As more vampires emerged from the shadows, George could feel the air thickening with a sense of impending violence, each creature radiating a primal hunger that seemed to pulse through the room. They were close to their master now, and these vampires weren't mindless. Their movements held an eerie coordination, an intelligence that made them all the more terrifying.
Lucy tightened her grip on her stake, her muscles taut as she eyed the creatures advancing. Beside her, Jackie readied her weapon, her face set in grim determination. Akari stood at the center of their defensive circle, whispering her incantations, her hands glowing faintly as she continued the ritual to purify the chamber. Stephanie stood opposite George, scanning the perimeter with practiced eyes, ready for anything.
George took a slow, steadying breath. "No one breaks formation. We hold the line and protect Akari."
