The Raven's Curse

Unfazed by the whistling blade, Sylvie's smirk didn't falter. Instead, she licked her lips and opened her arms wide, ready to hug her most valuable pawn.

"Time to forget and build my army, Adam. Together, we'll conquer all the realms in Odin's name."

With her soothing whisper, a caw reverberated in Adam's mind. Forgotten the moment it resounded, it vaporised his recent memories into oblivion—all but one. Anchored in his burning hatred for those dogs, it ignited, resisted, and overwhelmed the caw to let him roar his enemy's name. 

"ODIN!"

Sylvie's eyes widened. Why did he resist it now when she had toyed with him in the past three days? But she rapidly recovered her bearings and gazed at Elaris' open mouth.

"Floral shield!"

A bright, ethereal petal formed, then two, three, and ten. They hummed, spinning before Sylvie—a split second before the blade collapsed on her neck.

CLANG