Against The Tide

Ezra wasn't the only one who noticed the shift. The feline's ears perked up sharply, her body lowering into a defensive position as her sharp blue eyes scanned the surrounding shadows. Her fur bristled, and a low growl rumbled from her throat, her tail swishing with agitation.

Ezra let out a nervous chuckle, adjusting Shirley's weight on his back. "I really appreciate you trying to help, but let's be honest—you wouldn't stand a chance against whatever's out there."

The feline turned her head to him, her expressive blue eyes reflecting disappointment. She let out a soft, almost sad whine, her posture relaxing slightly.

Ezra sighed, glancing back toward the direction of the chamber. "Don't take it personally, alright? Let's just head back to the chamber. It's safer there."

The feline hesitated for a moment, her gaze lingering on Ezra before she gave a reluctant nod, her movements graceful yet subdued. Together, they began moving through the snow-covered forest, the tension in the air thickening with every passing second.

As Ezra and the feline moved through the snow-dappled forest, the atmosphere grew heavier, the silence oppressive. Each step seemed to amplify the faint crunch of snow beneath their feet, a sound that felt unnaturally loud against the eerie quiet.

Ezra adjusted Shirley's weight on his back, gritting his teeth as the older man muttered incoherently in his half-conscious state. The feline stayed close, her blue eyes darting back and forth, every muscle in her body tense.

Then Ezra saw it—movement in the distance.

His eyes narrowed as he slowed his pace, his instincts screaming at him to stop. The feline let out a low, warning growl, her ears flattening as she crouched low to the ground.

"What now?" Ezra whispered, his voice barely audible.

They had stumbled upon a clearing, and the sight before them made his blood run cold. A hoard of creatures—dozens, if not more—moved through the area in a chaotic, writhing mass.

The minions varied in size and shape, their grotesque forms illuminated faintly by the moonlight. Some were small and hunched, their spindly limbs jerking with unnatural movements, while others were towering brutes with bulging muscles and jagged protrusions of bone. All of them shared one thing in common: glowing yellow eyes that flickered like dying embers.

Ezra crouched low, his heart pounding as he scanned the area. "We need to get out of here," he whispered, his voice tight. "There's no way we're getting through that without being noticed."

The feline let out another growl, her sharp gaze fixed on the horde. Her tail swished behind her, a silent indication that she was ready to fight if needed.

"Don't even think about it," Ezra hissed, glancing at her. "I already told you—you're not winning against that. We need to go back."

But before they could retreat, one of the smaller creatures at the edge of the group suddenly froze, its glowing eyes snapping in their direction. Ezra's breath hitched as the creature let out a shrill, bone-chilling screech, its twisted body jerking violently.

The rest of the horde responded instantly, their heads swiveling toward the source of the sound. The forest erupted into chaos as the creatures began surging toward them, their guttural growls and inhuman screeches echoing through the trees.

"Run!" Ezra shouted, his voice breaking the silence like a thunderclap.

The feline needed no further prompting. She darted ahead, her powerful limbs carrying her swiftly through the snow. Ezra followed as fast as he could, his legs burning with exertion as he carried Shirley's limp form.

The older man groaned weakly but didn't stir.

Behind them, the horde was gaining. Ezra could hear the snapping of branches and the thundering of heavy footsteps, the sound growing louder with each passing second.

"Faster!" he urged himself, his breath coming in sharp gasps as his boots slipped on the snow-covered ground.

The feline glanced back at him, her blue eyes flashing with urgency as she slowed slightly to stay by his side. Ezra's mind raced, panic gripping him as he realized the chamber was still too far away.

"Damn it," he muttered, his grip on Shirley tightening. "We're not gonna make it like this."

Ezra came to an abrupt stop, his chest heaving as he glanced back at the approaching horde. He gently lowered Shirley off his back, his arms trembling under the weight. The older man groaned softly but remained unconscious, his breaths shallow and labored.

Ezra turned to the feline, his lavender eyes filled with determination. "Take him back to the chamber," he said firmly, his voice steady despite the chaos behind them. "I'll handle this."

The feline let out a sharp growl, her sharp blue eyes narrowing in defiance. She refused to move, her tail lashing behind her in protest.

"Don't argue with me," Ezra snapped, stepping closer to her. "I order you—go!"

The feline growled louder, her body trembling as if fighting against an invisible force. Her ears pinned back, and for a moment, Ezra thought she might refuse outright. But then her body stiffened, and she let out a low, frustrated huff. It seemed the bond they shared compelled her to obey, even against her will.

With an annoyed snarl, she crouched down, allowing Ezra to hoist Shirley onto her back. The older man slumped against her fur, his weight no issue for the large creature. She turned to Ezra, her blue eyes blazing with a mixture of anger and frustration.

"I'll come soon after," Ezra said, his tone softer now. "Just… make sure he's safe."

The feline growled one last time, her annoyance clear as she stared at him. Then, with a swift leap, she darted into the shadows, her white-and-black form disappearing into the forest. Ezra watched her go, his chest tightening at the sight of her retreating figure.

"Stay safe," he muttered under his breath, clenching his fists as he turned to face the approaching horde. The ground shook beneath their heavy footsteps, and the air was thick with their guttural growls and screeches.

Ezra took a deep breath."Alright, you bastards. Let's see what you've got."