The Void Stalkers pounced, their movements swift and fluid. The group fought back fiercely, but the narrow path left little room to maneuver. Aiden unleashed the power of his seal, dark tendrils lashing out to intercept the creatures. The energy burned them away, but each use of the seal left Aiden visibly weaker.
"We can't keep this up!" Garrick shouted, his axe cleaving through one of the beasts. "There's too many!"
Lila chanted a spell, a barrier of golden light springing up around them. It held the Void Stalkers at bay, but the creatures clawed relentlessly at the shield, their shrieks piercing the air.
"It won't hold for long!" Lila warned, sweat streaming down her face.
Aiden stepped forward, his hand resting on the barrier. "Drop it," he said, his voice low but steady.
"What?" Myne turned to him, her eyes wide. "Are you insane?"
"Trust me," he said, meeting her gaze—or at least, where he knew her gaze would be.
