We backtrack. A mistake in calculations sends us an hour too far back, but I notice it in time (pun not intended). We rectify it by sitting in another room for a few minutes before being on our way again.
The monster attacks without warning.
We walk through a hallway when Zeke notices its presence, and darkness rises around him. I reach for the gun holster under my opened jacket even before I see where the danger is coming from.
The monster charges out of one of the many side doors, holding a greenish brass ball in its wounded hand. But no, it's healthy now, isn't it? Or is it not?
The creature throws the ball at us even as Zeke's tentacles lunge at the creature and dashes back behind the door.
A tentacle bats the ball aside in a reflexive movement, where it falls on the stone floor with a loud clang. Then, there's a hissing sound that sets my hair on ends.
Zeke has that reaction, too. He freezes.
"Zeke…" I say, but he interrupts me.
