Chapter 14 Allies In The Dark

• The shadowy figures surged forward, their forms shifting like smoke, glowing red eyes gleaming with malice. Ariella's breath hitched, but she forced herself to focus. Fenris and his companions had moved into position, ready to face the oncoming storm. The cavern trembled again, the mountain seeming to awaken beneath their feet, a low rumble reverberating through the stone.
• Ariella felt the pulse of the amulet at her neck, its warmth growing more intense as she stepped forward. She was the key, whether she was ready or not. And now, with the appearance of these strange new allies, she had no choice but to push forward.
• "Stay close!" Fenris shouted as he raised his hand. A shimmering barrier of light shot out from his palm, sending a shockwave that stopped the nearest shadow in its tracks. The creature screeched, dissipating into a cloud of smoke, but more quickly took its place.