energy, the stranger radiated an aura that was chillingly familiar. I recognized that oppressive presence, that sense of power it reminded me too closely of my parents.

This was no ordinary enemy.

The newcomer raised a hand, and a pulse of dark magic erupted from their palm, shooting toward us with terrifying speed. Mara and Elira shouted simultaneously, diving into the path of the attack, their blades crossed defensively.

An explosion ripped through the air, sending shockwaves across the clearing. I shielded my eyes against the blinding light, stumbling back against Riven, who steadied me immediately. Dust and smoke swirled around us, obscuring my vision.

"Mara!" I shouted desperately, coughing violently. "Elira!"

Smaug snarled furiously, flames surging brighter around him, pushing back the swirling smoke. Aria raised her hands, conjuring a barrier of shimmering golden light to shield us from further attacks. "Stay close!" she shouted over the chaos.

As the dust cleared, my heart dropped. Mara and Elira stood there, panting heavily, visibly wounded but standing defiantly. Blood dripped from their numerous injuries, staining their once pristine uniforms. Their faces were drawn with exhaustion, but their eyes were bright, fierce, determined.

"Mara," I whispered shakily. "Elira…"

Mara smiled softly, though her expression was pained. "We're alright, Your Highness. Don't worry about us."

Elira nodded firmly, her voice steady despite her injuries. "Focus on keeping yourself safe. We have this under control."

The figure laughed softly, voice echoing coldly through the clearing, tinged with amusement and menace. "Such loyalty," they mocked. "How noble. And pointless."

Anger surged within me, hot and consuming. My fists clenched, nails biting into my palms. "Who are you?" I demanded fiercely, voice shaking with barely restrained rage. "Why are you doing this?"

The cloaked figure stepped forward, chuckling lightly. "Who am I? Merely someone correcting the world's imbalance." The stranger's head tilted, observing me curiously. "You and your family have held power too long. It's time for change."

Riven scoffed derisively, glaring fiercely. "By attacking innocent children? Coward."

The figure ignored him entirely, gaze locked onto me with unsettling intensity. "You don't even realize your potential, do you? Such wasted power, bound by morality. Imagine what you could become if freed from your sentimental chains."

The system growled, voice dark and threatening in my mind. [Don't listen to them. They seek to corrupt you.]

I raised my chin defiantly, forcing confidence into my voice. "I don't need to prove myself to anyone, least of all someone hiding behind shadows and cowardly attacks."

The stranger laughed softly again, unbothered. "Defiant, even now. Admirable, if foolish." They raised their hand again, energy crackling dangerously around their fingers. "But I've indulged this conversation long enough."

Time seemed to slow as a massive blade of dark energy materialized, sharp edges shimmering ominously. My breath caught, dread freezing me in place, heart hammering wildly in my chest. The blade flew toward us, its trajectory aimed directly at my chest.

I couldn't move, couldn't think, could only watch helplessly as death approached.

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Suddenly, two figures leaped forward, swift as lightning, determination radiating from their very souls.

"No!" Mara shouted, voice raw with desperation.

Elira's expression was fierce, protective, unwavering. "Stay away from her!"

In an instant, they stood between me and the blade, their weapons raised defensively, bodies shielding me entirely.

The impact shook the earth, a horrifyingly wet sound filling the air. My heart froze, blood turning to ice in my veins, horror stealing my breath.

Mara and Elira gasped simultaneously, eyes widening in shock and pain as the enormous magical blade pierced through them both, impaling them brutally. Blood spattered across my face, hot and horrifyingly real.

Time seemed to freeze.

"No…" My voice cracked painfully, disbelief warring violently with grief and rage. "Mara! Elira!"

They stumbled slightly, but stubbornly stayed upright, refusing to fall, even as blood pooled rapidly beneath them. Mara glanced back, her eyes shining with pain yet determination.

"Your Highness," she whispered faintly, voice gentle despite her agony. "Run. Protect yourself."

Elira nodded weakly, blood staining her lips. "Please…"

My body trembled violently, grief and guilt overwhelming my senses. Tears blurred my vision, burning hotly down my cheeks. "No…"

The stranger laughed cruelly, amused by the devastation they had caused. "Such a tragic waste," they mocked softly.

My fists clenched so tightly my nails drew blood, pain barely registering over the roaring fury within me. My magic surged dangerously beneath my skin, wild and violent, demanding release, begging for vengeance.

Riven grabbed my arm firmly, voice urgent yet gentle. "We have to go! Now!"

Aria's expression was terrified yet resolute. "They're right! We can't stay here!"

Smaug growled fiercely, wings flaring protectively, fire blazing hotly around him. "I'll hold them off. Get the princess to safety!"

My vision blurred again, agony piercing sharply through my heart, threatening to rip me apart.

But one thought remained clear, cutting sharply through my grief, igniting my fury brighter than ever before: this would not be forgiven.

And whoever had done this would pay dearly.

Yet, even as rage consumed me, even as my magic screamed desperately for retribution, one truth remained undeniable.

Mara and Elira had protected me.

They had sacrificed themselves for me.

And that was something I could never, ever allow to happen again.