Dance of Shadows (Part 1)

The world seemed to collapse into chaos the moment the creatures charged. Ethan barely had time to react. The ground quaked beneath his feet as more of the twisted monsters clawed their way to the surface. They were smaller than the ones they had fought earlier, but there were more of them—dozens, maybe hundreds—and their numbers seemed endless.

Galen was already in motion, his sword gleaming as it carved a deadly arc through the first wave of creatures. His movements were fluid and precise, like a seasoned warrior who had seen his share of nightmares. But even Galen couldn't cut them down fast enough.

"Focus, Ethan!" Galen's voice cut through the chaos, snapping Ethan from his trance. "We need to keep moving!"

Ethan forced himself to act, pulling his sword free once more. His arm ached from the earlier skirmish, the bite wound still fresh, but there was no time to worry about pain.

One of them lunged at him, its claws aimed at his throat. Ethan ducked, swinging his sword upward in a