The crash of light cast by Exelia still reverberated off the walls when Kael stood up straight, his eyes fixed on the creatures emerging from the forest. The darkness no longer hid anything—not anymore. The grotesque bodies emerged with calculated slowness, as if savoring the terror they left behind. But Kael did not wait.
In one swift, fluid motion, he drew the long sword strapped to his back, its darkened steel blade sliding out with a metallic clang. Exelia also drew her weapon—a curved, swift blade, forged to cut with precision rather than force. Liora, still shaken, gripped the hilt of her short sword, trembling but determined.
"Triple formation," Kael said firmly. "I'll hold the center. Exelia on the left. Liora, you cover our flank."
