Trapped in Someone Else's Nightmare

Markos's heart pounded as he watched the massive, shifting shape emerge from the break in the tree line. The aphotic advanced steadily, its hulking mass of writhing darkness and gnashing made it difficult to believe it was once a man. Wind tore through the clearing, whipping the rain into frenzied patterns, and every heartbeat of thunder matched the pounding in his ears. Dardanelles pawed impatiently at the earth, ready for what was to come.

Iliana slipped from in front of Caelyn and covered the clearing in a giant sphere of glowing light. "Barrier's up! This should keep this from attracting others." 

Sintija quickly kissed Markos, leaving him breathless and wanting. "I'll cover you. Focus on your part, my templar." She leapt from Dardanelles's' back, her bow appearing in her hand. "And come back to me." He watched her move like the wind to get into a better position and free him from having to fight around her.