The sound came first. Footsteps, branches snapping, metal scraping against stone. Thales raised his sword, his gaze sweeping the darkness. The wind seemed to whisper names, and everyone held their breath at once.

“Prepare for attack!” he shouted, his voice cutting through the darkness like a blade.

Trina drew her dagger. Muriel raised her staff, its energy pulsing faintly at the tip. Aurora felt her heart beating in time with the approaching footsteps. Fear smelled like wet ...