The relief that washed over the chamber was short-lived.
Just as the soldiers began to steady their breaths and wipe sweat from their brows, the air shifted again. It thickened, darkened.
Shadows along the ancient stone walls began to writhe and twist like living things.
Their shapes were formless at first, but then, one by one, they peeled away from the walls.
The first ghostly wisp darted toward a soldier near the edge of the group.
He barely had time to raise his arms in defense before it plunged straight into his chest.
He screamed, a bone-rattling cry that sent the others staggering backward.
"What is happening?!"
"More of them! They're everywhere!"
"Keep them away!"
Panic erupted like a wildfire, each soldier's fear feeding off the next.
More shadows broke free, swirling around the chamber in a malevolent dance.
They lashed out, sinking into the bodies of the nearest soldiers.
