The wolf-like creatures snarled and lunged forward, their glowing eyes flickering like embers in the dimly lit chamber. Layla took a step forward, planting herself firmly in front of the team. Her shield rose just in time to intercept the first creature's leap, the impact reverberating through her arm as she braced herself.
"Hold the line!" Layla shouted, her voice steady despite the force of the attack. Her shield glowed faintly as her mana reinforced it, creating an unyielding barrier.
Behind her, Astron moved, his daggers glinting as they caught the faint light of the runes. A creature that managed to slip past Layla's defenses found itself swiftly intercepted. Astron ducked low, his blade slicing cleanly across the creature's flank before he pivoted to avoid its retaliatory swipe.
"Cleared one," Astron said calmly, his voice cutting through the chaos.
