Screams from the Abyss

Evolution's Edge

The creature's roar shook the very air, a sound that vibrated in Jaden's bones. He stood his ground, shadows writhing around him like living smoke. The monster before him was an abomination, a twisted mockery of evolution gone mad.

"Jaden!" Reeves' voice cut through the chaos. "We've got more incoming! East and west perimeters!"

Jaden's mind raced. They were surrounded, outgunned, and facing an enemy they barely understood. But there was no time for doubt.

"Reeves, shore up the west side. I'll handle the east," Jaden called back, his voice steadier than he felt. "And this big ugly? He's mine."

The creature charged, its massive form moving with impossible speed. Jaden waited until the last second before dissolving into shadow, reforming behind the beast. His hands shot out, tendrils of darkness lashing at the creature's legs.

But the monster was ready. It spun with preternatural agility, one of its mismatched limbs swatting Jaden aside like a fly. He slammed into the facility wall, the