The oppressive chill in the air deepened, and the flickering lights of the library gave way to near darkness. The shadows hissed and writhed, as though alive, encircling Wei, Mei, and Lin with predatory intent.
Lin continued her chant, her voice rising in a strange, rhythmic cadence that seemed to push back the encroaching darkness. The carvings on the mirror began to glow faintly, their soft light illuminating her face.
"Just a little longer!" Lin shouted, her focus unwavering.
Wei tightened his grip on the broken chair leg, his muscles burning as he swung at a particularly aggressive tendril of shadow. The makeshift weapon passed through it harmlessly, but the action seemed to disrupt its form, buying precious seconds.
"They're getting stronger!" Mei yelled, slamming the chair leg into the floor to scatter another tendril. "We can't keep this up!"
