Auriel's eyes darted through the darkness, her senses sharpening as she realized they were not alone. Whatever was following them was not human.
She could feel it—a heavy, unnatural presence that slithered along the edges of her perception, hidden within the shadows of the trees.
Her first instinct was to engage, but she hesitated. They were close to the village now, and she didn't want to cause any unnecessary commotion.
If they fought here, they might alert Lila or her followers.
Turning to Mary, she spoke in a hushed but firm voice.
"I'm going to lure it away. I'll handle it quietly."
Mary, however, was already gone.
Auriel barely had time to register her absence before she heard the unmistakable sound of gunfire splitting the night air.
"Damn it, Mary!"
She whirled around just in time to see Mary standing in the middle of the empty street, gun raised, calling out the beast without a shred of hesitation.
