37.

From the shadows of the corridor emerged creatures—not fully formed. Twisted shapes that looked like melted stone and writhing limbs. Eyes—dozens of them—blinked in and out of their forms, as if unsure which face to wear.

"Shades," the guardian growled. "Echoes of the gods' first-born."

Kaelen charged first, blade slashing through the air. He ducked low, avoiding a clawed strike, then drove his weapon deep into the creature's chest—only for it to split apart and reform again.

"They don't die!" Gareth shouted. "They just—shift!"

Ariana knelt beside the pedestal and began chanting. Her voice resonated with the symbols on the pillars, causing them to glow brighter, one by one.

"They're attracted to him!" Taryn shouted, pointing at Kaelen. "He's drawing them in!"

"Then we shield him!" Ariana yelled back.