The spirit didn't answer. It only tilted its head, still smiling, as if amused—unbothered by their attempt to understand. Then it hissed violently and lunged toward Jason with blinding speed.
The attack had come faster than their eyes could track. One moment the shadows clung thick around them, the next—agony.
Jason let out a sharp gasp as he felt claws rake across his cheek. It wasn't just a scratch. It burned, deep and wet, blood already seeping down his face and into his collar. He staggered, tripping over his own boots and hitting the floor hard, hand pressed against the wound. It felt like fire had been etched into his skin.
