A Decent Pair

The two remaining Epaaj hissed, molten scales flaring as they bounded forward. The ground beneath their feet sizzled with each impact, the scent of scorched earth rising fast into the air.

Darenn barely had time to throw up a wall of rock before the first one crashed into it. The impact cracked the stone with a sharp crunch, sending tremors up his arms.

"Remind me again why we thought coming here without Moler was a good idea?" Kalista called from somewhere to his left—invisible again.

"Because I'm very persuasive under pressure!" Darenn shouted back, panting as he ducked a jet of fire spat by the second Epaaj.

"Next time, lie to me more convincingly!"

Kalista shimmered into view just in time to dodge a swipe of a molten tail. She threw one of her daggers straight into the Epaaj's mouth as it lunged, making it rear back in pain. It wasn't enough to kill it—but it definitely got its attention.