The air was thick, heavy with the dark energy swirling around us, closing in like a tightening noose. My heart pounded against my ribs, and the crystal in my hand pulsed in response, as if it, too, could feel the shadows creeping nearer. I looked around. Raven was ahead of me, her sword gleaming in the dim light, ready for battle. Zara and Leif stayed close to the rear, Zara muttering protective incantations, Leif scanning the treeline for any sign of the creatures about to strike.
Then, without warning, they came.
