The attackers came from all sides, stepping out from the shadows like predators closing in on their prey. There were more this time—at least a dozen, all armed and armored.
Arteja moved without thinking, her spear slicing through the air as the first attacker lunged at her. She sidestepped his swing, driving her spear into his side and pulling back before he could react.
"Form a circle!" Corliss ordered, her sword already clashing with an enemy blade.
The wardens moved quickly, forming a defensive perimeter around the nobles. Arteja's heart pounded as she positioned herself, her eyes scanning for the next threat.
An enemy rushed her, a heavy axe swinging toward her head. Arteja ducked low, using her spear to sweep his legs out from under him. He hit the ground hard, and Arteja finished him with a quick thrust to the chest.
To her left, Lirael was fighting two attackers at once, her movements fluid and precise. She blocked one strike, spun around, and drove her sword into the second attacker's throat. Blood sprayed across the grass as the man fell.
"Watch your right!" Lirael shouted.
Arteja turned just in time to see another attacker charging at her. She brought her spear up, deflecting his blade, and countered with a sharp jab to his shoulder. He stumbled back, and Arteja pressed the advantage, striking again and forcing him to retreat.
The fight was chaotic, the sound of clashing metal and shouting filling the air. Arteja felt a sharp pain in her arm as a blade grazed her, but she pushed through it, her focus unbroken.
"Arteja, with me!" Corliss called, cutting through another attacker and moving toward the treeline.
Arteja followed, her spear ready as Corliss engaged another enemy. Together, they fought side by side, their movements synchronized. Corliss blocked a strike, and Arteja took the opening, her spear driving into the attacker's chest.
One by one, the attackers began to fall. But Arteja knew it wasn't over.